Cardiovascular Health & Diabetes Epidemiologist - Contractor

State of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

47d

About The Position

This position provides statistical and analytical support to the Office of Statistics and Evaluation (OSE) to support the evaluation of cross-cutting approaches to promote prevention and management of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. This involves supporting: data collection from health systems and community-based organizations; analysis of survey, medical records, claims, emergency medical services and hospitalization data; evaluation of media campaign impact; data visualization and dissemination activities including creating maps, presentations, reports, and manuscripts; supporting outside evaluation contractors; and supporting reporting requirements for federally funded cooperative agreements. The Epidemiologist will apply a structural analysis of systemic and historical racism and other forms of historical oppression and the resulting inequities to their work, in alignment with the principles and practices of the BCHAP Racial Equity Movement. This includes understanding the root causes of health inequities, particularly the role of structural racism and other systemic drivers of health, and incorporating a racial equity and health equity lens in data collection, analyses, evaluation, and

Nice To Haves

Understanding of equity, and its impact on social determinants of health, access to resources, and health; have a demonstrated commitment to health and racial equity.
Understanding of program evaluation, including the process of collecting, analyzing, interpreting and reporting on quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
Proficient in SAS coding and the manipulation of data utilizing SAS, including experience using survey data and large data sets (e.g., BRFSS, claims data or medical records).
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to support statistical or technical report writing, prepare charts and diagrams, and make effective oral presentations.
Experienced in working in groups and collaborating with others and establishing and maintaining harmonious and collaborative working relationships with others.
Oversee tasks and projects independently with minimal supervision, including adjusting to changing situations to meet emergency or changing program or production requirements.
Experience analyzing and contextualizing data within the context of historical and structural racism.
Experience with program evaluation.
Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
Experience establishing and overseeing multiple (baseline and follow-up) large and/or complex databases.
Knowledge of chronic disease epidemiology.
Familiarity with statewide surveillance data sources, e.g., BRFSS, MA Hospital Discharge, registry data, Vital Records.
Understanding of issues relative to surveillance data systems.
Experience developing surveys or conducting primary data collection.
Familiarity with ICD-9 and ICD-10 coding.
Knowledge of database organization and the proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.
Ability to link large datasets for evaluation purposes.
Capacity to develop logical flow charts and to write programming code.
Ability to conceptualize and design statistical analysis plans and conduct analyses using SAS.
Experience mapping data, particularly surveillance and/or disease data, using GIS software.
Experience creating documents regarding heart disease and stroke for various audiences e.g. the lay public, legislators, etc.
Familiarity with issues relative to the importance of early detection of heart disease, stroke, and related risk factors.
Ability to oversee multiple projects.
Competency in public speaking and provision of statistical training and technical assistance

Responsibilities

Analyze statewide, national, and program data sources to identify prevalence, mortality, and environmental, demographic, or social determinants of health factors that influence diabetes, heart disease, and stroke in Massachusetts residents. Data analysis will be conducted using SAS, Excel, ArcGIS, and Tableau.
Prepare and update data documents, including descriptive and analytic reports, graphs, charts, tables, and GIS maps. Give oral presentations of data findings to internal (DPH) and external audiences.
Assist program evaluator and other evaluation staff working on overall program evaluation and needs assessment activities for CDC funded chronic disease grants. This includes developing surveys for data collection in REDCap; tracking, analyzing, and reporting on performance measures and indicators; assisting with the writing of grant evaluation reports and annual progress reporting; and assessing the adequacy of data sources and perform analyses to measure impact of DPH activities on equity through application of a racial equity lens to program evaluation.
Participate in internal data users group meetings, external training opportunities, learning sessions, site visits, grantee meetings, and regional meetings, as needed. Participate in staff meetings for the Office of Statistics and Evaluation, Division of Health Protection & Promotion, and Bureau of Community Health and Prevention.
Collaborate with evaluation and program team members to prioritize tasks and ensure alignment across programs. Perform other duties as required (including in-state and occasional out-of-state travel)