Epidemiologist

About the role

Under the supervision of the Epidemiology Manager, plans and conducts epidemiological investigations of Texas Notifiable Conditions and clusters of infectious disease. Enters data into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS)-Based System (NBS) and internal databases. Collects, analyzes, and summarizes epidemiological data to detect and report disease trends, outbreaks, unusual occurrences, and other possible adverse public health events related to infectious disease. Coordinates with local health departments, health care providers, and other public health stakeholders to provide disease reporting guidance and infection prevention recommendations. Assists in the development and presentation of training and education programs targeted at improving disease reporting, surveillance, and infection prevention. Analyzes and summarizes epidemiological data for internal and external reporting. Participates in the exercise of regional plans related to the all-hazards preparedness for and response to bioterrorism events, infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health threats and emergencies. Participates as member of the Regional Epidemiology Response Team, which may be activated as a state resource during an emergency response. Maintains confidentiality in accordance with federal and state laws. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SURVEILLANCE (40%): Receives and response to reports of Texas Notifiable Conditions, including sporadic cases and disease outbreaks. Conducts patient interviews and abstracts health data from medical records to identify potential disease exposures and clinical outcomes relevant to disease investigations. Provides education and infection control guidance to prevent further spread of illness. Enters investigation data into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS)-Based System (NBS) and internal databases. Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with a wide variety of public health stakeholders including, but not limited to: local health departments, infection preventionists, physicians, laboratories, school nurses and others involved in public or private healthcare.
• ANALYSIS AND REPORTING (30%): Conducts regular quality assurance to ensure timeliness and accuracy of epidemiological data. Uses data visualization and statistical software to analyze and display data for dissemination. Summarizes and analyzes epidemiological data to detect trends, outbreaks, unusual occurrences, and other possible adverse public health events related to infectious diseases. Prepares written and oral reports to provide accurate, timely and relevant investigation updates to programmatic and regional leadership.
• PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (15%): Participates as a member of the Epidemiology Response Team (ERT) and may respond to an all-hazards event, large disease outbreak, or public health emergency in Region 8 or elsewhere in Texas. Participates in regional all-hazards response planning and the implementation of preparedness and response activities and exercises. Serves as the epidemiologist-on-call in rotation with other staff, responding to callers on the Region 8 24/7 response telephone line.
• TRAINING AND EDUCATION (10%): Develops and presents written and oral educational materials to public health stakeholders targeting the improvement of disease reporting, surveillance, and infection prevention and control measures. Promotes preventative measures through community education of residents, city and county officials, and other partners.
• OTHER DUTIES (5%): 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 or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Safe operation of a state-owned, rental or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS policy. Must comply with the DSHS immunization policy. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in epidemiology, microbiology, infectious diseases, biostatistics, or a related field.
• One year experience in public health or epidemiology work is preferred.
• Master's in Public Health preferred.
• Experience may substitute for education on a year by year basis.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license, or equivalent license from another state.
• Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of: Principles and methods of epidemiology, biostatistics, and the epidemiology of infectious disease; state laws pertaining to disease reporting and the prevention and control of communicable disease; current social, economic and public health issues relevant to Public Health Region 8; medical terminology and laboratory tests.
• Skill in: Conducting epidemiological investigations; word processing, database development and management, spreadsheet software, and graphics design software; using Geographic Information Systems software and statistical software packages; public speaking; writing and editing; mathematical and statistical computations.
• Ability to: Conduct investigations; communicate effectively orally and in writing; analyze situations and determine courses of action; establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers; work independently, exercising sound judgment; follow oral and written instructions; independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.

Pay

$4,020.33 - $6,335.66 per month (Salary Group TEXAS-B-19, Non-exempt)

Schedule

Day shift, full-time. Eligible for telework. Travel up to 10%.