Epidemiology And Surveillance Manager

Under the direction of the Tuberculosis (TB) and Hansen's Disease Unit (Unit) director functions as the manager for the Epidemiology and Surveillance Group (Group). Work involves establishing and achieving goals and objectives; developing guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals; coordinating and evaluating activities within the program.

Effectively supervises program staff and fosters a work environment that promotes teamwork, competency, and a highly skilled workforce within the Group. Provides clear direction and guidance to each team.

Works with the Unit, DSHS laboratory, including regional and local health department management staff to ensure a system of surveillance and reporting are maintained to accurately determine the impact of tuberculosis and Hansen's disease in Texas. Serves as the Unit's subject matter expert in the development of electronic data software applications. Participates in completing division assignments including legislative requests.

Essential Job Functions:

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

EJF - 25% Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of the TB Epidemiology and Surveillance staff. Hires, manages, and develops staff through mentoring, trainings, and performance appraisals.

Identifies training needs of direct reports, develops work performance plans, and conducts performance evaluations annually. Works within agency constraints to provide staff with the training, tools, and information needed to carry out their responsibilities and to succeed in their work. Directs and evaluates staff and recommends appropriate personnel actions to foster a fair, honest and equitable work environment that promotes teamwork and competency.

Directs work assignments and provides clear direction on responsibilities and work performance expectations using written and verbal communication. Reviews and approves leave and ensures all human resource activities are in accordance with agency and system policy. Disseminates information and management decisions to staff regarding relevant departmental activities.

Provides direction to staff regarding activities and operations of their functional areas. Post vacant positions and conducts interviews including selecting and hiring staff.

EJF - 20% Directs, coordinates, and evaluates the daily operations of the TB Epidemiology and Surveillance Group. Establishes goals and objectives that align with TB Branch priorities; develops and maintains standards of operation for the Group.

Create team workflows to facilitate work performance and foster prompt response to Branch staff including internal and external stakeholders. Identifies gaps and opportunities to improve operational mechanisms within the Group. Ensures optimal performance among staff to meet priorities and address program activities effectively and efficiently.

Demonstrates proficiency in understanding epidemiologic concepts and surveillance strategies. Serves as a subject matter expert on TB. Be knowledgeable of resources that support the Group. Holds routine meetings with teams to share information and receive updates on teams' activities.

EJF - 15%. Maintain a competent TB workforce statewide. Works with teams and other Unit staff to develop and/or maintain trainings including materials relevant to internal and external stakeholders.

Works with Unit staff to organize conferences, seminars, webinars and other video training opportunities. Develops and routinely updates publications, standards of care and other materials that support consistent TB practices statewide. Engages in research opportunities to highlight program's performance on a variety of TB interventions and practices.

EJF - 15% Participates in program collaboration and service integration activities. Works across program areas in and outside the Unit to support overall TB and Hansen's disease functions. Groups include but are not limited to Laboratory Services Mycobacteriology Branch, Pharmacy Branch, local, state and federal correctional entities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers of Excellence, public health regions, local health departments, the Division for Regional and Local Health Operations, etc.

EJF - 15% Serves as program lead in developing surveillance data applications. Serves as subject matter expert in discovery sessions with DSHS vendors, DSHS information technology teams, and epidemiology and surveillance team leads to develop technical specifications for TB and Hansen's disease electronic data software applications.

This includes data migration from existing to proposed electronic data software application. Completes project assignments as directed by the DSHS project manager.

EJF - 5%. Serves as the back-up to the Unit director. Completes division assignments including legislative requests. May represent the Unit director at meetings, etc.

EJF - 5% 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 (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of public health laws

Extensive knowledge of tuberculosis disease transmission, disease management and prevention methods

Knowledge of TB epidemiology and other infectious diseases

Knowledge of the essential components of a TB program

Ability to manage a public health program

Ability to plan, develop and coordinate field operations

Ability to manage program activities and establish goals and objectives

Ability to develop and assess performance measures

Ability to devise solutions to administrative problems

Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures

Ability to prepare concise reports

Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of others

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships

Ability to work in a multidisciplinary work environment

Ability to facilitate and work in a team environment

Ability to adhere to agency and program standards

Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing

Skill in effective prioritization of multiple work assignments

Skill in developing and implementing program planning

Skill in public speaking

Skill in developing presentations to diverse audiences

Skill in team building

Skill in EXCEL, ACCESS, Word, PowerPoint

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Current and valid Texas driver's license Initial Selection Criteria:

Experience leading a team or managing a business function, division, or department relevant to epidemiology and surveillance. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in health administration, public health or other related field.

Two or more years' work experience in public health, public administration, or a related field. Additional Information:

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.

Applicants invited to an interview will be administered a skills test as part of the interview process.

Must be willing to travel at least 20% of the time.

Must be willing to work outside the normal work schedule if needed.

MOS Code:

There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.

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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