FoodCORE Program Coordinator (Program Coordinator I)-61041068

Full Job Description

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This Program Coordinator I position will serve as liaison between South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section (CDES) for trace-back activities and food complaints. This position will be responsible for reporting required data to the Centers for Disease and Prevention's (CDC) web-based platform the System for Enteric Disease Response, Investigation, and Coordination (SEDRIC). Enhance data accuracy and enable CDC to immediately review Epi data to be more informed about regional and state clusters. Other duties include performing timely and accurate data entry for all foodborne and acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in South Carolina. Also, serve as a back-up for FoodCORE regional health educators.

Serve as liaison between S.C Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section (CDES) for trace-back activities and food complaints.

Maintain appropriate record of food complaint responses and assist in epidemiological investigations particularly for CDES on-call activities.

Enter and complete the Pathogen-specific surveillance forms within SEDRIC, mainly Listeria, Enteric Fever Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi and other pathogens.

Perform data entry in SEDRIC for FoodCORE isolates Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Salmonella, Listeria, Shigella, and Campy that are linked to clusters or to Reoccurring, Emerging, and Persisting (REP) enteric bacterial strains and reported via the Genomic Cluster Report in South Carolina Electronic reporting system.

Respond to all CDC inquiries regarding specific isolates in SEDRIC. For isolates linked to a national outbreak, this position will coordinate the supplemental questionnaire' s completion and its subsequent upload into SEDRIC.

Serve as a back-up for FoodCORE regional health educators.

Perform timely and accurate data entry for all foodborne and acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in South Carolina. Also, Assist with compiling monthly reports of norovirus outbreaks.

Requirements

State Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and relevant program experience.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements: A high school diploma and work experience in public health.

A bachelor's degree in health education, health promotion or a closely related field such as psychology, biology, sociology, education or physical education and health education experience may be substituted for the required work experience.

The agency's requirements are: a bachelor' s degree in public health or a related technical field or an associate degree plus two (2) years of public health or related experience.

Institutions of higher learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Qualifications

Knowledge of principles, practices and theories of public health education and promotion. Familiarity with foodborne disease pathogens and infectious disease surveillance.

Ability to track common exposures across multiple food complaints using an Excel spreadsheet. Strong ability to communicate orally with effective interpersonal skills.

Ability to perform data collection and data analysis. Knowledge of standard descriptive statistical methods. Experienced in telephone interviews.

Ability to present information in written and oral form.

Additional Information

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant, being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Temporary Grant Employees (TGE) positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holiday
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Temporary Grant Employees (TGE); please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.