What are the responsibilities and job description for the EPIDEMIOLOGIST III - COMMUNICABLE DISEASES position at Cook County Health & Hospitals System?
LOCATION: Department of Public Health
DEPARTMENT: Communicable Disease
SHIFT: 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Job Summary UNION AFSCME 1276
Under the supervision of the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Director or designee, functions as a specialist in infection prevention, education and epidemiology in long term care facilities (LTCF) and other congregate settings, including, but not limited to, residential facilities, schools/educational institutions, workplaces, mass gatherings, detention facilities, and the like. Provides guidance (written and/or verbal) and educates administrators, healthcare personnel, environmental services and other staff in these settings/institutions on case reporting, effective infection prevention strategies such as hand hygiene programs, transmission-based precautions, cohorting, isolation, quarantine, and other strategies germane to the setting. Assists facilities implement disease control measures in accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Rules and Regulations for the Control of Communicable Diseases. In LTCF conducts investigations for suspected healthcare associated infections (HAIs), including, but not limited to, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Candida auris, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), and other emerging organisms. Conducts HAI investigations and carries out other communicable disease investigations as directed. Keeps detailed notes on each assigned facility/institution. Enters case information into electronic databases; investigates and closes cases in internal and external databases, including, but not limited to, the Illinois-National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (I-NEDSS) and SalesForce.
Typical Duties
- Assists facilities/institutions in following reporting procedures and in establishing, implementing and monitoring policies and procedures relating to Communicable diseases with particular emphasis on novel coronavirus (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2), CRE, Candida auris, and other emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
- Investigates suspected, probable or confirmed cases of communicable diseases as assigned with the aim of identifying and monitoring transmission.
- Manages and responds to known or suspected outbreaks of HAIs and other pathogens in suburban Cook County facilities/institutions.
- Conducts on-site assessments of LTCF and other congregate settings (e.g., examining infection control practices, reviewing protocols to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, conducting gap analyses, etc.)
- Counsels staff at LTCF and other congregate settings regarding reporting, hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, cohorting, and other appropriate methods for the containment of communicable diseases with particular emphasis on COVID-19, CRE and C. auris and other emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
- Coordinates program efforts as part of advisory groups, local or multi-jurisdictional responses to complex investigations
- Maintains current knowledge of infection control practices, health regulations, procedures, best practices and national standards.
- Attends local and regional meetings regarding COVID-19, HAIs and other pathogens.
- Provides technical assistance and conducts training sessions for LTC partners and stakeholders by providing guidance, education, incentive metrics, and technical support in implementing appropriate infection prevention and control measures
- Consults with State and Federal agencies to ensure compliance with infection control and reporting practices
- Compiles on-site assessment and recommendations reports
- Counsels colonized and infected patients about COVID-19, HAIs, multidrug resistant organisms, extensively drug resistant organisms in suburban Cook County, including, but not limited to, descriptive epidemiology, the difference between colonization and infection, typical signs, and symptoms of infection with HAIs and other communicable diseases (i.e., incubation period, period of communicability, prevention, containment, etc.) where necessary.
- Assists the Infection Prevention Program Manager with on-site assessments in LTCF and other settings with aim of containing HAIs; this includes, but is not limited to, case investigations, point prevalence surveys, patient/environmental specimen collection, cohorting consultations and other methods as necessary.
- Monitors, investigates, and enters information into internal and external databases (i.e., I-NEDSS, SalesForce); electronically completes cases as appropriate.
- Routinely runs and reviews reports in I-NEDSS, X-DRO registry and/or other surveillance systems as necessary.
- Assists healthcare facilities in the development of mitigation strategies and conducts follow up visits to ensure facilities have resolved practices
Minimum Qualifications
- Must Possess Master’s degree in public health or related field from an accredited college or university in public health or related field with one (1) year of practical experience in infection prevention and control OR Bachelor’s degree in public health or related field from an accredited college or university with three (3) years of experience in infection prevention and control, required.
- Must be trained and certified in NIMS FEMA IS-100.b and 700.a.800 management within six (6) months of employment, required.
- Position may require moderate travel for which the employee must have a valid driver’s license/insured vehicle or other equivalent means of transportation for work, required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification in Infection Control, preferred.
- Prior experience as an Infection Preventionist in a congregate or acute care setting, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
- Knowledge of microbiology, infectious disease epidemiology and basic statistics
- Knowledge of computer software packages including word processing, database, and spreadsheet software
- Proficiency in the use of electronic databases and spreadsheets, word processing programs and ability to use email
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
- Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military Veteran?”
- Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Basic Term Life Insurance
- Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
- 100% Tuition Reimbursement for nursing-related programs
- You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.
- Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.
- CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.
Salary : $35
