Epidemiology Specialist

Salary: $65,830.00 Annually

Location: Various Locations

Job Type: Civil Service

Department: TDH WIC Services

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Requirements:

MOS Code: None

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's Degree or higher in a relevant Biological Science or healthcare-related field is required.

Licenses and Certificates: A valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or an equivalent license from another state is necessary. Some roles may require certification as a Community Health Education Specialist (CHES) within six months of employment. Certain positions may also necessitate certification as a Certifying Authority under Texas state guidelines.

General Purpose:

Under general supervision, perform entry-level professional public health duties in support of the assigned division or program.

Typical Duties:

Gather reportable disease data from various sources, analyze information to identify patterns or common factors, and assess the need for further investigation. This includes interviewing patients, contacts, healthcare providers, laboratory personnel, and others to collect personal data, clinical history, potential sources of exposure, and supporting laboratory information. Review medical records as necessary and complete case reports to maintain investigative data. Coordinate, collect, and deliver appropriate samples to the laboratory for analysis. Identify disease sources, monitor isolation or quarantine as needed, and provide referrals for testing, treatment, and education. Conduct rapid, thorough, and confidential follow-ups via telephone or field visits for individuals requiring medical evaluation due to abnormal test results or exposure to diseases. Keep supervisors and relevant parties informed about trends or factors critical to community health. Provide information to the department, Texas Department of Health, and other agencies to assist in investigations and prevent further disease spread. Educate and counsel individuals and groups on the epidemiology of reportable diseases, modes of transmission, and prevention strategies. Assist in control activities during disease outbreaks.

Conduct educational presentations based on lesson plans on specific topics in both formal and informal settings. This involves organizing and preparing materials on public health topics, including child health, consumer health, communicable diseases, environmental health, preventable diseases, and nutrition. Provide nutrition and health information at outreach events, including community gatherings and health fairs. Assist with staff training and continuing education programs to enhance departmental personnel expertise. Coordinate the availability of faculty, equipment, and course materials to ensure smooth training operations. Distribute printed materials to promote interest in nutrition, public health, and safety education activities. Speak to community organizations upon request about nutrition, health, or safety topics. Collaborate in public awareness campaigns with media and civic groups to foster public interest and participation in nutrition, health, and safety education issues.

May supervise clinic activities, ensuring adherence to daily routines and understanding of policies and procedures. Dispense prescription and non-prescription medications as directed. Maintain records and prepare oral and written reports, utilizing computer systems for data entry. Conduct hemoglobin and hematocrit tests.

Supervise assigned staff, including scheduling, assigning tasks, guiding, and reviewing work. Evaluate employee performance, provide training and development opportunities, enforce personnel rules and regulations, and maintain workplace harmony. Interview applicants and recommend hiring, termination, transfers, discipline, merit pay, or other employment status changes. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

General Information:

For complete job specifications, refer to the official documentation.

Important Note: Required supplemental questions and answers are considered an examination component and will generate a score. Applicants are tested on a conditional basis pending a review of minimum qualifications. Applications will be reviewed for candidates who pass the supplemental questions exam.

Note: Applicants with foreign degrees must have all relevant documents translated and evaluated by a recognized institution prior to submission. A completed application is required; resumes or other documents will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Failure to fully detail all experience and job duties in the application will result in disqualification from consideration for the position.

BENEFITS:

LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE: The City offers a self-insured medical and pharmacy benefits program. Basic life insurance coverage is available at no cost to eligible employees, with additional options for life insurance and dependent coverage. Employees can select optional dental, vision, and short-term disability coverage. Participation in a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account is also available.

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides access to mental health sessions and therapy at no cost. The City's Wellness Program promotes health and wellness through various initiatives and incentives.

TUITION ASSISTANCE: The City encourages employee development through a Tuition Assistance Program, sharing educational costs for employees who have completed their probationary period.

VACATION LEAVE: Regular employees scheduled to work a minimum of twenty hours per week are eligible for vacation leave after six months of employment.

SICK LEAVE: Employees accrue sick leave with pay in accordance with Civil Service Commission rules.

LEGAL HOLIDAYS: The City recognizes several legal holidays for all departments, with provisions for holidays falling on weekends.

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