Epidemiologist II

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Job Description: 
Under general direction of the Epidemiology Manager, performs advanced (senior-level) investigative and consultative epidemiological work in Health Service Region 6/5 S related to waterborne, food borne, vaccine-preventable, respiratory, and other reportable infectious disease illnesses, including COVID-19. Performs complex epidemiological work. Investigates and files communicable disease surveillance reports, and monitors and improves surveillance procedures. Responds to outbreaks of communicable diseases as appropriate. Conducts epidemiological studies; performs data analyses; interprets and disseminates results. Serves as a consultant to health professionals and the public on public health matters in the Region. Participates as member of the Regional Health and Medical Operations team which serves as a regional resource during emergencies, other infectious disease outbreaks or disasters, and/or a bio-terrorism events. Prepares public health information, training materials, and investigative tools for disease surveillance, quality assurance and investigation. Works with considerable 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.
(45%) Investigates naturally occurring disease outbreaks and bioterrorism events, including COVID-19. Investigates and files communicable disease surveillance reports, and monitors and improves surveillance procedures. Abstracts, reviews and interprets medical information, including labs. Collects epidemiological data, enters data into electronic systems and assures quality data entry. Completes investigations into communicable disease reports, consults with physicians, laboratories, hospital personnel and members of the public. Provide guidance and reports to various community stakeholders and the public about infection control, communicable diseases, disease prevention, and the epidemiology of diseases. Produces reports based on communicable disease surveillance data. Initiates and conducts epidemiological studies related to the prevention and control of public health problems. Participates in call rotation to assure 24/7 availability on holidays, weekends, and after normal work hours.
(30%) Compiles and reports epidemiological and disease prevention information for use by the media, local health departments, other agency programs, outside agencies, and the public. Prepares and presents presentations, trainings, technical reports and briefings. Participates in conducting educational programs on public health issues. Assists with community assessments and implementation of identified mitigation strategies to reduce public health impacts or risks. Develops educational materials and implements training and education in communicable diseases, disease reporting requirements, infection control and prevention for health professionals, workplaces and the public. Maintains updated region wide Epidemiologist distribution list.
(20%) Assists the Region’s response to clusters and outbreaks of communicable diseases including COVID-19. Initiates, plans, develops, coordinates and conducts epidemiological studies of clusters and outbreaks of communicable diseases to include biostatical analysis of data. Aids with epidemiological investigations conducted by outside agencies and organizations. Participates in the development and implementation of Regional Epidemiological plans and procedures.
(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 activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and /or locations. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained. Complies with the Department of State Health Services Immunization Policy.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Texas Class C driver license or equivalent from another state.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of infectious diseases
Knowledge of the principles and methods of biostatistics and epidemiology, medical terminology, current public health programs
Knowledge of microbiological laboratory procedures related to the identification of infectious diseases
Knowledge of public health and the natural history of infectious diseases
Knowledge of the epidemiology of respiratory infectious diseases including COVID-19
Ability to conduct disease surveillance
Ability to devise and develop solutions
Ability to organize, manipulate, and maintain complex data files
Ability to present statistical and technical data clearly and concisely
Ability to work effectively with regional and local health department personnel, private physicians, hospital staff, laboratory staff, and the public
Ability to provide operational guidance and leadership to field staff
Ability to interview patients to collect clinical and exposure information
Ability to abstract clinical and laboratory data from patient medical charts
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to develop and deliver presentations
Ability to design and implement systems necessary to collect, maintain, and analyze data
Ability to analyze and evaluate empirical data and develop graphic and/or written interpretations and conclusions
Ability to interpret laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms, and diagnostic test results from medical charts
Skill in effective communication
Skill in technical writing
Skill in conducting disease outbreak investigations
Skill in mathematical and statistical calculations
Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
Skill in preparing written reports of epidemiologic investigations
Skill in using microcomputers and software including Word, GIS, EpiInfo, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint
Sill in maintaining case records from case-control studies
 

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or foreign equivalent as determined by a credential evaluation service.
At least 2 years work experience in Epidemiology, public health surveillance, or related experience.

Master's level degree (MPH, MSPH) in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or relevant field preferred.

Additional Information:

PLEASE NOTE: Your application must be complete. It must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name and phone number of supervisor, current/final salary, and a description of duties performed in a way that specifically demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification. Resumes do not take the place of the requirement to include information on the application.
An in-basket written 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.
The full salary range may not be offered due to budget limitations.
Must provide transportation, have a current TX driver’s license as driver’s records will be verified.

Must adhere to DSHS Agency policies, including immunizations.
Note: The candidate hired into this position may be temporarily required to work remotely due to COVID-19 safety practices. To be considered for this position, the candidate must ensure they are able to comply with the necessary telework resources and equipment needs, which include:
• at home high-speed internet
• a designated workspace.
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.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form