Current jobs related to Epidemiologist III - Tyler, Texas - Texas Department of Aging & Disability Services

Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled Epidemiologist III to join our team at the Texas Department of Aging & Disability Services. As a senior-level epidemiologist, you will serve as a subject matter expert and perform senior-level epidemiological work related to the reporting, prevention, and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AR) for designated Public Health Regions (PHRs).

Main Responsibilities:
45% Epidemiologic Investigations and Facility Assessments
Conduct epidemiological surveillance projects, infection control assessments, and investigations of HAI/AR infections in healthcare facilities. Coordinate investigations with healthcare facilities, local and regional health departments, CDC, and other internal and external stakeholders. Review medical records and abstract relevant information. Coordinate provision of epidemiological and laboratory resources to support investigations. Provide epidemiologic consultation to infection preventionists, public health department epidemiologists, medical professionals, and other stakeholders. Communicate investigation findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders. Develop, review, and update HAI and AR investigation guidelines and resources. Provide assistance to other epidemiologists within the state, as needed.

35% Leadership and Education
Help achieve the HAI Investigations Group's goals and objectives. Serve as HAI/AR subject matter expert for designated Public Health Region (PHR). Mentor and train local and regional health department epidemiologists, infection preventionists, interns, fellows, and other HAI epidemiologists. Assist 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. Manage projects and help prioritize tasks to ensure their timely completion. Host and attend meetings with internal and external stakeholders to provide updates about IPC topics and HAI/AR investigations. Develop and provide educational materials and trainings for healthcare facilities, public health departments, general public, and other partners. Develop recommendations to Manager on contracts, staffing needs, policies, and procedures. Participate in the interviews and selection process for other team members.

15% Communication
Prepare and disseminate information to internal and external stakeholders regarding IPC topics and HAI/AR reporting, prevention, and control, including health advisories. Prepare abstracts for manuscript submission or presentation at professional organization meetings and conferences. As requested by DSHS leadership, respond 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.

Requirements:
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
Skill 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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