Epidemiology Investigator
Harris County
Houston, TX 77002
Description
Position Description
If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.
About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.
This is a grant-funded position.
Position Overview:
Under the supervision of the Intake and Case Investigation Supervisor, the Epidemiology Investigator the Epidemiology investigator applies principles of Epidemiology to investigations on disease conditions that the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit (EAIDU) conducts surveillance for, and to the control and prevention of disease within the jurisdiction of HCPH. As well as proper surveillance and reporting of normal disease occurrence and outbreak situations.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Epidemiology Duties
- Conduct epidemiology surveillance investigations for disease conditions that the Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit (EAIDU) conducts surveillance on and related conditions/illnesses of public health significance to ensure readiness for responding to Bioterrorism, outbreaks, and other public health threats and emergencies. Activities include interpretation of laboratory testing results and coordination for specimen collection. Provide consultation and make recommendations for control measures and prevention based on public health guidelines.
- Report case investigations through the surveillance data management system.
Outreach
- Establish and maintain relationships with hospital infection control preventionists, school health care coordinators, and nurses to promote reporting of Texas notifiable conditions. Initiate active surveillance in daycares, schools, and long-term care facilities etc. when an outbreak occurs.
- Provide information related to preparedness and other public health issues (through telephone consultation, mail out, and presentation) to diverse audiences and community partners, such as schools.
Analysis
- Participate in epi data analysis and reporting by collecting and providing relevant investigation information.
- Collects, packages, and processes specimens according to laboratory guidelines for testing.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
Requirements
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
- At least one (2) years of experience working in public health epidemiology field on infectious disease case investigation and/or surveillance activities.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Access.
- Basic proficiency with statistical analysis software (SPSS, STATA or Epi Info).
- Excellent organizational skills and communication skills (verbal & written).
- Ability to write reports and technical papers.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
- Ability to work well with public and staff members.
- Use your personal mobile device for our Multifactor Authentication process.
Core Competencies:
Organizational Leadership
- Understands the organizational mission
- Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
- Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
Collaboration
- Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
- Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
- Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs
Innovation
- Ability to adapt to change
Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics
- Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
- Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
- Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
- Uses sound judgment
- Self-motivated
- Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity
Communication
- Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- This is a full-time position.
- Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including weekends.
- Able to travel within Harris County as needed.
Work Environment:
- This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopier, filling cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands:
- This role requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to twenty (20) pounds and bending & standing per periods at a time.
Work Location:
- Harris County Public Health: Office of Epidemiology, Surveillance & Emerging Disease -1111 Fannin St. Houston, Texas 77002
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com