Chief State Epidemiologist

About the role

The Chief State Epidemiologist (CSE) serves as the State of Texas’ lead authority on epidemiology and is a key member of the DSHS executive leadership team, reporting directly to the DSHS Commissioner. The CSE is responsible for providing data-driven expertise for public health activities and policies in Texas.

Responsibilities

• (25%) Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of the department’s epidemiological initiatives and publications. Conducts data analysis and reviews health indicators to assist agency leadership with measuring the health status of the state. Performs special studies, develops reports and attends meetings. Manages the collection, analysis, and dissemination of public health data, including integration across state and federal agencies and ensuring data integrity and quality.
• (20%) Directs the daily operations of the OCSE division and provides general administrative and technical leadership of functions and activities. Establishes and monitors the division strategic vision, goals, and objectives in alignment with DSHS priorities.
• (15%) Advises the DSHS Commissioner and the executive team on epidemiology, morbidity and mortality trends, and health risks in the Texas population.
• (15%) Provides expert consultation on epidemiology and disease control, harmful exposure, and injury prevention to state agencies, health facilities, health service regions, local health authorities, local health departments, and other entities.
• (10%) Represents DSHS in legislative and public forums, including providing information, testimony, and presentations to legislative committees, state and federal agencies, and other organizations. Oversees development and approval of legislative materials and ensures coordination across divisions on joint projects. May represent DSHS at meetings, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.
• (10%) Coordinates with the Commissioner and agency executives to advance agency goals and objectives. Provides information and counsel to on programmatic trends, emerging issues, and their impact.
• (5%) Other duties as assigned include actively participating in the agency's obligation for disaster response and/or recovery of Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. This position will serve a key role during disasters; such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Requirements

• Current full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Texas.
• Board certification in a medical specialty from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
• Graduation from an accredited college of medicine with a degree as a medical or osteopathic doctor.
• Five (5) years of experience working in public health, as an epidemiologist or in a related field.
• Experience leading teams or managing people.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field (preferred).

Skills

• Knowledge of principles and practices of modern medicine, public health, preventive medicine; disease conditions, injury causes, and biological threats; state and federal public health laws; structure and functions of local, regional, and state public health organizations; CDC operations and inter-state notification policies and procedures; disease and injury surveillance, reporting practices, and outbreak investigation procedures.
• Skill in clear oral and written communication, employee management, supervisory training, team building, conflict management, problem-solving, leadership, multi-tasking, prioritizing, data analysis and using computers and related software applications.

Benefits

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

Pay

$15,037.75 - $19,916.67 per month

Schedule

Day Shift