Epidemiologist II

Epidemiologist II Under general direction of the Epidemiology Manager, performs advanced (senior-level) investigative and consultative epidemiological work in Health Service Region 6/5 S related to waterborne, food borne, vaccine-preventable, respiratory, and other reportable infectious disease illnesses, including COVID-19. Performs complex epidemiological work. Investigates and files communicable disease surveillance reports, and monitors and improves surveillance procedures. Responds to outbreaks of communicable diseases as appropriate. Conducts epidemiological studies; performs data analyses; interprets and disseminates results. Serves as a consultant to health professionals and the public on public health matters in the Region. Participates as member of the Regional Health and Medical Operations team which serves as a regional resource during emergencies, other infectious disease outbreaks or disasters, and/or a bio-terrorism events. Prepares public health information, training materials, and investigative tools for disease surveillance, quality assurance and investigation. Works with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (45%) Investigates naturally occurring disease outbreaks and bioterrorism events, including COVID-19. Investigates and files communicable disease surveillance reports, and monitors and improves surveillance procedures. Abstracts, reviews and interprets medical information, including labs. Collects epidemiological data, enters data into electronic systems and assures quality data entry. Completes investigations into communicable disease reports, consults with physicians, laboratories, hospital personnel and members of the public. Provide guidance and reports to various community stakeholders and the public about infection control, communicable diseases, disease prevention, and the epidemiology of diseases. Produces reports based on communicable disease surveillance data. Initiates and conducts epidemiological studies related to the prevention and control of public health problems. Participates in call rotation to assure 24/7 availability on holidays, weekends, and after normal work hours. (30%) Compiles and reports epidemiological and disease prevention information for use by the media, local health departments, other agency programs, outside agencies, and the public. Prepares and presents presentations, trainings, technical reports and briefings. Participates in conducting educational programs on public health issues. Assists with community assessments and implementation of identified mitigation strategies to reduce public health impacts or risks. Develops educational materials and implements training and education in communicable diseases, disease reporting requirements, infection control and prevention for health professionals, workplaces and the public. Maintains updated region wide Epidemiologist distribution list. (20%) Assists the Region’s response to clusters and outbreaks of communicable diseases including COVID-19. Initiates, plans, develops, coordinates and conducts epidemiological studies of clusters and outbreaks of communicable diseases to include biostatical analysis of data. Aids with epidemiological investigations conducted by outside agencies and organizations. Participates in the development and implementation of Regional Epidemiological plans and procedures. (5%) Other Duties as Assigned: Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and /or locations. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained. Complies with the Department of State Health Services Immunization Policy. Knowledge Skills Abilities: Knowledge of infectious diseases Knowledge of the principles and methods of biostatistics and epidemiology, medical terminology, current public health programs Knowledge of microbiological laboratory procedures related to the identification of infectious diseases Basis knowledge of public health and the natural history of infectious diseases Knowledge of the epidemiology of respiratory infectious diseases including COVID-19 Ability to conduct disease surveillance Ability to devise and develop solutions Ability to organize, manipulate, and maintain complex data files Ability to present statistical and technical data clearly and concisely Ability to work effectively with regional and local health department personnel, private physicians, hospital staff, laboratory staff, and the public Ability to provide operational guidance and leadership to field staff Ability to interview patients to collect clinical and exposure information Ability to abstract clinical and laboratory data from patient medical charts Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing Ability to develop and deliver presentations Ability to design and implement systems necessary to collect, maintain, and analyze data Ability to analyze and evaluate empirical data and develop graphic and/or written interpretations and conclusions Ability to interpret laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms, and diagnostic test results from medical charts Skill in effective communication Skill in technical writing Skill in conducting disease outbreak investigations Skill in mathematical and statistical calculations Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities Skill in preparing written reports of epidemiologic investigations Skill in using microcomputers and software including Word, GIS, EpiInfo, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint Sill in maintaining case records from case-control studies Registration or Licensure Requirements: Texas Class C driver license or equivalent from another state. Initial Selection Criteria: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or foreign equivalent as determined by a credential evaluation service. Master's level degree (MPH, MSPH) or equivalent degree in a relevant field. Master’s degree in Epidemiology/Biostatistics preferred. At least 2 years work experience in Epidemiology, public health surveillance, or related experience. Additional Information: PLEASE NOTE: Your application must be complete. It must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name and phone number of supervisor, current/final salary, and a description of duties performed in a way that specifically demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification. Resumes do not take the place of the requirement to include information on the application. An in-basket written exercise will be required at the time of the interview. Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your 1-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. MOS Code: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68S, 60C, HM, 230X, 4E0X1, 43HX, 43MX, 43EX. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS