Epidemiologist I

Job Description:
Epidemiologist I: Under the general direction of the program Epi Team Lead of the Birth Defect Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch (BDESB), performs advanced (junior-level) research work in the area of birth defects epidemiology, research, and data management. Abstracts information on potential cases of birth defects and controls. Assists in epidemiologic investigations/analyses related to the prevalence and outcomes of birth defects. Serves as the Texas DSHS coordinator for the National Birth Defects Prevention Study and BD-STEPS study. Assists with data requests and IRB submissions involving information from the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR), NBDPS, and BD-STEPS. This position is suitable for hybrid work, where appropriate/feasible. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions:
Coordinates and conducts abstraction activities at health care facilities for special projects, either in person or remotely. For potential cases (and controls) meeting the program’s case definition, accurately abstracts complex medical information from electronic and/or paper medical records following instructions and program procedures, and using knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and diagnostic procedures. Analyzes all procedure results and other diagnostic information to develop a complete "picture" of the child's condition. Combines information from multiple procedures and diagnoses to develop a complete yet concise description of each birth defect. Codes each birth defect using the program’s detailed birth defects coding system containing over 1, distinct codes. Conducts detailed quality checks on each abstraction for accuracy and completeness. Enters information for each abstraction into a computerized abstraction database. Combines duplicate abstraction records as required per program procedures. Submits electronic abstraction records to the Quality Assurance Specialist for further quality assurance review and processing. Enters and/or updates information in the case finding database. Assists coworkers with abstraction activities at other facilities as requested/required. (45%)
Serves as a Texas DSHS study coordinator for the National Birth Defects Prevention and BD-STEPS study, and maintains the Texas Center’s data sharing database. Provides consultation and technical assistance related to data governance and data sharing, relevant study databases, epidemiological methods, and protocol design. Reviews and seeks internal comments as needed on letters of intent, proposals, abstracts, and manuscripts submitted by NBDPS and BD-STEPS centers. Leads or collaborates on NBDPS and BD-STEPS data analyses. Participates in and leads analyses of study data. Works on NBDPS and BD-STEPS projects/inquiries in collaboration with epidemiologists and other research specialist staff across the agency and other state/federal agencies. Ensures that study institutional review board approvals are maintained (30%).
Carries out case finding activities at health care facilities in the BD-STEPS catchment area. Requests and reviews facility discharge ICD (International Classification of Disease) line lists, facility unit logs, and other data sources. Assesses the quality of data received from the facilities. Using knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and diagnostic procedures, identifies potential cases by comparing information found in these sources to the program's list of conditions warranting a chart review. Follows program procedures when conducting case finding activities. Conducts quality checks on own case finding activities for accuracy and completeness. Enters and/or updates information in the case finding database. Assists coworkers with case finding activities at other facilities as requested/required. (15%)
Creates, checks for accuracy, and submits required and requested reports in a timely manner following Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and program policy/procedures. Uses a laptop and/or desktop computer and various software (including Word, Access, Excel, and Outlook) to create, edit, and submit documents and reports including employee time and leave, travel, monthly workload activities, facility data, results of special investigations, recent training summaries, and letters. Tests new and/or updated versions of program’s data collection and processing software and provides feedback on changes and/or improvements. (5%)
Performs other duties as assigned. 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. Promotes and maintains effective working relationships with other program staff, as well as staff from other DSHS programs and outside entities. Educates health care workers on birth defects and program activities through presentations and displays. (5%) Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of DSHS and HHSC rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices related to procurement and accounts payable. Knowledge of budgeting and expenditure tracking, and reporting practices.

Skills in the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, as well as PeopleSoft (CAPPS
Financials).
Skills in preparing reports, presentations, and meeting materials.
Skills in proofreading and editing documents.
Skills in planning, organizing, developing, and implementing procedures.
Skills in analyzing information and data.

Ability to work independently.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze data.
Ability to communicate effectively - verbally and in writing, with accuracy.
Ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret agency policies and procedures
Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to prepare comprehensive, concise, and accurate reports.
Ability to create, maintain and monitor tracking systems.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in the performance of job assignments.

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