Epidemiologist - CD

Epidemiologist - CD

The Position

GENERAL SUMMARY: Under supervision of the CD/Epi Supervisor or Clinic Services Manager, works cooperatively with the Health Officer, management, community groups, governmental and private agencies/organizations to perform professional epidemiology work by initiating epidemiological investigations, conducting disease surveillance and analyzing and presenting health data used to plan and implement public health intervention and prevention programs. This position provides epidemiological data analysis support specifically focusing on the identification of need, trends and gaps in programs addressing communicable disease and other notifiable conditions. Participates in the investigation, data collection, and analysis of disease outbreaks. Works closely with the District Health Officer and Senior Management to determine strategic direction and interventions based on identified needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Surveillance & Analysis

• Manage or assist in the collection, compiling, organizing, and/or analysis of complex information and population data related to communicable diseases from multiple systems into a variety of summary and detailed reports, assessments, and/or presentations. Data may be used to assist with the development of public health initiatives related to communicable or infectious disease.
• Identify trends and patterns in communicable disease topics for use in reports and data-informed practices within the agency.
• Conduct literature reviews as needed. Assist in interpreting and providing epidemiological data for communicable disease planning and policy development.
• Develop and assist with communicable disease presentations based on the analysis of results from epidemiologic investigations, population assessments, and literature to internal and external audiences
• Design surveys, questionnaires, surveillance systems, and other data collection instruments related to communicable disease.
• Monitor surveillance data to identify potential clusters or unusual patterns in communicable diseases and notify appropriate internal teams or external partners to support timely investigation and response.
• Use statistical and data visualization tools to analyze communicable disease data, support mitigation efforts, and communicate findings to stakeholders and the public.
• Collect surveillance information on reportable human morbidity and mortality as required by Washington law.
• May serve as the agency lead for communicable disease-related grants and initiatives, overseeing data collection, compliance, and reporting.
• Serve as a liaison to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) HAI team, including coordination with programs such as RHINO, WAWBE, and RESP-NET for technical assistance and outbreak consultation.

Case & Outbreak Investigation

• Conducts case investigations to identify causative agents and environmental conditions, following recommendations established by WAC and other national standards.
• Assists in other disease response/prevention activities in collaboration with other District staff. Collaborate closely with internal teams such as environmental health, clinic services, and emergency preparedness.
• Lead and support investigations of suspected or confirmed outbreaks in various settings, including preparing and managing line lists and outbreak logs.
• Coordinate specimen collection, site assessments, and follow-up with facilities or community partners.
• Complete forms and enters information in appropriate local and state reporting databases
• Manage simple to complex outbreak investigations.
• Provide guidance to facilities experiencing outbreaks on reporting, mitigation strategies, and general education on disease or infection prevention.
• Participate in community response measures for disease control and outbreak management.
• May participate as a Program liaison for the agency Investigation and Response Team.

Infection Prevention

• Conducts or assists with infection prevention assessments at relevant facilities (healthcare, education, etc.,) and support implementation of control measures such as isolation, cohorting, or enhanced precautions.
• Participate in a variety of professional public health committees/workgroups to advocate for changes in infection prevention practices and policies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of infection prevention practices through ongoing training and review of public health guidance.
• Identify priority education topics and quality improvement needs for healthcare, educational, and other relevant facilities based on site visits and partner feedback.

Communication and Community Engagement

• Educate patients, families and contacts on disease transmission, prevention, and treatment options per guidelines, referring clinical treatment questions to appropriate public health nursing (clinic services) staff as needed.
• Serve as a district, division, or program representative on agency, local and statewide committees, workgroups, organizations, and community coalitions, as requested.
• Participate in community partnerships to support epidemiological investigations.
• Prepare written reports and presentations that communicate necessary information to professional and lay audiences.
• Provide accurate public health messaging related to disease control and prevention.

Other

• Abide by and maintain compliance with HIPAA.
• Ensure accurate data entry, proper management of medical records, and secure handling of health information in accordance with privacy and data integrity standards.
• Perform and document Medicaid Administrative Match activities per the Medicaid Administrative Match Training Manuals for LHJs.
• Respond to public health emergency drills/exercises or actual events as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of epidemiologic, infection control, and disease outbreak investigation principles, practices and techniques.
• Strong understanding of statistical concepts.
• Knowledge of gathering, organizing, and presenting facts and statistical data in a clear, concise and logical manner, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of and skill in utilizing statistical, graphical, word processing, database and spreadsheet software, e.g., Stata, SPSS-PC, SAS, PowerBI, REDCap, etc. to perform data research and analysis, etc.
• Knowledge of the applications of ESSENCE, and Washington's Disease Reporting System (WDRS) a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office Software
• Knowledge of notifiable conditions and associated reporting guidelines, communicable disease processes, epidemiologic principles, practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply inferential statistics to work performed.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a wide range of audiences, both lay and professional.
• Write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals/guidelines.
• Skill in planning and organizing activities to meet established objectives.
• Ability to critically analyze data to create credible, real world conclusions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse population of clients and peers.
• Ability to collaborate on complex, inter-agency projects.
• Ability to work semi-independently but in a team-oriented work environment.
• Ability to interact with a culturally diverse population of clients, educational institutions, governmental agencies, community-based coalitions, and departmental staff to collect epidemiologic data and communicate findings.

The Requirements

Qualifications: To perform these jobs successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques and related tools/equipment to accomplish the basic function of this position, including any safety and/or legal requirements. This may, but not necessarily, include specialized skills.

Education/Experience: Requires BS Degree in Health-care related, biological, social sciences or related field, with appropriate coursework in statistics and/or epidemiology, and at least two years of experience desired performing statistical work in a Public Health and/or community-based health environment or the equivalent education, training and experience. College transcripts required to ascertain the inclusion of an advanced statistics or epidemiology course. Master's Degree in Public Health or Epidemiology preferred.

SELECTION PROCESS: The most qualified applicants, based in part upon evaluation of the completed application and related information will be invited for an interview. Applications should be submitted to the Sr. Human Resources Manager, Brandy McNeill, 7102 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336 or apply via our website: Employment - Benton Franklin Health District