Epidemiologist II

Job Title :  Epidemiologist II

Salary Range :   $4,523.16 - $5,888.50

Posting Number :   2744

Brief Job Description :

Under the direct supervision of the Epidemiology Supervisor, participates as a member of the Regional Epidemiology Response Team and coordinates efforts in planning and implementation of regional CDC preparedness and epidemiological activities. Performs highly complex (senior level) investigative and consultative epidemiological work in Public Health Region (PHR) 9 / 10 related to infectious diseases and notifiable conditions. Plans, develops, and conducts epidemiologic investigations of individual cases and clusters of infectious disease. Collects and analyzes epidemiologic data in PHR 9 / 10 to detect trends, outbreaks, unusual occurrences, and other possible adverse public health events related to infectious disease. Disseminates findings to regional stakeholders. Establishes training efforts in surveillance, disease reporting, infectious disease, epidemiology, and public health preparedness. Consults with local health departments and health care providers regarding disease reporting and surveillance, reporting laws, and prevention and control measures. Serves as a state resource during a response to an infectious disease outbreak or bioterrorism event. Works with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Travels within the state of Texas and PHR 9 / 10 (33 counties).

Essential Job Functions (EJFs) :

35%) EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SURVEILLANCE : Coordinates and reviews epidemiologic case investigations and responds to disease clusters or outbreaks. Reviews written and electronic disease electronic laboratory reports to identify reportable conditions and ensure the data meets the established disease case definitions. Initiates, reviews, and interprets medical information, including labs. Produces technical reports based on communicable disease surveillance data. Responsible for creating and disseminating reports. Coordinates epidemiological data collection operations and ensures accuracy in management of obtained data. Works directly with the Epidemiology Supervisor to design procedures for handling and investigating notifiable conditions. Develops and implements plans and strategies to improve timeliness and completeness of reporting. Works to improve standardization of epidemiological data necessary to assess, measure and improve reporting and surveillance. Proposes and initiates ways to raise awareness of reporting laws and regulations. Serves as assistant of the investigative and quality assurance teams. Coordinates team meetings, work schedules and special projects with regional epidemiologist. Collects and enters data into disease surveillance databases.

30%) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE : Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with a variety of partners including, but not limited to : local health departments, infection control staff, physicians, laboratories, school nurses and state communicable disease staff. Recommends interventions and control measures in response to epidemiological findings. Provides accurate, timely and relevant technical information to partners and the public. Maintains appropriate levels of confidentiality during investigations. Develops tools to identify and promote awareness and understanding of epidemiologic trends related to communicable disease. Evaluates and determines appropriate epidemiologic and laboratory resources to address disease outbreak investigations or surveillance projects.

15%) TRAINING AND EDUCATION : Designs, initiates, and coordinates training programs and presentations targeting the improvement of reporting and surveillance of notifiable conditions and public health preparedness initiatives. Prepares epidemiological articles, fact sheets, technical reports, and brochures. Develops oral / written presentations regarding epidemiology, disease reporting and surveillance and public health preparedness. Promotes preventative measures through community education of residents, city and county officials, and other partners. Uses databases, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and other electronic technology to present information.

10%) PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE : Participates as a member of the Epidemiology Response Team (ERT) and may respond to an all-hazards event, large disease outbreak, bioterrorism event or other public health emergency in PHR 9 / 10 or elsewhere in Texas. Develops regional epidemiology workplans, progress reports, and assessments. Participates in the 24 / 7 on-call rotation and provides coverage on holidays, weekends, and after normal business hours as needed. Assist with inventory and storage of response equipment and supplies required to support public health response and field deployments. Position will travel within regions 9 & 10 to develop effective relationships and collaboration with stakeholders to promote public health preparedness and epidemiology responses activities.

10%) OTHER DUTIES : 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. Supports Regional Health and Medical Operations (RHMOC) during public health emergencies. May respond to a public health emergency such as large disease outbreaks, or bioterrorism events anywhere in state. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with Fleet Operation and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Adhere to HHSC work rules and attendance policy.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications :

Texas Class C driver’s license or equivalent from another state to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Initial Screening Criteria :

• Master’s or Doctorate advanced degree from an accredited college or university in Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, Statistics, Nursing, Public Health, or related field.
• Must be able to meet travel requirements (20% day and 10% night).
• Work hours other than Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, during public health emergencies.

To learn more about this position and to apply online, please click within.

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Salary : $4,523 - $5,889