Hbcu Public Service Program - Investigator (DC Health)

General Job Information

HBCU Public Service Program Vacancy Announcement: Investigator (DC Health)

Introduction to the Agency:

DC Health promotes health, wellness, and equity across the District, and protects the safety of residents, visitors and those doing business in our nation's Capital.

Our responsibilities include identifying health risks; educating the public; preventing and controlling diseases, injuries, and exposure to environmental hazards; promoting effective community collaborations; and optimizing equitable access to community resources.

The Role:

As an Investigator with DC Health, your primary responsibilities involve tracking and investigating outbreaks of infectious diseases. This includes conducting field investigations, collecting, and analyzing data, identifying the source of infections, and implementing control measures. Collaboration with healthcare professionals, communication with the public, and providing recommendations to prevent further spread are integral parts of the role. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and knowledge of epidemiological methods are crucial for success in this position.

The main responsibilities of the Investigator are as follows:

• Responsible for the investigation of events pertaining to infectious diseases in District residents.

• Receives incoming reports, assess urgency, level of follow-up needed, and intervention necessary (i.e., post-exposure prophylaxis).

• Ensures that affected individuals receive the appropriate notification and education.

• Responsible for monitoring and surveillance of infectious disease activities.

• Uses information to guide investigation and interview of residents as needed.

• Provides reports and updates on infectious diseases to internal and external stakeholders as needed. Verifies recipients need for information and responds to request for information, records, or files.

• Works with reporters such as healthcare providers, daycare workers, school nurses, district residents to get complete information and correctly classify cases in the timeframes as dictated by the urgency of the disease.

Qualifications and Relevant Experience:

To participate in the HBCU Public Service Program, you must have the following eligibility requirements:

• Graduate from either Howard University or the University of the District of Columbia with a bachelor's degree in either December 2023 or May 2024.

• Commit to being a resident of the District of Columbia for two years upon being hired.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experiences:

• Thorough knowledge of systems and procedures necessary for surveillance and investigation of infectious diseases.

• Thorough knowledge of investigation principles and the ability to relate them to communicable disease surveillance.

• Experience assisting in data management, development of data collection forms, disease fact sheets, and survey instruments.

• Applied experience collecting, managing, analyzing, and disseminating surveillance and survey data.

• Thorough knowledge of vaccine preventable diseases and investigation protocols.

Relevant coursework & internship experience:

• Any courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health surveillance, and infectious disease control. Additionally, coursework in data analysis, GIS mapping, and communication skills would enhance your ability to investigate and respond effectively to disease outbreaks in a public health setting.

• Any internship experience public health agencies, epidemiology departments, or laboratories conducting disease research.

Please note that these experiences are not required to apply. However, you are encouraged to write about these experiences or similar ones in your cover letter.

Working Conditions and Environment:

• The work schedule is 4 days per week at the office to encourage interaction with team members, and you may work remotely one day per week.

• Work hours are somewhat flexible, but it is expected that you will work 40 hours per week, such as 9am

• 5:30pm if you take a half hour for lunch.

• There is no requirement to own or drive a vehicle.

Benefits and Salary:

District government provides a full benefits package including:

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Group Life Insurance

• Short-term Disability

• Long-term Disability

• Commuter Benefits

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts

• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Indemnity Coverage provided through Aflac

• Employee Assistance Program: Counseling; legal and financial services; identity theft services; work-life referral services for child and elder care, lactation support, home repairs, pet care, etc.; wellness coaching; and more.

Paid Time Off:

District Government employees earn 4 hours of paid leave each pay period (every two weeks) until they have 3 years of service, at which point they begin accruing 6 hours of paid leave per pay period.

The District provides employees paid leave on 12 annual holidays per year.

Salary:

Apprentices will earn an annual salary of $72,711 during their first year of employment. After successful completion of the 1-year apprenticeship program and contingent upon funding availability, the apprentice will become a regular employee earning $77,383.

Application Criteria:

In order to complete your application to this role, please submit the following:

• Résumé

• Cover letter detailing relevant experiences

• Unofficial transcript

The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability

• Security Sensitive.

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Term Appointment

• 24 Months

This position is covered in a collective bargaining unit, represented by Local AFGE 2725.

Candidates who apply to this position may be considered for future openings.

If you have any questions, or need support with your application, please contact Nina Mason, Learning & Talent Program Manager, at nina.mason@dc.gov for assistance.

The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Submission of a resume alone is NOT a complete application. This position may require the completion of additional form/s and/or supplemental materials. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment.