Epidemiologist II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • El Paso, TX

5d

About The Position

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Under the direction of the Epidemiology Supervisor, Epidemiologist II performs advanced (senior level) epidemiology work related to infectious diseases and notifiable conditions. Performs epidemiological activities that require knowledge of project management methods to manage data collection operations, improve reporting standards, and design effective training programs. Coordinates the development and completion of strategic planning documents to ensure program deliverables are met. Collects, analyzes, and interprets epidemiological data to detect trends, outbreaks and other possible adverse public health events related to infectious diseases. Assist with quality assurance measures to ensure disease data analyses are accurate and timely. Establishes and leads training efforts in surveillance, disease reporting, infectious disease, epidemiology, and public health preparedness. Provides consultation to public health professionals and healthcare providers on infectious disease, disease reporting, and public health control measures. Serves as a state resource during a response to an infectious disease outbreak or bioterrorism event. Works with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Travels within the state of Texas and PHR 9/10 (33 counties).

Requirements

• Knowledge of Project Management methods.
• Knowledge of contemporary principles of epidemiology.
• Knowledge of the rules, laws and regulations governing the control of notifiable conditions in Texas.
• Knowledge of evidence-based interventions and control measures in response to epidemiologic findings.
• 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.
• Skill in use of Project Management tools.
• Skill in word processing, databases, statistical, mapping, and graphic software packages (e.g., EpiInfo, SAS, ArcGIS, Microsoft Office, Qualtrics).
• Skill in writing and editing executive level, technical reports with a concentration in data analysis.
• Skill in creating questionnaires and abstracting data from hospital/medical records.
• Skill in communicating and informing stakeholders about infectious disease issues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and efficiently.
• Ability to interpret statistical data of epidemiologic and research data for analysis.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• 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 recognize and identify problems and implement appropriate solutions.
• Ability to travel with short notice.
• Ability to train staff and regional stakeholders.
• Texas Class C driver’s license or equivalent from another state to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Master’s or Doctorate advanced degree from an accredited college or university in Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, Statistics, Nursing, Public Health, or related field.
• Must be able to meet travel requirements (20% day and 10% night).
• Must be willing to work beyond working hours other than Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, during public health emergencies.

Nice To Haves

• Prefer experience directing the work of others and/or experience in project management.

Responsibilities

• Leads project management efforts to guide the planning, execution, and completion of epidemiological program initiatives.
• Establishes project goals, objectives, and timelines that align with regional and state public health priorities.
• Conducts and helps coordinate epidemiological case investigations and disease outbreak response activities.
• Reviews and interprets laboratory disease reports to confirm reportable conditions meet established case definitions.
• Creates and disseminates technical reports based on communicable disease surveillance data.
• Oversees survey instruments and survey components to ensure questions align with program requirements for accurate data compilation and information gathering.
• Coordinates data collection efforts and checks for accuracy obtained from surveillance systems.
• Works with the Epidemiology Supervisor to develop and implement strategies to improve communicable disease reporting quality, standardization, and timeliness.
• Organizes team meetings, schedules, trainings, and special projects alongside regional epidemiologist.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with partners such as local health departments, infection control teams, physicians, laboratories, school nurses, and state agency staff.
• Facilitates communication among regional partners, providing updates and gathering feedback to ensure shared project goals and objectives are met.
• Recommends interventions and control measures in response to epidemiological case investigations and public health follow up.
• Provides accurate, timely and relevant technical information to partners and the public while adhering to required confidentiality standards.
• Develops tools to identify and promote awareness and understanding of epidemiologic trends related to communicable disease.
• Evaluates and determines appropriate epidemiologic and laboratory resources to address disease investigations, outbreak response, and surveillance projects.
• Coordinates the planning and delivery of training to improve disease reporting and awareness of public health preparedness initiatives.
• Develops and coordinates briefing documents, epidemiological articles, fact sheets, technical reports, infographics, brochures, presentations, and other correspondence to communicate training needs results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Uses computer programs, state databases, syndromic surveillance systems, and statistical software to present information to public health partners.
• Utilizes project management tools and techniques to streamline learning processes and improve training outcomes.
• Takes lead role in organization of regional program workshops, trainings and presentations.
• Coordinates with program staff in the development of comprehensive epidemiological workplans by outlining goals, objectives, timelines, and required resources for successful project execution.
• Serves as a member of the Epidemiology Response Team (ERT) and may respond to an all-hazards event, disease outbreak, bioterrorism event, or other public health emergency in PHR 9/10 or elsewhere in Texas.
• Participates in the 24/7 on-call rotation and provides coverage on holidays, weekends, and after normal business hours as needed.
• Assists with inventory and storage of response equipment and supplies required to support public health response efforts.
• Travels within regions 9 & 10 to develop effective relationships and collaboration with stakeholders that support public health preparedness and epidemiology response activities.
• Other duties as assigned may include taking part or serving in a support role to help meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
• Role supports Regional Health and Medical Operations during public health emergencies and may require responding to large disease outbreaks or bioterrorism events anywhere in the state.
• Must adhere to HHS work rules and attendance policy.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level