Epidemiologist | SMR Coordinator - Health and Human Services (0426)

This position is responsible for investigative and analytical epidemiologic work using various data sources. Epidemiologic activities related to surveillance, detection, and prevention of diseases and injuries are also essential functions. The individual in this role will work as a team or project member under the direction of a lead epidemiologist or division manager, performing work of considerable difficulty in the development, implementation, and management of a disease surveillance system while carrying out the functions listed. This position assists with epidemiologic investigations as assigned.

This position will spend approximately 25% of their time coordinating vector surveillance activities and the evaluation of animal bite incidents to assess the risk of rabies exposure. Duties may include mosquito trapping and testing, reviewing reports, coordinating with environmental health and animal control partners, and supporting public health recommendations related to prevention of rabies and vector borne diseases.

This position is partially funded through the Healthy People, Healthy Communities grant for the Suicide Mortality Review Program. Accordingly, 50% of this position’s responsibilities relate to the administration of the Suicide Mortality Review Program, including but not limited to requesting medical records, creating patient files, planning, scheduling, and leading quarterly Suicide Mortality Review Board meetings with the goals of case review and intervention planning. This position will prepare quarterly and annual reports related to suicide mortality and attend required meetings and training as necessary. The position may also perform other related duties as assigned.

Note regarding Nature of Work:

This position involves regular work with sensitive topics, including self-harm and suicide. Applicants should be comfortable engaging with this subject matter in a professional, data driven context.

Under direction, performs work of considerable difficulty in the development, implementation, and management of a disease surveillance system and performs related duties as assigned.

• Develop, implement, and manage surveillance systems for monitoring morbidity and mortality trends, biological events, and/or disease outbreaks.  
• Performs analyses and prepares reports on morbidity and mortality trends, biological events, and/or disease outbreaks.
• Conducts fieldwork for surveillance or for response to biological events and disease outbreaks.
• Conducts vulnerability assessments and participates in preparedness planning.  
• Analyzes trends and provides projections for program planning, evaluation, and development.   
• Develops classes and workshops to train management staff and professional groups.   
• Reviews complex data and recommends appropriate actions.  
• Researches and evaluates evolving techniques and technologies.  
• Coordinates with related state, federal, and local agencies, clinics, hospitals, and laboratories.  
• Interacts with physicians, laboratory staff members, and clinical service providers.   
• Performs related duties as required.

Essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to: Sitting for desk work; working with and around other staff; performing repetitive motion (hand–wrist) for computer input; using vision (near acuity and color vision) for computer input; and using hearing and speech (ordinary conversation) for phones, meetings, presentations, etc.; and using touch (finger dexterity) for computer input.

Master's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Informatics, Bio Stats, or closely related field, and 2 years epidemiological experience within the public health area; OR, 

Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Informatics, Bio Stats, or closely related field and 3 years epidemiological experience within the public health area; OR,

Associates degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Informatics, Bio Stats, or closely related field and 4 years epidemiological experience within the public health area; OR,

Five years epidemiological experience within the public health area: OR,

Any combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. 

Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Informatics, or a Social Science field.

Two or more years’ full-time experience with local, state, or tribal public health.

Intermediate or advanced skills in statistical analysis software (SAS, R, Python) and strong skills in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Two or more years full-time experience with surveillance epidemiology, case investigation and outbreak response, or facilitating mortality review meetings

Two or more years’ full-time experience in:

• Infectious disease epidemiology; or
• Injury, substance use, or suicide epidemiology; or
• Vector surveillance; or
• Animal bite and rabies epidemiology

Experience collecting, handling, and transporting clinical and environmental specimens for pathogen testing

Experience conducting field work in remote settings

Demonstrated leadership ability and willingness to work in partnerships within a team environment.

Experience with oral presentations, written reports, making data understandable, and communicating with media, classes, etc.

Bilingual in English and Navajo, or English and Spanish.

The ideal candidate will have the knowledge and skills to assume a leadership role when appropriate, contribute ideas and take initiative to seek solutions or make improvements, articulate and function effectively in the role of an epidemiologist within the context of public health and among internal and external partners, and work cooperatively in a diverse team.

This position is safety sensitive.

This position is exempt from overtime.

Considerable knowledge of

• Surveillance program design and management
• Epidemiological research methods and biostatistical analysis
• The use of computerized databases for disease monitoring and trend analysis
• Psychological and societal factors that influence suicide or drug overdose
• Infectious, vector borne, and zoonotic disease transmission patterns
• Biological and chemical agents that might be used in terrorist or emergency events
• Training program design and presentation

Ability to

• Analyze complex data and suggest appropriate actions, policies, and solutions
• Plan, organize, and facilitate meetings and events
• Utilize effective communication skills in public speaking
• Develop and implement specialized programs
• Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, medical professionals, other agencies, and the public
• Follow written and verbal instructions
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing