Epidemiologist III

Under the general supervision of the Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) Group Manager within the Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit, the Epidemiologist III works on highly complex assignments requiring epidemiologic design and implementation of data collection, analysis and reporting related to acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), other vaccine preventable diseases, and influenza. Primary duties of the position include development and implementation of surveillance databases; design of fieldwork protocols and epidemiologic studies; conducting statistical analyses of health outcome data; and developing reports containing findings, their interpretation, and recommendations of AFM. Consults with physicians, health care facilities, state and national organizations, public health officials, and the public regarding the epidemiology of AFM. Develops protocols for program investigations in high profile settings and media-sensitive environments. Prepares oral and written presentations describing the outcomes of epidemiologic investigations or surveillance findings. Duties performed under limited supervision with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(35%) Surveillance activities. Directs surveillance activities for AFM. Conducts quality checks and assessments of surveillance data. Works with the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) Office. Ensures data entry instructions and procedures for vaccine preventable disease reporting are current and available. Prepares disease summary reports using Word, Access, Epi Info, PowerPoint, and/or Excel for distribution to local and regional health departments. Ensures latest disease summary reports are available on the web site. Assists in preparation and implementation of immunization cooperative agreements. Provides technical assistance for surveillance activities associated with vaccine preventable diseases and influenza.

(25%) Epidemiologic studies and investigations. Initiates, plans, implements, and directs epidemiological studies, surveillance projects, and outbreak investigations on vaccine preventable diseases. Assembles appropriate epidemiological and laboratory resources to address disease outbreak investigations or surveillance projects.

(25%) Oral and written communications activities. Provides epidemiologic consultations to medical and public health professionals on acute flaccid myelitis. Prepares information for dissemination via the Division's Website. Responds to information requests from the DSHS press office. Prepares written manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Using PowerPoint and other presentation tools, prepares and conducts oral presentations on infectious disease topics to various audiences including medical providers, epidemiologists, and health department staff. Draft policy statements and guidance documents.

(10%) Leadership. Makes sure deadlines are met and supports assignments of team members. Assesses training needs and makes recommendations for training; may provide on-the-job training and assist less experienced staff with more complex issues and/or situations. Attends and provides input at meetings pertaining to unit goals, objectives, and activities. Provides technical assistance to local and regional health departments. Serves as point of contact for the CDC on issues related to AFM surveillance and control.

(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 State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of contemporary principles of epidemiology

• Knowledge of biostatistics and Access, Epi Info, and Excel database management

• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the control of notifiable conditions

• Knowledge of database management

• Knowledge of the natural history and epidemiology of common infectious diseases, especially AFM & influenza

• Knowledge of the surveillance methods for common infectious diseases, especially AFM & influenza

• Knowledge of evidence-based interventions and control measures in response to epidemiologic findings

• Ability to manage intervention projects and facilitate workgroups

• Ability to train and/or supervise others

• Ability to plan, conduct, and report on epidemiologic investigations

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and prepare grant applications and decision packages

• Ability to present statistical and technical data in a clear and concise format

• Ability to work effectively with regional and local health department personnel, private practice physicians, and hospital staff

• Ability to organize and maintain complex records and files

• Ability to initiate and manage multiple projects and deadlines

• Ability to function as a team member and collaborate with internal and external partners

• Ability to devise and develop solutions

• Skills in utilizing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Skill in conducting disease outbreak investigations

• Skill using statistical software packages Registration or Licensure Requirements:

None Initial Selection Criteria:

• Master's degree from a U.S. accredited college or university (or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator) with a focus in epidemiology with 3 or more years' work experience in epidemiology in a public health setting.

OR

• Professional doctoral degree (e.g. MD/DO, DDS/DMD/DVM) or doctoral degree with a focus in epidemiology from a U.S. accredited college or university (or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator) with 2 or more years' work experience in epidemiology in a public health setting. Additional Information:

An in-basket exercise will be required at the time of the interview.

Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your 1-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Applicants will be required to complete an in-basket exercise. The full salary range may not be offered due to budget limitations.

Military Occupational Code Equivalents are: 68S, 60C, HM, 230X, SC, 4EOX1, 43HX, 68, 60, 4E, 43.

For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your 1-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. 1-9 Form

• Click here to download the 1-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. MOS Code:

68S, 60C, HM, 230X, SC, 4EOX1, 43HX, 68, 60, 4E, 43

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form

• Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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