Epidemiologist Fellow

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Temple, TX

3d • $5,000 - $5,333 • Onsite

About The Position

Begin your Epidemiology career with the Public Health Region 7 Epidemiologist Fellow position. This is a temporary 1-year position that is expected to end on 6/30/2027. This is an in-person, full-time position. Under the supervision of the Epidemiologist III, works on the Epidemiology & Surveillance Team and serves as a member of the DSHS Epidemiology Response Team. Conducts morbidity and mortality surveillance and epidemiologic investigations of individual cases and clusters of infectious disease. Collects and analyzes epidemiologic data to detect trends, outbreaks, unusual occurrences, and other possible adverse public health events related to infectious disease. Enters epidemiologic data into appropriate databases. Prepares reports and disseminates findings. Consults with local health departments and health care providers regarding disease reporting and surveillance, reporting laws, and prevention and control measures. Assists in the development and improvement of processes for investigating notifiable conditions. Assists in the development of and provides training on epidemiology topics. Participates in public health preparedness and response to disasters, disease threats, and other public health threats and emergencies. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles and methods of epidemiology, biostatistics, and the epidemiology of infectious disease.
• Knowledge of state laws pertaining to disease reporting and the prevention and control of communicable disease.
• Knowledge of current social, economic and public health issues relevant to Public Health Region 7.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of educational program development and implementation.
• Knowledge of public health preparedness and response.
• Skill in word processing, database development and management, spreadsheet software, statistical software, and graphics design software.
• Skill in training and making public presentations.
• Skill in writing and editing.
• Skill in mathematical computation and statistical analysis.
• Ability to conduct epidemiological investigations.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, develop and oversee disease surveillance programs.
• Ability to analyze situations and determine courses of action.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work discreetly and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to travel.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license or equivalent from another state.
• A graduate degree in public health or related field (MS, MPH, MSPH, DrPH, etc) is required.
• Experience with MS Excel, equivalent spreadsheets, or statistical analysis software
• Less than 2 years of experience in public health or transitioning into public health from another industry

Nice To Haves

• a concentration in epidemiology is preferred.
• Experience in infectious disease surveillance, health data collection/interpretation, and/or epidemiologic data analysis preferred
• Coursework or experience related to infectious diseases preferred

Responsibilities

• Collects and analyzes epidemiologic data to detect trends, outbreaks, unusual occurrences, and other possible adverse public health events related to infectious diseases.
• Conducts morbidity and mortality surveillance and epidemiologic investigations.
• Works with Epidemiology Supervisor to monitor disease incidence and to detect and address outbreaks.
• Receives and responds to disease reports.
• Verifies diagnoses, notifies appropriate personnel, coordinates collection and submission of patient/ environmental samples, administers questionnaires, reviews/ abstracts/ interprets medical records, conducts patient and physician interviews, and recommends appropriate control measures.
• Enters and tracks epidemiologic data in state and local databases.
• Works with the Epidemiology Supervisor to develop and update processes for investigating conditions on the Texas Notifiable Conditions List.
• Provides epidemiology support to Region 7 programs.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with a wide variety of epidemiology and surveillance partners including, but not limited to: local health departments, infection preventionists, physicians, laboratories, school nurses and others involved in public or private healthcare.
• Provides accurate, timely and relevant information to partners and the general public when requested while maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality.
• Works to identify and promote awareness and understanding of current issues of concern and trends related to communicable and other diseases among partners.
• Assists in the development of and provides training on surveillance, investigations, and other epidemiology topics.
• Prepares written reports and makes presentations related to regional surveillance and epidemiologic activities.
• Conducts analysis of data for use in preparing morbidity and mortality summaries for internal and external partners.
• Prepares information for publication in newsletters and/or website.
• Participates in public health preparedness projects, planning, and documentation.
• Supports the planning, development, interpretation and implementation of public health response and infectious disease guidance and plans.
• Writes standard operating guides (SOG) and/or processes.
• Participates in Public Health emergency monitoring and response.
• Participates in the on-call rotation providing 24/7/365 phone coverage for the reporting of infectious diseases and public health emergencies.
• Responds to Public Health emergencies, including disasters, disease threats, outbreaks, or bioterrorism.
• Assumes an active role in the regional incident command structure during public health emergencies and/or exercises.
• Works with PHR7 emergency management personnel, and city, county, state and federal officials on coordination during an event.
• Serves on the DSHS Epidemiology Response Team and can be deployed across the state to assist with disease investigation, surveillance, or other public health response activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned, to include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery and/or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level