Epidemiologist I

Job Description:
Under the general direction of the Epidemiology Manager, performs moderately complex investigative and consultative epidemiological work in Health Service Region 6/5 S related to waterborne, foodborne, vaccine-preventable, respiratory, and other reportable infectious disease illnesses. Investigates and files infectious disease surveillance reports. Monitors and improves surveillance procedures. Responds to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Conducts epidemiological studies; performs data analysis; interprets and disseminates results. Serves as a consultant to health professionals and the public on public health matters in the Region. Prepares public health information, training materials, and investigative tools for disease surveillance, quality assurance and investigation. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Required to actively participate in on-call rotation as a member of the team to respond to calls referred by the answering service 24/7. Required to respond to public health emergencies which may require an alternate work shift and/or location. Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(45%) Investigates naturally occurring disease outbreaks and bioterrorism events. Investigates and files communicable disease surveillance reports, and monitors and improves surveillance procedures. Abstracts, reviews and interprets medical information, including labs. Collects epidemiological data, enters data into electronic systems and assures quality data entry. Completes investigations into communicable disease reports, consults with physicians, laboratories, hospital personnel and members of the public. Provides guidance and reports to various community stakeholders and the general public about infection control, communicable diseases, disease prevention, and the epidemiology of diseases. Produces reports based on communicable disease surveillance data. Initiates and conducts epidemiological studies related to the prevention and control of public health problems. Participates in call rotation to assure 24/7 availability on holidays, weekends, and after normal work hours.
(30%) Compiles and reports epidemiological and disease prevention information for use by the media, local health departments, other agency programs, outside agencies, and the general public. Prepares and presents speeches, technical reports and briefings. Participates in conducting educational programs on major public health issues. Assist with community assessments and implementation of identified mitigation strategies to reduce public health impacts or risks. Develops educational materials and implements training and education in communicable diseases, disease reporting requirements, infection control and prevention for health professionals, workplaces and the general public. Maintains updated region wide distribution list.
(20%) Aid the Region’s response to clusters and outbreaks of communicable diseases. Assists with epidemiological studies of clusters and outbreaks of communicable diseases to include biostatical analysis of data. Aids with epidemiological investigations conducted by outside agencies and organizations. Participates in the development of the Regional and Epidemiological Response plans and procedures.
(5%) Other duties and 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. 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. Complies with the Department of State Health Services Immunization Policy.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of infectious diseases and reportable conditions requirements in Texas
Knowledge of the principles and methods of biostatistics and epidemiology, medical terminology, current public health programs
Knowledge of microbiological laboratory procedures related to the identification of infectious disease illnesses.
Knowledge of public health and the natural history of infectious diseases illnesses
Knowledge of the epidemiology of respiratory infectious diseases.
Ability to accurately and efficiently enter data into agency required data systems and produce reports
Ability to analyze data and make recommendations
Ability to conduct disease surveillance and case investigations
Ability to work effectively with regional and local health department personnel, private physicians, hospital staff, laboratory staff, and the public
Ability to interview patients to collect clinical and exposure information
Ability to abstract clinical and laboratory data from patient medical charts and electronic laboratory reporting systems.
Ability to develop and deliver presentations
Ability to implement systems necessary to collect, maintain, and analyze data
Ability to interpret laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms, and diagnostic test results from medical charts
Skill in effective communication, verbal and written
Skill in conducting disease outbreak investigations
Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
Skill in preparing written reports of epidemiologic investigations
Skill in using microcomputers and software including specialized statistical software, GIS, NEDSS, and Microsoft
Sill in maintaining confidentiality in all work and in maintaining case records from case-control studies

---