Epidemiologist II

Job Description:
Works under the direction and supervision of the Regional Epidemiologist with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Performs complex public health work in infectious disease epidemiology and surveillance in Public Health Region 11. Embedded within the PHEP/EPI team, position is a state resource on the Epidemiology Response Team (ERT) during a public health emergency. May assist with bioterrorism, emergency response planning, COVID-19 response and other infectious disease prevention and mitigation. Cross trained in aspects of epidemiological conditions within the region, participates in epidemiologic investigations, including interviewing patients, data gathering and analysis and the resulting recommendations for disease control and the creation of outbreak survey forms and reports. Plans, develops, collects and conducts epidemiological studies; performs data analysis; interprets and disseminates disease and morbidity data. Evaluates the effectiveness of disease reporting, identifies disease data, reporting and training issues; recommends corrective actions. Develops epidemiological reports and coordinates the technical preparation, design and compilation of finished reports. Engages with partners, serves as a consultant on public health matters through education and training in areas of surveillance data and disease reporting. Trains new disease epidemiology and surveillance staff. May assist in the collection of epidemiological specimens.
Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Essential Job Functions:
(30%) Conducts regional surveillance for notifiable infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and other novel and notifiable infectious diseases. Investigates naturally occurring disease outbreaks, immediately reportable disease conditions and bioterrorism events. Discreetly reviews written and electronic disease reports and electronic laboratory reports to identify reportable conditions and ensures the data meet the established disease case definitions. Investigates, interviews and files communicable disease surveillance reports, and monitors and improves surveillance procedures. Abstracts, reviews and interprets medical information, including labs. Completes investigations and consults with physicians, laboratories, hospital personnel and the public. Works collaboratively with stakeholders to collect epidemiological data, enters data into electronic systems and assures quality data entry into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) and other disease surveillance databases. Responsible for disease entry within 30 days of report and within recommendations of the CDC and DSHS. Responsible for monitoring data to ensure the integrity of reported data and user competence by assembling reports of data quality issues for training and remediation purposes. Performs quality assurance on entered data and forms submitted to DSHS Austin by identifying and resolving issues. Maintains a working log of infectious disease cases and provides guidance and reports to stakeholders and the public about infection control, communicable diseases, disease prevention, and the epidemiology of diseases.
(30%) Determines the appropriate format for epidemiological reports and coordinates the technical preparation, design and compilation of finished reports. Prepares and presents epidemiological and disease prevention information for use by the media, local health departments, other agencies, and the public in speeches, technical reports and briefings. Participates in conducting educational programs on major public health issues. Assists 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 and the public. Produces reports based on communicable disease surveillance data using Word, Access, Epi Info, Excel, PowerPoint, SAS and/or Qualtrics.
(20%) Assist in the Region’s response to clusters and outbreaks of communicable diseases. Initiates, plans, develops, coordinates and conducts epidemiological studies of clusters and outbreaks of communicable diseases, to include biostatistical analysis of data. Provides assistance for epidemiological investigations conducted by outside agencies. Coordinates and conducts active surveillance by contacting medical providers and reviewing laboratory, hospital and other records to ascertain reports of infectious conditions. Initiates, reviews and provides consultation on epidemiological investigations. Disseminates prevention and control measures to mitigate spread. May create and manage a line list, develop epi curves and participate in special surveillance projects. May label, package and ship specimens and fill out laboratory submission slips. Participates on a rotating after-hours and holiday on-call schedule and as a member of the Epidemiology Response Team (ERT). Position is embedded in the PHEP/EPI team and may participate in the development of regional epidemiological response plans and procedures. Assists in developing effective relationships and networks of communication to promote teamwork and collaboration in implementing public health emergency response activities.
(15%) Develops and delivers training programs or presentations targeting the improvement of reporting and surveillance of notifiable conditions of concern. Supports efforts to improve reporting and awareness through the preparation of articles and reports. Prepares and presents speeches, technical reports and briefings. Promotes preventative measures through community education.
(5%) Other duties as assigned include but 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). Such participation may require an alternate shift in assignment/location. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of principles of epidemiology and Texas public health laws, especially those that govern the control and reporting of notifiable conditions.
Knowledge of the transmission of infectious diseases, epidemiological investigations and working discreetly while maintaining confidentiality.
Knowledge of bioterrorism, preparedness and emergency response.
Knowledge of current social, economic and public health issues relevant to the health service region and case confirmation criteria.
Knowledge of medical terminology as well as laboratory and medical reports.
Knowledge of data management and statistical methods, effectiveness of information reporting and quality assurance measures and techniques.

Skill in using word processing, database, spreadsheets-statistical, mapping and graphics software packages including Word, Outlook, ArcGIS, Access, Excel, Epilnfo, SAS, PowerPoint, Qualtrics.
Skill in interpreting diagnostic laboratory results and information from medical charts.
Skill in developing, training and disseminating presentations on statistical and technical data clearly and concisely.
Skill in writing and editing.
Skill in mathematical computation and statistical analysis.

Ability to organize & prioritize workload while meeting deadlines on multiple simultaneous projects.
Ability to develop, plan and prepare reports on epidemiological data.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing and present complex information to a variety of audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, representatives of local medical and public health communities, the media and the general public.
Ability to assemble, summarize and interpret pertinent technical literature.
Ability to recognize and identify problems and implement appropriate solutions following agency policies and procedures.
Ability to work independently and in a team setting, exercising sound judgment.
Ability to supervise, provide direction and train staff.

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