Health Care Facility Epidemiologist
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Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a Health Care Facility Epidemiologist within the Bureau of Health Care Safety & Quality. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to use advanced epidemiological and statistical skills to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for nursing home residents and patients throughout Massachusetts. Working in partnership with state and federal agencies, the role blends data analysis with creative problem-solving to identify trends, address emerging public health challenges, and strengthen both health surveillance and quality improvement efforts. By linking diverse datasets and applying evidence-based methods, you will help guide regulatory decisions and support healthcare facilities in delivering exceptional care.
In this role, you will contribute directly to shaping public health policy and practice while expanding your expertise in new software, analytic techniques, and quality improvement strategies. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, offering meaningful projects that have a tangible impact on patient outcomes. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives on solving complex analytic challenges, values continuous learning, and is committed to using data to create lasting improvements in healthcare quality and safety.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Produce weekly database extracts and generate online reports for the Nursing Home Survey Performance Tool, ensuring data integrity during system updates and transitions.
- Conduct epidemiological and statistical analyses of state and federal databases to assess trends, rates, and prevalence of health-related issues.
- Provide recommendations and develop methodologies to support healthcare capacity strategies in long-term care settings.
- Manage and maintain federally required MDS/OASIS systems, serving as liaison with CMS to ensure operational functionality of reporting applications.
- Design and implement novel data analysis reports and tools to inform regulatory guidelines and enhance quality of care in Massachusetts health care facilities.
- Establish and maintain standards for data quality assurance and control across projects and datasets.
- Collaborate in preparing, reviewing, and executing statistical analysis plans to address key public health priorities.
- Prepare and present descriptive, statistical, and epidemiological reports to internal and external stakeholders.
- Perform computer-based data analysis using SAS, Excel, and ArcGIS, and oversee data collection projects in REDCap.
- Deliver evidence-based analyses to guide the development of health care regulations and public health policies.
Required Qualifications:
- Knowledge of epidemiology, biostatistics, and survey/study design, including research methods for large dataset analysis.
- Proficiency in analyzing epidemiologic, geospatial, and demographic data to draw conclusions and develop actionable recommendations.
- Skilled in statistical report writing and the preparation of charts, graphs, tables, and executive summaries.
- Experience developing and implementing quality improvement programs informed by data.
- Proficient with computer hardware and software, including statistical, spreadsheet, word processing, and informatics applications.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey precise instructions and information.
- Ability to maintain accurate records, gather qualitative and quantitative information, and ensure data integrity.
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and standards governing assigned activities.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Capacity to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in all aspects of work.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated adaptability in balancing multiple priorities, applying creative problem-solving, and meeting evolving program needs.
- Extensive experience in public health surveillance, research, and quantitative data analysis to inform policy development, with proficiency in SAS, Excel, and multiple diverse datasets.
- Skilled in creating impactful reports and dashboards using data visualization tools such as Tableau and Power BI.
- Proven ability to interpret epidemiological and geospatial data (ArcGIS or similar), draw evidence-based conclusions, and make sound analytical recommendations.
- Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing licensed healthcare entities, with expertise in compliance-related analysis and data quality assurance, control, and auditing.
DPH Mission and Vision:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.
We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.
Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do\: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc
Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http\://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4
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