Surveillance Epidemiologist
Harris County
Houston, TX 77002
Description
JOB
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 Diseases Supervisor, the Surveillance Epidemiologist applies principles of Epidemiology to disease control activities and surveillance issues related to public health services and preparedness within the jurisdiction of HCPH. These principles will be applied to all notifiable conditions with a focus on Tuberculosis (TB) investigations and surveillance, and will include monitoring disease trends in the county, serving as the subject matter expert during TB case and outbreak investigations, and performing contact investigations. Responsibilities also include prevention and control of diseases related to potential Bioterrorism/Chemical/Radiological agents, and the proper surveillance and reporting of normal disease occurrence and outbreak situations. The Epidemiologist may also contribute to the investigations of chronic/environmental disease conditions as needed, as well as analysis of disease data in surveillance activities.Duties & Responsibilities: Epidemiology DutiesConduct epidemiology case and contact investigations for selected communicable diseases or notifiable conditions, with a focus on TB, and other conditions/illnesses of public health significance to ensure readiness for responding to public health threats and emergencies. Ensure data entry of cases/contacts and investigations into the appropriate surveillance data management systems and meet standards outlined by State of Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Provide 24/7 disease surveillance coverage on a rotating basis with other epidemiologists for after hour calls. Provide consultation and make recommendations for control measures and prevention based on public health guidelines. Collect, package, and process specimens in accordance with laboratory guidelines for testing, as needed. Research, Data Analysis, and ReportsParticipate in research activities which may include the design, preparation, and review of reports from analyses of surveillance data, literature reviews, and other information. Perform data analysis of cases/contacts, field investigations, and other data sources for routine surveillance reports, such as TB for Harris County, as well as reports of KPIs. Other reports may include monthly morbidity reports, disease summary reports, TB reports and outbreak investigation summary reports.OutreachEstablish and maintain relationships with hospital infection control preventionists, school health care coordinators, nurses, and other partners to promote reporting of Texas notifiable conditions. Initiate active surveillance in daycares, schools, and long-term care facilities etc. when an outbreak occurs. Coordinate with TB clinic for investigations, referrals, and quality assurance. Provide information related to epidemiology, surveillance, and other public health issues to diverse audiences and community partners, such as schools. Conduct presentations to healthcare professionals and public constituents on the risk, prevention, and control measures associated with notifiable conditions such as TB, as well as education on PrEP and nPEP.Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employerhttps://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspxIf you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.netThis position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
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 LeadershipUnderstands the organizational mission.Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust. Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.CollaborationContributes 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.InnovationAbility to adapt to change.Interpersonal Abilities/Personal CharacteristicsTreats 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.CommunicationCommunicates 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.
SUPPLEMENTAL 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 may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
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 Diseases Supervisor, the Surveillance Epidemiologist applies principles of Epidemiology to disease control activities and surveillance issues related to public health services and preparedness within the jurisdiction of HCPH. These principles will be applied to all notifiable conditions with a focus on Tuberculosis (TB) investigations and surveillance, and will include monitoring disease trends in the county, serving as the subject matter expert during TB case and outbreak investigations, and performing contact investigations. Responsibilities also include prevention and control of diseases related to potential Bioterrorism/Chemical/Radiological agents, and the proper surveillance and reporting of normal disease occurrence and outbreak situations. The Epidemiologist may also contribute to the investigations of chronic/environmental disease conditions as needed, as well as analysis of disease data in surveillance activities.Duties & Responsibilities: Epidemiology DutiesConduct epidemiology case and contact investigations for selected communicable diseases or notifiable conditions, with a focus on TB, and other conditions/illnesses of public health significance to ensure readiness for responding to public health threats and emergencies. Ensure data entry of cases/contacts and investigations into the appropriate surveillance data management systems and meet standards outlined by State of Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Provide 24/7 disease surveillance coverage on a rotating basis with other epidemiologists for after hour calls. Provide consultation and make recommendations for control measures and prevention based on public health guidelines. Collect, package, and process specimens in accordance with laboratory guidelines for testing, as needed. Research, Data Analysis, and ReportsParticipate in research activities which may include the design, preparation, and review of reports from analyses of surveillance data, literature reviews, and other information. Perform data analysis of cases/contacts, field investigations, and other data sources for routine surveillance reports, such as TB for Harris County, as well as reports of KPIs. Other reports may include monthly morbidity reports, disease summary reports, TB reports and outbreak investigation summary reports.OutreachEstablish and maintain relationships with hospital infection control preventionists, school health care coordinators, nurses, and other partners to promote reporting of Texas notifiable conditions. Initiate active surveillance in daycares, schools, and long-term care facilities etc. when an outbreak occurs. Coordinate with TB clinic for investigations, referrals, and quality assurance. Provide information related to epidemiology, surveillance, and other public health issues to diverse audiences and community partners, such as schools. Conduct presentations to healthcare professionals and public constituents on the risk, prevention, and control measures associated with notifiable conditions such as TB, as well as education on PrEP and nPEP.Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employerhttps://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspxIf you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.netThis position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
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 LeadershipUnderstands the organizational mission.Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust. Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.CollaborationContributes 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.InnovationAbility to adapt to change.Interpersonal Abilities/Personal CharacteristicsTreats 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.CommunicationCommunicates 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.
SUPPLEMENTAL 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 may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
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