Epidemiologist I Jobs

Epidemiologist I
Performs moderately complex epidemiological tasks. Works under minimal supervision, using initiative and independent judgment under the direction of the Epidemiology Team Lead, in the Immunization Section. Provides consultation and training on the epidemiology and distribution of vaccine to regional and local health agencies, medical professionals, federal entities, and the public. Assist in the development of surveillance procedures, protocols, and guidelines on immunizations. Evaluates program information and educational needs. Works with Section Managers, Team Leads, and other Program Specialists to maintain standard operating procedures. Coordinates with the Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit as necessary to ensure consistency of prevention messaging and interpretation of vaccine related statistics such as disease surveillance data and immunization coverage levels. Consults with health and medical personnel and provides information to the public on matters related to vaccines

Essential Job Functions:
Essential Job Functions: (50%) Vaccine Surveillance and Epidemiology:
Assists in management of statewide surveillance for the administration of vaccines to prevent diseases such as: COVID-19, measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, mumps, pertussis, H. influenza, tetanus, diphtheria, varicella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and polio. Assists senior epidemiologists with epidemiological data gathering, cleaning, and analysis; and, the resulting recommendations for vaccine uptake. Is responsible for the continuous monitoring of surveillance data to identify unusual trends and patterns. Using latitude, corresponds verbally and in writing with regional and local health departments, medical professionals, laboratories, federal entities, and the general public concerning vaccine surveillance issues. Corresponds with sites, evaluates staff reporting needs, and recommends and initiates appropriate training and education. Assembles reports of site-specific data issues for training and remediation purposes to enhance surveillance program activities. Enters and corrects data as needed. Responsible for monitoring data and enforcing quality assurance techniques to ensure the integrity of reported data, and user competency. Using vaccination data, in conjunction with Word, Access, Epi Info, Excel, and/or PowerPoint, prepares status and ad hoc vaccine reports, and epidemiologic summary reports. Evaluates vaccination data quarterly and provides technical assistance as necessary for improvement. Assists team lead with preparation of performance measure reports for CDC.

(30%) Education, Training, and Consultations:
Interprets written and verbal public health information requests. Coordinates with the Epidemiology team lead to formulate definitions, apply standards, and responses regarding vaccine surveillance data. Coordinates with the Epidemiology team lead to update documents regarding the burden of vaccine preventable diseases, including COVID-19. Ensures content of immunization websites are current and complete regarding vaccine surveillance. Acts as a resource for consultations on the vaccine schedule of recommended and required vaccines. Responds to written and verbal requests for information. Participates in group training and discussions regarding vaccine surveillance. Provides guidance to regional health departments on vaccine guidelines. Performs public speaking before medium and large groups. Stays informed and current on relevant and emerging vaccines.

(15%) Special Projects:
Participates in research projects. Assists in developing interview tools and surveys for intervention effectiveness. Assists with the development databases for managing vaccine information for special projects. Participates in special projects.

(5%) Other Duties as Assigned.
Performs related duties as assigned by supervisor, which may 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 or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs)

Knowledge of vaccines for VPDs

Knowledge of database management and data and statistical analyses

Knowledge of the principles and practices of Epidemiology

Knowledge of public health statutes and rules

Knowledge of vaccines used a prophylaxis during an outbreak

Knowledge of quality assurance and improvement procedures and practices

Knowledge of program evaluation techniques, including the evaluation of training programs

Skill in the use of computers and software relevant to data collection and data analysis: Excel, PowerPoint, Access, SAS, ArcGIS, and Tableau.

Skill in public speaking

Skill in mathematical and statistical calculations

Skill in preparing technical reports

Skill in writing and maintaining standard operating procedures

Skill in interpreting medical information from laboratory reports and medical records

Skill in creating questionnaires and abstracting data from hospital/medical records

Skill in communicating and informing the general public about infectious disease issues.

Skilled in project management.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to communicate complex disease concepts to public health and medical professionals

Ability to interpret public health laws, rules, regulations, and recommendations related to immunizations.

Ability to interpret public health laws of the State of Texas, with special emphasis on immunization laws

Ability to understand, organize, manipulate, and maintain complex data.

Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. HHS agencies use EVerify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Applicants will be required to complete an in-basket exercise. The full salary range may not be offered due to budget limitations.

Initial Selection Criteria:

Master’s degree from a U.S. accredited college or university or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator with a focus on epidemiology and/or analysis and assessment.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in public health with at least 1 year of experience in epidemiology.

OR

Bachelor's degree in other non-public health field from a U.S. accredited college or university or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator with at least 2 years of experience in epidemiology

Additional Information:
An in-basket exercise will be required at the time of the interview.

MOS Code:
68S, 60C, HM, 230X, 4E0X1, 43HX, 43MX, 43EX

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

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.