Epidemiologist I

Job Description:
Under the direct supervision of the Epidemiology Supervisor, performs moderately complex (journey-level) epidemiological work. Participates as a member of the Epidemiology Response Program in planning and implementation of regional CDC preparedness and epidemiological activities. Conducts operational activities in epidemiology and public health to include conducting epidemiologic investigations of individual cases and clusters of infectious disease. Collects and analyzes epidemiologic data in Public Health Region (PHR) 9/10 to detect trends, outbreaks, unusual occurrences, and other possible adverse public health events related to infectious disease. Provides training in surveillance, disease reporting, infectious disease, epidemiology, data analysis and public health preparedness. Consults with local health departments and health care providers regarding disease reporting and surveillance, reporting laws, and prevention and control measures. Develops and maintains technical reports, spreadsheets, databases, and educational material to educate the public and regional stakeholders in infectious disease initiatives and epidemiological methods. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Travels within the state of Texas and PHR 9/10 (33 counties). Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
EJF1 (40%) EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SURVEILLANCE:
Collects and analyzes epidemiologic data to detect trends, outbreaks, unusual occurrences, and other possible adverse public health events related to infectious disease. Conducts epidemiologic case investigations and responds to disease outbreaks. Position will use databases, spreadsheets, and epidemiology statistical software to track cases, generate maps and prepare reports to disseminate findings as part of data management and analysis. Abstracts and reviews medical charts. Works with the Epidemiology Supervisor to develop procedures for handling and investigating notifiable conditions. Develops and implements plans and strategies to improve timeliness and completeness of reporting, reduce reporting barriers, raise awareness of reporting laws and regulations, and improve the standardization of collected data elements necessary to assess, measure, and improve reporting and surveillance. Assists in Quality Assurance of regional data, prepares reports and presents findings. Participates in regional syndromic surveillance activities. Participates in disaster epidemiology focused activities.
EJF 2 (20%) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with a wide variety of epidemiology and surveillance partners such as: local health departments, infection control staff, physicians, laboratories, school nurses, regional communicable disease staff, and others involved in public or private healthcare. Provides accurate, timely and relevant technical information to partners and the public when requested. Maintains appropriate levels of confidentiality during all investigations. Works to identify and promote awareness and understanding of current issues of concern and trends related to communicable disease. Assembles appropriate epidemiological and laboratory resources to address disease outbreak investigations or surveillance projects.
EJF 3 (20%) PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE:
Participates as a member of the Epidemiology Response Team (ERT) and under the direction of the Epidemiology Supervisor, may respond to an all-hazards event, large disease outbreak, or public health emergency in PHR 9/10 or elsewhere in Texas. Participates in regional all-hazards response planning and implementation of disaster epidemiology, preparedness and response activities and exercises. Assists the Epidemiology Supervisor in the development of epidemiology workplans, progress reports, and assessments. Participates in the on-call rotation to assure 24/7 availability on holidays, weekends, and after normal business hours. Participates in inventory and storage of response equipment and supplies required to support public health response and field deployments. Position will travel within regions 9 & 10 to develop effective relationships and collaboration with stakeholders to promote public health preparedness and epidemiology responses activities.
EJF 4 (10%) TRAINING AND EDUCATION:
Develops, designs, and assists Epidemiology Supervisor with the implementation of training programs and presentations targeting the improvement of reporting and surveillance of notifiable conditions and public health preparedness initiatives. Supports programmatic efforts to improve reporting and awareness through the preparation of epidemiological articles, fact sheets, reports, and brochures. Develops oral/written presentations regarding epidemiology, disease reporting, surveillance, and public health preparedness. Promotes preventative measures through community education of residents, city and county officials, and other partners. Uses databases, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and other electronic technology to present information.
EJF 5 (10%) OTHER DUTIES:
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. Supports Regional Health and Medical Operations during public health emergencies. May respond to a public health emergency such as large disease outbreaks, or bioterrorism events anywhere in state. Adhere to HHSC work rules and attendance policy. Must comply with the DSHS immunization policy.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of principles and methods of epidemiology of infectious disease.
Knowledge of bioterrorism preparedness and response.
Knowledge of data management and statistical methods.
Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory test interpretation. Knowledge of educational program development and implementation.
Knowledge and understanding of state laws pertaining to disease reporting and the prevention and control of communicable disease.

Skill in using statistical software (e.g., EpiInfo, SPSS, SAS, GIS).
Skill in public speaking.
Skill in analyzing, writing, and editing executive level technical reports.
Skill in interpreting medical information from laboratory reports and medical records. Skill in creating questionnaires and abstracting data from hospital/medical records. Skill in communicating and informing the public about infectious disease issues.

Ability to interpret statistical analyses of epidemiologic and research data.
Ability to communicate effectively with others by oral and written communications. Ability to work discreetly and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal/external customers. Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgment.
Ability to travel on short notice.
Ability to analyze situations and determine appropriate course of action.

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