Public Health Analyst

About the Role

Performs complex and creative epidemiological work for a variety of public health topics for the Agency Analytics Unit within the Center for Health Statistics. Position is the designated epidemiologist to oversee public data dissemination for a variety of public health datasets, including but not limited to mental health, adolescent health, vital events, community health, and substance use. Work involves working with teams including data visualization specialists and geographic information systems (GIS) specialists as the subject matter expert on epidemiological concepts, definitions, methodology, and general public health expertise. Collaborates with diverse DSHS program areas on various research projects and ideas for public data dashboards and data products.

Responsibilities

• Researches, evaluates and performs complex epidemiological analyses for a variety of public health topics. Responsible for ensuring epidemiological analyses are translated into effective data visualizations. Uses epidemiological expertise to determine key variables of interest to data customers and provide clear language for explanation of data. Translates research findings into messaging that is meaningful to the general public. Assesses data needs of Texas to further increase data visibility and availability. (35%)
• Provides DSHS program areas with recommendations for public data dissemination products. Performs complex data management and analysis on existing program data and creates diverse data products. Ensures quality assurance and quality control of datasets and data products prior to releasing and on a routine basis to ensure data is up-to-date and free of errors. (35%)
• Proposes, initiates and assists in the planning and execution of strategic data projects and presentations. Manages communication with internal and external partners to establish or continue engagement in public health data projects. Provides consultation on epidemiological data analyses and methodology. Creates and submits conference abstracts and manuscripts for presentation and publication. (25%)
• 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 activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Qualifications

• Experience in epidemiology work.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in epidemiology, infectious diseases, biostatistics, or a related field is generally preferred. Master's degree preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
• Experience using SAS, R, SQL or other analytical and statistical software.

Skills

• Knowledge of epidemiological principles and methods
• Knowledge of data visualization theories and practices
• Knowledge of geospatial concepts
• Knowledge of statistical concepts
• Knowledge of public health principles and practice
• Skills in technical writing and documentation
• Skill in both verbal and written communications
• Skill in using Tableau for data visualization
• Skill in using SAS, R, SQL, Python, and/or other analytical and statistical software
• Skill in ensuring data quality, consistency, and accuracy
• Ability to effectively interact and communicate with stakeholders and wide variety of audiences
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, initiative, and innovation
• Ability to plan, organize and conduct data projects

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 & Schedule

• Salary Range: $4,800.00 - $5,700.00 monthly
• Shift: Day
• Telework: Eligible for Telework
• Travel: Up to 10%
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time