Epidemiologist II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The position is in the Congenital Syphilis Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit in the Community Health Improvement (CHI) Division. Performs highly complex (senior-level) epidemiological work, under the supervision of the Congenital Syphilis (CS) Manager. This position requires specialized knowledge of congenital syphilis surveillance and epidemiology. Participates in analyzing, planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting specific epidemiological investigations or studies related to congenital syphilis. Maintains the THISIS disease database and arranges for the cooperative use of CS epidemiological data with other agencies, states, and national organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Designs, conducts and collects epidemiological data for the surveillance of congenital syphilis and advanced epidemiological data analysis, evaluating women of childbearing age populations and their risk factors for CS using data from disease reporting systems and other large data sets available in the Department of State Health Services and Health and Human Services. Prepares and disseminates the results of investigations, special studies, and surveillance in the form of written and oral reports and presentations. Works with other health personnel in the control of congenital syphilis interventions, prevention strategies, and policies from across the health jurisdictions. Track program progress with data and provide updates on gap analysis. Works under minimum supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Performs related work as assigned. To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of epidemiology and related biostatistics; infectious diseases, adverse reproductive outcomes, cancer, or other chronic diseases; occupational and environmental diseases or injuries; and how causes of disease affect epidemiologic practices.
• Knowledge of epidemiological/public health research design, methods, principles, and techniques
• Knowledge of measurement, testing, and evaluation procedures
• Knowledge of analysis of large datasets
• Knowledge of computer software, including SAS, Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Adobe Professional, Tableau, and ArcGIS software
• Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software, in collecting and abstracting data from health records, in analyzing and interpreting large amounts of data, and in critical thinking.
• Skill in the use of statistical measurement techniques, research design and implementation, problem-solving methods and techniques
• Strong project management to organize major project activities into a logical sequence with a reasonable and achievable schedule of deadlines
• Skills in technical writing skills to communicate project/research information clearly and succinctly for correspondence with state and federal agencies
• Skill in creating data dashboards that simplify complex ideas to lay audiences and for internal and external consumption
• Skill in critical thinking and problem solving
• Ability to conduct epidemiological studies and investigations, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to manage projects and prepare reports on epidemiological studies and investigations; to interpret and publishing findings; and to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to work independently and show initiative
• Ability to develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research/data methods, procedures or DSHS policies
• Ability to interpret complex statistical data, charts, and tables and translate detailed information into simpler terms orally and in writing
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing
• Ability to assess the reliability, validity, and appropriateness of proposed data collection methods and epidemiologic designs
• Ability to plan, organize, and conduct assigned phases of complex research projects
• Ability to formulate reasonable hypothesis and structure research designs to account for variables
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work with others as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in epidemiology, statistics, or a related field preferred.
• At least one year experience with public health program management, data extraction, and maintenance of health databases preferred with a Texas state agency
• At least one year of experience in SAS and SAS Viya or similar software.
• At least one year of experience in analyzing large data sets.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with health information exchanges (HIE), vital statistics for Medicaid and other partners within and external to DSHS to obtain data related to Congenital Syphilis (CS). Responsible for performing data merges, matches, cleaning, and updating. Manages specialized program databases and develops new databases and tracking mechanisms as program needs arise. Proposes and initiate CS epidemiological studies and investigations, including design specification and analysis, and present project results. Initiates epidemiological data collection operations, defines database requirements, and provides quality control for data management of congenital syphilis case investigations.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on congenital syphilis epidemiology in Texas. Works within the team of surveillance staff at central office to ensure accurate, timely and complete reporting of cases of congenital syphilis and oversees follow up of any infants born to mothers diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy to ensure accurate reporting. Collaborates with STD Prevention and Public Health Follow Up colleagues to provide training, guidance, technical assistance and oversight to local and regional programs performing congenital syphilis surveillance data collection.
• Uses specialized software, particularly SAS and other software to analyze data associated with congenital syphilis from a variety of sources, including examining surveillance efforts, epidemiologic trends, academic research, and testing and public health follow-up efforts. Design, implement, and evaluate surveillance processes for congenital syphilis.
• Uses academic and general search engines to locate congenital syphilis -related research. Provides consultation relating to research design, planning, instrumentation, and statistical analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Synthesizes disease information from a variety of sources to write reports for lay and professional audiences. Oversees, coordinates, and prepares reports and materials for presentation and publication. Works with IT partners to develop Tableau dashboards and visualizations. Develops illustrations of program data and analyses using PC software such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Presents reports and data analysis findings to internal and external groups, including DSHS staff and community groups. This position may contribute to CS epidemiologic profiles and DSHS reports for lay and professional audiences. Prepares required program annual and quarterly reports. Represents DSHS at meetings and conferences on a statewide and national basis and acts as a liaison to other branches within the Department and with state and national organizations related to congenital syphilis.
• Participates in the preparation of and responds to complex requests for CS information, data and analyses as requested by the team lead, CS Manager, Division Director or other Department staff, outside agencies, the public and the media. Report the results of CS epidemiological investigations to various professional, state, and national organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Other duties assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and location.  To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.

Benefits

• DSHS offers 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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees