Epidemiologist III

Job Description:
Epidemiologist III

Under supervision of the Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) Investigations Group Manager, serves as subject matter expert and performs senior-level epidemiological work related to the reporting, prevention and control of HAIs and antimicrobial resistance (AR) for designated Public Health Region (PHR). Works in collaboration with other epidemiologists of the Healthcare Safety Unit and assigned PHR. Initiates, plans, conducts, and oversees epidemiological surveillance and investigations of HAI/AR. Conducts infection control assessments in healthcare facilities to evaluate their infection prevention and control (IPC) programs and provide recommendations on how to mitigate identified gaps. Designs processes for the collection, management, evaluation, and dissemination of data. Develops educational materials and trainings for healthcare facilities and public health departments regarding infectious diseases, IPC recommendations and healthcare outbreak management. Prepares and provides presentations and technical reports on IPC topics and HAI/AR investigations. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders at the local, regional and state level on IPC initiatives. Consults with hospital administrators, physicians, state and national organizations and others on the epidemiology of HAI/AR. Responds to public inquiries regarding HAI/AR. Develops recommendations to Manager on budget, grants, contracts, staffing needs, policies and procedures as needed. HAI Epidemiologist will be deployable to other PHRs within the state to assist, as needed.
Essential Job Functions:
45% Epidemiologic investigations and facility assessments
Initiates, plans, conducts and oversees epidemiological surveillance projects, infection control assessments, and investigations of HAI/AR infections in healthcare facilities. Investigations may include infectious disease outbreaks, medical product or device contamination, infection control breaches, transplant or transfusion related infections, bloodborne pathogen exposures, and outbreaks related to healthcare facility environment. Coordinates investigations with healthcare facilities, local and regional health departments, CDC, and other internal and external stakeholders. Reviews medical records and abstracts relevant information. Coordinates provision of epidemiological and laboratory resources to support investigations. Provides epidemiologic consultation to infection preventionists, public health department epidemiologists, medical professionals, and other stakeholders. Communicates investigation findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders. Develops, reviews and updates HAI and AR investigation guidelines and resources. Provides assistance to other epidemiologists within the state, as needed.

35% Leadership and education
Helps achieve the HAI Investigations Groups' goals and objectives. Serves as HAI/AR subject matter expert for designated Public Health Region (PHR). Mentors and trains local and regional health department epidemiologists, infection preventionists, interns, fellows and other HAI Epidemiologists. Assists with the HAI Investigations Group grants, including writing work plans, making recommendations for budgets, carrying out and tracking activities, and reporting milestones and performance measures. Manages projects and helps prioritize tasks to ensure their timely completion. Hosts and attends meetings with internal and external stakeholders to provide updates about IPC topics and HAI/AR investigations. Develops and provides educational materials and trainings for healthcare facilities, public health departments, general public and other partners. Develops recommendations to Manager on contracts, staffing needs, policies and procedures. Participates in the interviews and selection process for other team members.

15% Communication
Prepares and disseminates information to internal and external stakeholders regarding IPC topics and HAI/AR reporting, prevention, and control, including health advisories. Prepares abstracts for manuscript submission or presentation at professional organization meetings and conferences. As requested by DSHS leadership, responds to legislative requests and inquiries from the DSHS Press Office.

5% 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 Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics.

Knowledge of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and other infectious diseases.

Knowledge of infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies.

Knowledge of disease surveillance of HAIs and antimicrobial resistance (AR).

Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to notifiable conditions and HAIs.

Skill in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Skill in using surveillance system (e.g. National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) or National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS)).

Skill in preparing written reports.

Skil in creating effective technical documents.

Skill in managing large databases

Ability to conduct epidemiological surveillance.

Ability to collect, analyze and interpret data.

Ability to make recommendations based on data analysis results.

Ability to assess compliance with IPC standards.

Ability to make recommendations based on IPC assessment findings.

Ability to present statistical and technical data.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Ability to work with public health and healthcare professionals.

Ability to inform and educate stakeholders on IPC strategies.

Ability to use computers to organize and maintain records and files.

Ability to interpret laboratory findings and medical records.

Ability to interpret state laws and rules of the State of Texas.

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