Epidemiologist - Investigations Team (Grant Funded)

Under general direction, investigates, controls, and reports outbreaks of communicable diseases. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment with occasional exposure to hazardous materials, bodily fluids and infectious diseases. May exercise direct supervision over assigned staff.

This position is part of the Epidemiology Investigations Team and covers waterborne, foodborne, zoonotic, respiratory, and vaccine preventable diseases.

The San Antonio Metro Health District (SAMHD) provides public health services to clients, which may include risk for exposure to and possible transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases. Staff in high-risk positions will be required to obtain relevant immunizations, per SAMHD Policy DM4.16.  Review and consideration will be given to requests for exemption from this policy.  SAMHD is committed to advancing public health throughout the community and to creating a work environment in which all staff feel valued, respected, and accepted. 

Essential functions vary according to division assignment within the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District

Epidemiology Investigation Team

• Assist in data collection, assessment and conducts evaluations of surveillance processes.
• Assist with planning, developing, and coordinating investigations of acute conditions.
• Conducts investigations of waterborne, foodborne, zoonotic, respiratory and vaccine preventable diseases.
• Analyze and interpret epidemiologic data.
• Assess the potential health effects from exposure to communicable diseases.
• Report data and findings in compliance with local, state, and federal agency guidelines and regulations.
• Reports the results of epidemiological investigations to various professional, state, and local partners.
• Serve as a consultant to physicians, nurses and infection control staff in the control of public health problems, and recommends interventions and control measures in response to epidemiologic findings.
• Initiates, reviews, and provides consultation on epidemiological investigations.
• Works with public relations to maintain website content and release information to media about current communicable disease investigation.
• Represents San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and conducts presentations at conferences and meetings.
  Epidemiology Analysis Team
• Assist in data collection, assessment and evaluation process in community health planning for the department.
• Assist with planning, developing, and coordinating investigations of acute and chronic conditions.
• Participate in the community health assessment process to identify key health indicators and develop on-going assessment activities.
  HIV Incidence Surveillance Program
• Recruits laboratories in the region to participate in HIV Incidence Surveillance (HIS).
• Picks up, processes and prepares specimens for HIS per established policies; ships and tracks laboratory specimens.
• Monitors quality control procedures outlined for preparing specimens for HIS.
• Collects incident data on newly reported cases; conducts incident data quality assessments.
• Manages HIS data and participates in data reports calls and meetings as appropriate.
• Assists and works collaboratively with staff on related environmental or other communicable disease or food borne outbreaks.
• Evaluates and investigates cases of communicable diseases.
• Meets with laboratory and medical professionals at their work sites.
  All Divisions
• Investigates cases by records review and interview of medical personnel, patients, and family members.
• Maintains statistical information on reportable diseases within our jurisdiction.
• Develops disease control and prevention programs.
• Participates in field Epidemiological research, which includes sitting, standing, reaching, walking, and occasionally lifting equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Produces epidemiologic reports as necessary.
• Assists with quality assurance and quality improvements process.
• Confers with outside organizations and agencies to maintain and establish partnerships, collaborations and provide guidance and technical assistance.
• Prepares reports on data collected; oversees correct and timely disease reporting.
• Participates in communicable disease surveillance calls and meetings.
• Maintains security and confidentiality of sensitive data.
• May supervise assigned staff.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with preferable coursework in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field with two (2) years of experience in disease control, infection control, or epidemiology.
• OR Master's degree in Public Health, Science of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or related field is required.
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.

• Excellent computer skills.
• Data analysis experience.
• Disease investigations experience.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks.  If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing.  Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of epidemiology and related biostatistics.
• Knowledge of infectious disease symptoms, microbiology, laboratory procedures, medications, and other epidemiologic procedures.
• Knowledge of computer systems and computer language.
• Knowledge of local communicable diseases.
• Knowledge of medical equipment care and needs.
• Knowledge of the laws and organization of record keeping.
• Knowledge of social service agencies.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer and associated software programs.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
• Skill in utilizing a computer and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to plan, conduct, and report on epidemiological investigations.
• Ability to interpret laboratory data and ascertain its validity.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely to other physicians, medical personnel, patients, and media.
• Ability to make presentations in an innovative and informative manner.
• Ability to research and evaluate planning data for the distributing of clinics.
• Ability to organize and network using community resources.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish in order to make presentations to lay and medical persons.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements for the position, with or without accommodations.