Epidemiologist II

Job Description:
Under the direction of the Tuberculosis (TB) and Hansen's Disease team lead and general supervision of the TB and Hansen's Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance manager, performs advanced (senior-level) epidemiological work. Work involves planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting epidemiological investigations such as contact investigations, outbreak investigations and TB genotyping cluster investigations; designing and implementing data collection systems such as Binational TB Program surveillance data in the TB/HIV/STD Integrated Surveillance System (THISIS), Texas Department of Criminal Justice TB case, contact and targeted screening data, and congregate setting TB databases. Analyzes data and disseminates investigation results. Provides technical support and training to external stakeholders on managing TB databases. May supervise the work of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions:
EJF 1: (25%) Performs data management and analysis of TB contact investigation and mass screening data from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s (TDCJ). Evaluates the effectiveness of TDCJ TB infection control measures and interventions for TB outbreak control. Monitors TB genotype clusters occurring in the state prison system. Provides epidemiologic support to TDCJ Office of Public Health staff and the Center of Disease Control (CDC) Public Health Advisor assigned to TDCJ to assist in overseeing TB outbreak control measures in the state prison system.
EJF 2: (25%) Provides technical assistance and training to four Binational TB Programs on data entry of TB patient information in the TB/HIV/STD Integrated Surveillance System (THISIS). Performs data quality assurance and analysis of Binational TB program case data to assess the burden of TB disease managed by the binational TB programs and the describe demographic, clinical and risk factor characteristics of TB cases managed by these programs. Evaluates the performance of the binational TB programs using CDC national TB performance indicators. Serves as a technical resource for conducting contact investigations and cluster investigations involving binational TB cases. Assists in travel restriction alerts to prevent border crossings of infectious binational TB cases.
EJF 3: Analyzes the Chapter 89 jail TB database and congregate setting TB screening reports to determine the effectiveness of TB screenings conducted in these settings. Provides recommendations to improve TB prevention and control in congregate settings.
EJF 3: (15%) Determines the appropriate formats for epidemiological reports, and coordinates the technical preparation, graphics design, and compilation of finished reports. Reports the results of epidemiological investigations to various professional, state, and national organizations.
EJF 4: (10%) Performs other duties as assigned may include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or COOP activation. Such participation may include an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of major functions of public health
Knowledge of infectious disease surveillance
Knowledge of the principles and methods of epidemiology
Knowledge of statistical concepts, research methods, and their applications to public health surveillance and research
Knowledge of sampling, survey methods and weighing
Knowledge of the health status, socioeconomic and demographic measures used in public health.
Knowledge of population, socioeconomic and health outcomes data sources
Knowledge of programming logic
Knowledge of security and confidentiality as it relates to surveillance

Skill in using Microsoft Office products especially Excel and PowerPoint
Skill in using graphics presentation software
Skill in using statistical software such as SAS and in writing syntax to perform analyses
Skill in data management and analysis
Skill in both verbal and written communications
Skill in graphical presentation of data including charts, tables, and maps
Skill in working with sensitive personal health information

Ability to manage and query complex databases
Ability to plan, conduct and report on epidemiological investigations
Ability to use population data for public health planning and evaluation
Ability to conduct research projects
Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines
Ability to exercise independent judgment and show initiative
Ability to communicate effectively with data users, coworkers and stakeholders
Ability to maintain effective working relationships

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