EPIDEMIOLOGIST SPECIALIST

Full Job Description

Applications Accepted From: All Persons Interested

Job Classification: Epidemiologist Specialist
Posting Number: 38278
Section: Bureau of HIV/STD & Viral Hepatitis Prevention
Division: Public Health Branch (PHB)
Reporting Location: 8000 North Stadium Dr., 4th Floor
Workdays & Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM*
*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Plans, designs, conduct and coordinate epidemiological investigations of disease and bioterrorism-related activities. Implements and evaluates disease surveillance, control, and intervention activities. Possesses strong written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal and presentation skills, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

• Serves as subject matter expert, liaison, and resource to community members and internal/external stakeholders for the Fetal Infant Morbidity Review (FIMR) Board and Congenital Syphilis standards for the STI Program by maintaining regular communication with partners, providing consultation and information on CDC/DSHS standards regarding the current testing, diagnoses and treatment of STIs and HIV.
• Coordinates visits with private/public clinical settings and other community-based organizations to provide education, awareness, and assure compliance with CDC/DSHS standards through meetings, trainings, and presentations.
• Coordinates FIMR activities by organizing quarterly FIMR meetings, completing a minimum of 12 Congenital Syphilis cases per year (3 each quarter) for FIMR Board case reviews, providing administrative support, assisting with community action response activities, maintaining all FIMR-related records, and ensuring project deliverables/reports are submitted in a timely manner.
• Assists with Congenital Syphilis activities for the Houston STI Program.
• Conducts confidential maternal interviews and investigations of individuals diagnosed with or suspected of being at high risk for Syphilis, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Conducts Post-delivery follow up on women within 90 days of delivery.
• Protect, maintain, and ensure client confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations and other HHD policies and procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining knowledge of, training, and developing/revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and policies.
• Provides epidemiological analysis or interpretation of data or information for people who have responsibility for programs or policy development.
• May conduct and coordinate special field investigations and surveillance of disease during rapid-response activities, and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to respond to suspected outbreaks.
• Participates in special departmental assignments and performs back up duties as assigned.
• Conducts statistical data analysis using surveillance data and participates in the interpretation of study findings and preparation of surveillance reports, technical reports, newsletters, brochures, flyers, abstracts, and manuscripts for publications.
• Conducts statistical data analysis using surveillance data and participates in the interpretation of study findings and preparation of surveillance reports, technical reports, newsletters, brochures, flyers, abstracts, and manuscripts for publications.

WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Master's degree in Epidemiology or related biological, medical or medical research fields.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two years of professional experience as in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Biostatistics.

Bachelor's degree in Public Health or a related field with progressively responsible professional experience in public health or health care and two additional years of experience in applied epidemiology or disease investigation or reporting may be substituted for the educational requirement.

Qualifications

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

•Working knowledge of HIV (history, epidemiological profile, transmission, prevention, treatment, sociopolitical issues)
•Demonstrated experience working in the HIV prevention, care and/or treatment field
•Excellent written, oral, presentation, facilitation and interpersonal skills
•Demonstrated experience working with professional and clinical staff
•Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to work comfortably with communities highly impacted by HIV.

Additional Information

Application review and/or interview. However, the Department may administer a skill assessment evaluation.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION No
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Pay Grade 21

SALARY INFORMATION
GRANT FUND POSITION
Grants & Special funded positions are dependent upon continued available funds. If funding is no longer available, employee may be laid off or transferred. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-4882
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-4882). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.