What are the responsibilities and job description for the Epidemiology Investigator position at Harris County?
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About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.
Position Overview:
Under the supervision of the Intake and Case Investigation Supervisor, the Epidemiology Investigator the Epidemiology investigator applies principles of Epidemiology to investigations on disease conditions that the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit (EAIDU) conducts surveillance for, and to the control and prevention of disease within the jurisdiction of HCPH. As well as proper surveillance and reporting of normal disease occurrence and outbreak situations.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Epidemiology Duties
- Conduct epidemiology surveillance investigations for disease conditions that the Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit (EAIDU) conducts surveillance on and related conditions/illnesses of public health significance to ensure readiness for responding to Bioterrorism, outbreaks, and other public health threats and emergencies. Activities include interpretation of laboratory testing results and coordination for specimen collection. Provide consultation and make recommendations for control measures and prevention based on public health guidelines.
- Report case investigations through the surveillance data management system.
Outreach
- Establish and maintain relationships with hospital infection control preventionists, school health care coordinators, and nurses to promote reporting of Texas notifiable conditions. Initiate active surveillance in daycares, schools, and long-term care facilities etc. when an outbreak occurs.
- Provide information related to preparedness and other public health issues (through telephone consultation, mail out, and presentation) to diverse audiences and community partners, such as schools.
Analysis
- Participate in epi data analysis and reporting by collecting and providing relevant investigation information.
- Collects, packages, and processes specimens according to laboratory guidelines for testing.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
- At least one (2) years of experience working in public health epidemiology field on infectious disease case investigation and/or surveillance activities.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Access.
- Basic proficiency with statistical analysis software (SPSS, STATA or Epi Info).
- Excellent organizational skills and communication skills (verbal & written).
- Ability to write reports and technical papers.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
- Ability to work well with public and staff members.
- Use your personal mobile device for our Multifactor Authentication process.
Core Competencies:
Organizational Leadership
- Understands the organizational mission
- Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
- Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
Collaboration
- Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
- Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
- Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs
Innovation
- Ability to adapt to change
Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics
- Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
- Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
- Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
- Uses sound judgment
- Self-motivated
- Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity
Communication
- Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- This is a full-time position.
- Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including weekends.
- Able to travel within Harris County as needed.
Work Environment:
- This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopier, filling cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands:
- This role requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to twenty (20) pounds and bending & standing per periods at a time.
Work Location:
- Harris County Public Health: Office of Epidemiology, Surveillance & Emerging Diseases
- 1111 Fannin St. Houston, Texas 77002
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Salary : $52,000
