Surveillance Epidemiologist
Harris County
Houston, TX 77002
Description
Position Description
Job 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.
Position Overview:
Under the supervision of the Communicable and Emerging Disease Manager and Supervisor, the Epidemiologist applies principles of Epidemiology to disease control activities within the jurisdiction of HCPH. Of particular focus is the surveillance, investigation, prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging diseases and other notifiable conditions; the proper surveillance and reporting of normal disease occurrence and outbreak situations; contribute to the identification, analysis and report writing of disease conditions.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Epidemiology Duties
- Conduct epidemiology surveillance investigations for emerging and re-emerging disease conditions and conditions of public health significance, including outbreaks, targeted active surveillance, and public health emergencies. Provide consultation and make recommendations for control measures and prevention based on public health guidelines.
- Report case investigations through the surveillance data management system.
- Provide 24/7 disease surveillance coverage on a rotating basis with other epidemiologists.
Research, Data Analysis, and Reports
- Participate in research activities which may include the design, preparation, and review of reports from analyses of surveillance data, literature reviews, and other information. Produce or contribute to special reports and statistical analysis of epidemiological investigations to ensure readiness for responding to emerging and communicable diseases, Bioterrorism, outbreaks of infectious diseases, and other public health threats and emergencies. These may include activities such as monthly morbidity reports, annual reports, and outbreak investigation summary reports.
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 educational presentations based on surveillance data and other information tailored to diverse audiences and community partners, such as schools.
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:
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health disciplines such as Epidemiology, Biomedical Sciences, Statistics, or related science degree.
Experience:
- At least one (1) year of experience working in a public health-related area, such as local health department disease investigation, college or university public health project, clinical or public health laboratory, disease surveillance, or statistical project.
Licensure/Certification:
- Valid Driver's License (Texas upon hire) along with a good driving record for regular local travel when needed to attend other local health departments or State, Regional Health department meetings and trainings.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Proficient with statistical analysis software (SPSS, STATA, SAS, R, or Epi Info).
- Excellent 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.
Preferences
N/A
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.
- Other days and hours as necessary.
Work Environment:
- This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands:
- This is a largely sedentary role; however, some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.
Work Location:
- Harris County Public Health: Office of Epidemiology, Surveillance & Emerging Diseases - 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.
BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
- Accrual rates increase based on years of service
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
- Professional development opportunities
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Healthcare Reimbursement Account
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
- Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
- Flexible schedule (varies by department)
- Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
https://benefitsathctx.com/
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