Epidemiologist - Public Health Workforce

The overall function of an epidemiologist is to plan, develop and coordinate surveillance activities including the investigation and evaluation of the causes of undesirable health events. This is achieved by investigating communicable diseases, outbreaks, and other public-health issues, coordinating and relaying recommendations for prevention and control measures, and acting as an educational resource for communicable diseases to the local community, area schools, and allied organizations. Results from surveillance activities should be reported to appropriate officials, organizations, and individuals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Completes all required case investigation procedures according the guidelines provided by the state health department;

• Enters all required case investigation data correctly and completely in the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) within five (5) business days of completion of the investigation;

• Coordinates with hospitals and clinics within Brazos County to have at least ninety percent (90%) of laboratory specimens in the Texas Administrative Code RULE §97.3 and /or those related to outbreak investigations sent to the Laboratory Services Section, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Austin, Texas or other public health laboratory as designated by DSHS;

• Submits completed forms related to case, outbreak or cluster investigations to the state health department through a secure electronic method or fax number no later than twenty-four (24) hours after completion of interviews and/or investigation;

• Assures and monitors the confidential treatment and transfer of confidential data provided to/by the state health department;

• Assists with after-hours phone coverage for Health Department to facilitate public health epidemiological and emergency responses;

• Attends meetings and educational seminars as required, and prepares and distributes statistical reports monthly or as needed; and

• Provides public health and medical information to individuals and groups, including preparing and giving presentations and representing the Health Department at community functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a non-supervisory position.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Graduation with a Master’s or Doctoral Degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Public Health, Epidemiology or closely related health/science field, is preferred, and two years of public health or communicable disease experience is required. Any equivalent combination of education and experience, which demonstrates relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities, may be considered.

A Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN), with a current Registered Nurse (RN) license, and four years’ experience in infection control, public health, communicable disease, or epidemiology experience will also be considered in lieu of a Master’s Degree.

KNOWLEDGE OF

General knowledge of principles of epidemiology, infectious disease transmission, infectious disease prevention and control measures, medical terminology, data management and statistical methods, immunization laws and schedules; and the philosophy, purpose, goals and objectives of public health

SKILL/ABILITY TO

Conduct infectious disease case and outbreak investigations, interpret public health surveillance data, interpret diagnostic laboratory test results and medical chart information, establish and maintain effective working relationships with county employees, representatives of governmental agencies, healthcare organizations, and the general public; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; communicate effectively with individuals, families, and groups from all social levels; operate standard word processing and spreadsheet software; interpret public health policies and procedures; provide sensitive information to cases/patients; analyze and interpret data, and maintain confidentiality in accordance with national, state and local policies.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Texas Driver’s License and dependable vehicle. If a registered nurse, a current Texas RN License is required. Must show proof at time of application. CPR certification is desired.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds, such as files, stacks of records, or other similar objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee must frequently perform multiple tasks simultaneously, work closely with others as part of a team, and work under time pressures. The employee may face possible exposure to diseases and illnesses. This job requires some travel and fieldwork.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $61,347.52 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person