Epidemiologist II

Job Description:
Epidemiologist II

This position is located in the HIV/STD Prevention Unit and requires specialized knowledge of health behaviors related to HIV and STD transmission. Under the supervision of the Planning and Prevention Analytics Manager, designs and implements statistical analyses appropriate for epidemiologic and programmatic data with a focus on HIV and STD prevention programming. Manages data submissions from testing and risk reduction programs and provides technical and administrative support to program staff. Contributes to DSHS-published reports and writes briefs and research articles based on analyses. Contributes to design, implementation, and analysis of evaluation research studies. Provides guidance and assistance to internal staff and contracting sites on performance monitoring for selected HIV prevention programs. Contributes to HIV prevention grant applications and progress reports, including working as a team to update progress towards goals and program indicators. Works closely with data management staff to coordinate data collection and analysis. Coordinates efforts with other program staff, working as a team on all phases of epidemiologic, planning and evaluation functions. Data cleaning and analysis is primarily performed using SAS; knowledge of MS Excel and Access is essential. Essential Job Functions:
(50%) Participates in efforts to collect and analyze data to monitor funded evidence- and theory-based HIV prevention programs. Conducts training, consultation, and technical support with participating agencies. Consults with testing and risk reduction activity providers regarding the uploading of statistical and programmatic data as well as the dissemination and implementation of databases. Manages data submissions, storage, manipulation, and cleaning.

(20%) Conducts evaluation and analysis activities focusing on HIV and STD prevention programs, working with program staff and external partners to design and implement projects related to HIV/STD prevention. Conducts advanced analyses of HIV/STD epidemiologic, demographic, and other health-related and client-based data needed for projections and descriptive analyses for DSHS publications, program evaluation efforts, and for research reports. Interprets and presents results for internal program experts, lay audiences, and scientific publications. Uses variety of statistical approaches, epidemiologic methods, and diverse software applications (SAS, R, spreadsheets, database, mapping, and graphics, and word processing). Works closely with other staff to coordinate data collection and dissemination of results; consults with program experts on the interpretation of data.

(15%) Works with other unit epidemiologists to develop epidemiologic reports used for community-based planning of HIV prevention services. Works with planning groups and staff to identify and incorporate appropriate data sources and analyses to be used in the planning process. Oversees the provision of technical assistance to external and internal customers on interpreting and using epidemiologic and behavioral data.

(10%) Responsible for contributing to HIV prevention grant applications and progress reports, including the coordination of reporting on program indicators and progress towards meeting objectives. Analyses HIV/STD testing and risk reduction data to process data requests.

(5%) Other duties as assigned, including 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) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of theory and evidence related to health behavior intervention.

Knowledge of data analysis methods, research design, statistics, and data collection, especially as it relates to program evaluation.

Skilled at using SAS, MS Access and Excel, word processing packages, graphics packages, database programs, and spreadsheets.

Excellent communications skills to work effectively with diverse outside data sources, agency personnel, and the public. Ability to patiently talk outside agency providers through data base usage and data uploads. Basic instructional skills to teach database usage to outside users.

Skilled at writing reports on academic or scientific topics aimed at the general public.

Skill in working with sensitive personal health information.

Excellent communication skills necessary to produce effective oral and written reports related to HIV/STD epidemiology and prevention program evaluation.

Experienced at performing basic statistical analyses.

Experience in designing and executing program evaluations.

Ability to design and produce written, tabular, and graphic reports for public release and for internal statistical updates needed by agency staff and contractors.

Ability to interpret epidemiologic information on HIV/STD and program information and to provide consultation and leadership to a wide variety of sources seeking information and direction.

Ability to plan, conduct, and analyze studies related to HIV/STD epidemiology and program evaluation

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