Public Health Data Analyst And Scientific Writer

Program Specialist VI

Do you have a "can do" attitude, have superb scientific writing skills, and are a people person who enjoys working on a dynamic team in the fascinating field of Infectious Disease Prevention?

This is an excellent opportunity to work with a fast-paced team on a broad spectrum of health-related, high profile projects to serve Texans.

With direction from the Healthcare Safety Unit (HSU) Data and Training Group Manager, performs highly advanced (senior-level) data analyses and scientific writing within the Office of the Chief State Epidemiologist. Candidates must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to express complex ideas clearly and accurately to various audiences.

Work involves performing data audits, scientific reviews of HSU materials, highly advanced data analyses, and communication of findings for data reported by healthcare facilities under Chapter 98 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. This includes independently designing and implementing data collection systems for HSU data reporting and audits; planning, directing, and conducting HSU data validation and analysis studies; and disseminating findings using the highest quality writing and presentation skills to expert stakeholders. HSU tasks include, but are not limited to: infectious disease outbreaks, healthcare safety policies and legislation, Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs), Antibiotic Resistance (AR), Multidrug Resistant Organisms (MDRO), Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS), and outbreak responses. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the 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.

(30%) Proposes and initiates epidemiological projects, including design specification and analysis, and presents project results to different audiences related to Healthcare Safety reporting. Provides quality control for data management of epidemiological investigations related to Healthcare Safety.

Initiates, reviews, and provides consultation to healthcare facilities as needed. Oversees analyses of operations, reports findings, and makes recommendations to resolve problems related to HAI and Preventable Adverse Events (PAE) reporting, prevention, and control. Collaborates with different members of the HSU to develop action plans related to Healthcare Safety initiatives. Analyzes legislation to develop recommendations for policy and programmatic issues relating to sustaining, improving, and/or expansion of Healthcare Safety reporting and assists in preparation of associated budget requests.

(20%) Consultation and Technical Assistance: Provides consultative services and technical assistance to reporting facilities virtually, via email and telephone related to epidemiology or infection prevention.

Participates in development and implementation of infection prevention collaboratives and epidemiological investigations. Coordinates with other team members in the collection of epidemiological data and serve as a surveillance coordinator. Works with division leadership to coordinate assignments, briefing documents, correspondence, presentations, abstracts/publications, and other data products for public health, medical professionals, and stakeholders.

(25%) Develops, edits, and conducts final review of HSU materials to ensure accurate, concise, and consistent responses to inquiries. Maintains knowledge of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance definitions and establishes training protocols for new and existing team members.

Coordinates with Division for Regulatory Services to determine compliance with laws and regulations related to HAIs. Serves as a project leader for onsite data reviews.

(20%) Leads special projects, performs programmatic evaluations, identifies the need for new programs or alterations to existing programs, and develops guidance on procedural changes. Determines the appropriate formats for epidemiological/scientific reports related to Healthcare Safety Data, and coordinates the technical preparation, graphics design, and compilation of finished reports.

Reports the results of epidemiological investigations and data audits to the audited facilities and presents summary results to various professional, state, and national organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas Healthcare Safety Work Groups, Association of Professional in Infection Control and Epidemiology, or Texas Society of Infection Control Professionals and Prevention. Serves as a consultant in the control of public health problems related to health care facilities and recommends interventions and control measures in response to epidemiologic findings generated by Healthcare Safety reporting.

(5%) Performs other duties as assigned including but 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:

Ability to plan and direct programs and to supervise the work of others.

Knowledge of state and federal laws related to health care associated infections reporting, control, and prevention.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of epidemiology.

Knowledge of quality assurance measures and techniques.

Knowledge of medical terminology.

Knowledge of public health informatics and electronic database surveillance systems.

Knowledge of data quality control and data quality management practices.

Skill in analysis and interpretation of data.

Skill in statistical analysis.

Skills in using Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Skill in managing large databases.

Skill in making and understanding mathematical and statistical calculations.

Ability to apply state laws and rules regarding healthcare safety-associated reporting, control, and prevention.

Ability in the planning, implementation and evaluation of rigorous, evidence-based measures.

Ability to write and review public-facing documents that are 100% error-free and accessible.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.

Ability to devise solutions to problems.

Ability to work independently or with a group.

Ability to make judgments with integrity while working independently using own initiative.

Ability to interpret and present data analyses with different audiences.

Ability to work effectively as a team member with regional and local health department personnel and private sector health care professionals.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

None but certified in infection control (CIC) a plus. Initial Selection Criteria:

Relevant doctoral degree (e.g. MD, PhD, DrPH) plus at least 2 years' work experience in healthcare, grants, research, policy, and/or or epidemiology;

OR

Relevant master's degree with at least 3 years' work experience with high profile audiences, scientific and professional writing, grant writing and implementation, and/or policy.

Additional Information:

This position requires 2 days of work in our Austin office and teleworks 3 days per week.

If you are not comfortable completing challenging, detailed tasks independently and accurately under very short deadlines (1-2 hours), this position is not a good fit. Also, if you cannot independently design and complete data analyses using SAS or SPSS, followed by sophisticated figures and tables, this position is not a good fit.

MOS Code:

11B, 14S, OS, YN, 040, 0521, 8U000, 86MO

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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