What are the responsibilities and job description for the Epidemiologist I position at Dept of State Health Services?
Under the direction and supervision of the HIV Epidemiology and Surveillance Group manager, conducts activities related to data analysis and interpretation for the enhanced partner services program and the HIV Cluster Detection and Response Program. This position will provide technical expertise and data management in the use of HIV surveillance and laboratory data for the enhanced partner services program including writing articles, reports and protocols for program review. This position will be responsible for maintaining and updating standardized algorithms and systems for using HIV Surveillance data and laboratory data for routine monitoring of receipt of medical care and as trigger points for initiating public health follow-up, disease intervention and linkage to care activities. This position will also work with local sites to analyze their local data and provide them with technical assistance in data management and analysis. This position will be assisting with evaluation of this project in conjunction with the program management staff.
Essential Job Functions:
(50%) Responsible for detecting, investigating and monitoring clusters of HIV transmission detected with unusual patterns of diagnosis that have unique characteristics of the geographic distribution or timing of diagnosis. Works closely with the Molecular cluster detection coordinator and HIV Cluster Response Workgroup to determine the best practices for the follow up on persons in these clusters, including increased HIV testing, ensuring persons in the cluster are linked and retained in medical care, and ensuring the persons living with HIV in these clusters are equipped to reach and maintain viral suppression.
(20%) Works with other central office and local staff to ensure accurate data management and reporting. Reviews chart and survey data from other relevant data systems to improve data completeness and quality. Works with staff on data collection issues and provides solutions to enhancing data collection. Provides routine feedback and reports to the local sites on data entry.
(15%) Designs, oversees and participates in the production of summary data for epidemiologic and statistical updates, conducts analysis for the evaluation of the enhanced partner services project, writes reports for program review, participates in responding to inquiries from funders, legislatures and other stakeholders, and participates in writing articles and preparing presentations of data and findings.
(10%) Analyzes and interprets HIV surveillance and laboratory data relevant to enhancing partner services program. Responsible for maintaining and updating analysis procedures and protocols for data manipulation and quality assurance. Utilizes appropriate epidemiologic and statistical methods in data analysis using SAS, eHARS, TCT, ELR, and TB/HIV/STD Integrated System (THISIS), and various other databases, graphics, mapping, spreadsheet, and word processing applications. Will be responsible for becoming an expert in data around enhanced partner services including but not limited to CD4 and viral load data.
(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.
(50%) Responsible for detecting, investigating and monitoring clusters of HIV transmission detected with unusual patterns of diagnosis that have unique characteristics of the geographic distribution or timing of diagnosis. Works closely with the Molecular cluster detection coordinator and HIV Cluster Response Workgroup to determine the best practices for the follow up on persons in these clusters, including increased HIV testing, ensuring persons in the cluster are linked and retained in medical care, and ensuring the persons living with HIV in these clusters are equipped to reach and maintain viral suppression.
(20%) Works with other central office and local staff to ensure accurate data management and reporting. Reviews chart and survey data from other relevant data systems to improve data completeness and quality. Works with staff on data collection issues and provides solutions to enhancing data collection. Provides routine feedback and reports to the local sites on data entry.
(15%) Designs, oversees and participates in the production of summary data for epidemiologic and statistical updates, conducts analysis for the evaluation of the enhanced partner services project, writes reports for program review, participates in responding to inquiries from funders, legislatures and other stakeholders, and participates in writing articles and preparing presentations of data and findings.
(10%) Analyzes and interprets HIV surveillance and laboratory data relevant to enhancing partner services program. Responsible for maintaining and updating analysis procedures and protocols for data manipulation and quality assurance. Utilizes appropriate epidemiologic and statistical methods in data analysis using SAS, eHARS, TCT, ELR, and TB/HIV/STD Integrated System (THISIS), and various other databases, graphics, mapping, spreadsheet, and word processing applications. Will be responsible for becoming an expert in data around enhanced partner services including but not limited to CD4 and viral load data.
(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.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of the concepts of public health practice.
Knowledge of the principles of evaluation of surveillance, prevention, or health-related services programs and activities.
Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal statutes affecting HIV surveillance and prevention activities.
Knowledge of preventive health services and current social and economic problems, community inter-relationships and risk behavior associated with the transmission of HIV and STDs.
Knowledge of infectious diseases, specifically HIV/STDs.
Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control methods for databases.
Knowledge of the principles of descriptive and analytical statistics
Knowledge of scientific and technical writing.
Skill in organization of program and disease reporting data.
Skill in analysis and expert skill in Excel, Microsoft Access, and SAS or SPSS statistical software for data management and analysis.
Ability to participate in group decision-making concerning research design, methods, and protocol.
Ability to learn all relevant HIV data systems.
Ability to interpret statistical analyses of epidemiologic and research data.
Advanced written communication and presentation skills necessary.
Ability to train others regarding quality data collection and data entry.
Ability to interpret surveillance guidance and research protocols.
Ability to work with local and state health agency personnel and allied groups.
Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze data.
Ability to devise solutions to problems and to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the concepts of public health practice.
Knowledge of the principles of evaluation of surveillance, prevention, or health-related services programs and activities.
Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal statutes affecting HIV surveillance and prevention activities.
Knowledge of preventive health services and current social and economic problems, community inter-relationships and risk behavior associated with the transmission of HIV and STDs.
Knowledge of infectious diseases, specifically HIV/STDs.
Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control methods for databases.
Knowledge of the principles of descriptive and analytical statistics
Knowledge of scientific and technical writing.
Skill in organization of program and disease reporting data.
Skill in analysis and expert skill in Excel, Microsoft Access, and SAS or SPSS statistical software for data management and analysis.
Ability to participate in group decision-making concerning research design, methods, and protocol.
Ability to learn all relevant HIV data systems.
Ability to interpret statistical analyses of epidemiologic and research data.
Advanced written communication and presentation skills necessary.
Ability to train others regarding quality data collection and data entry.
Ability to interpret surveillance guidance and research protocols.
Ability to work with local and state health agency personnel and allied groups.
Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze data.
Ability to devise solutions to problems and to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
none
none
Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social science, computer science, statistical analysis, behavioral science and/or biostatistics. Master level degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, social science, or statistical analysis preferred. One year of data analysis experience preferred. Years of experience in applicable public health programs such as chronic or infectious disease may substitute for education on a year-by-year basis. Experience in the development, data extraction, and maintenance of databases. Experience in public health and infectious disease control preferred. Experience with programming in statistical software. Familiarity with SAS preferred. Knowledge and experience with survey development, data collection, statistical analyses, and data dissemination processes. Experience with writing and reviewing statistical reports and making presentations. Experience leading a team or project.
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social science, computer science, statistical analysis, behavioral science and/or biostatistics. Master level degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, social science, or statistical analysis preferred. One year of data analysis experience preferred. Years of experience in applicable public health programs such as chronic or infectious disease may substitute for education on a year-by-year basis. Experience in the development, data extraction, and maintenance of databases. Experience in public health and infectious disease control preferred. Experience with programming in statistical software. Familiarity with SAS preferred. Knowledge and experience with survey development, data collection, statistical analyses, and data dissemination processes. Experience with writing and reviewing statistical reports and making presentations. Experience leading a team or project.
Additional Information:
In addition to rewarding, meaningful work, DSHS offers a variety of benefits, which can be found at https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance, and generous leave based on years of service. A list of State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays. Occasional overtime and extended hours may be required. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
SALARY NOTE: Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.
In addition to rewarding, meaningful work, DSHS offers a variety of benefits, which can be found at https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance, and generous leave based on years of service. A list of State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays. Occasional overtime and extended hours may be required. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
SALARY NOTE: Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.
MOS Code:
Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. 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.
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