Epidemiologist II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

58d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Data Mangement and Analytics Group Manager, the Epidemiologist II performs advanced epidemiological work related to HIV/HCV/STD data management and analyses. The Epidemiologist II performs research and epidemiological work that may require specialized knowledge of health behaviors related to HIV/HCV/STD transmission which includes but not limited to a) assisting with the planning and execution of epidemiological and surveillance projects, b) the collection and analyses of data through these projects, c) analyzing HIV/HCV/STD surveillance and program data to process data requests d) assisting with other data management responsibilities of the group, e) utilizing the THISIS and eHARS and other relevant surveillance systems for data analytic activities, f) participating in, and evaluation of the development of data management and analytic procedures, protocols, and guidelines, g) assisting with quality assurance measures to ensure disease data analyses is accurate and timely, h) performing other duties as assigned. Work is performed with general supervision and moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Knowledge of major functions of public health.
Knowledge of statistical analysis concepts (Preferably SAS programming), database management and their applications to public health surveillance and research.
Knowledge of the health status, socioeconomic and demographic measures used in public health.
Knowledge of population, socioeconomic and health outcomes data sources.
Knowledge of programming logic and scripting.
Knowledge of human subjects' protections and issues of confidentiality.
Knowledge of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other infectious diseases.
Skill in data analysis with statistical software (Preferably SAS).
Skill in writing syntax to perform data analysis (Preferably with SAS).
Skill in the use of computers and software relevant to data collection and data analysis e.g. NEDSS Based System, Excel, PowerPoint, Epi Info, SAS, R, STATA, SPSS, and Access.
Skill in using Internet publishing/graphics and data visualization software such as Tableau or Power BI.
Skill in verbal and written communications.
Skill in scientific presentation.
Skill in developing reports, fact sheets, dashboards.
Skill in working with sensitive personal health information.
Skill in data interpretation.
Ability to understand, organize, manipulate, manage complex data and query complex databases (Preferably using SAS software)
Ability to use population data for public health planning and evaluation.
Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and show initiative.
Ability to communicate effectively with data users and coworkers.
Ability to interpret public health laws, rules, regulations, and recommendations related to HIV/HCV/STD.
Ability to understand, organize, manipulate, and maintain complex data.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
Ability to shift focus for urgent requests.
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social science, computer science, statistical analysis, behavioral science, biostatistics, or related field.
Two years of data analysis experience required.

Nice To Haves

Master level degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, social science, or statistical analysis preferred.
Experience and proficiency with SAS strongly preferred.
Years of data analysis experience in applicable public health programs such as chronic or infectious disease may substitute for education on a year-by-year basis.
Experience in the programming in statistical software, experience with development and maintenance of databases strongly preferred.
Experience with survey development, data collection, statistical analyses, or data dissemination processes.
Experience in writing or reviewing statistical and surveillance reports, factsheets, dashboard development or data visualization strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts HIV/HCV/STD surevillace data analysis.
Conducts research investigations, surveillance and assessment based on standard scientific methods, programmatic needs or new/innovative approaches.
Provides research and technical assistance to HIV/HCV/STD program areas regarding epidemiological methods, research/surveillance design, and program evaluation assessment of public health practices.
Prepares data to be uploaded to a web-based query system as needed.
Assists to provide HIV/HCV/STD data to policy makers, public health practitioners, internal and external partners and the public.
Conducts analyses of survey collected data.
Applies appropriate advanced statistical and/or analytical procedures.
Current projects focus on HIV/HCV/STD behavioral risk factors, testing, treatment, transmission, medical care and clinical outcomes.
Participates in epidemiological and surveillance HIV/HCV/STD project activities including, development of local survey questions, development and review of survey formative assessment and medical chart abstractions.
Presents results and findings of data analysis and studies to appropriate audiences.
Assists with the reviews of reports, manuscripts, and other documents for accuracy in content, statistics and interpretation of data.
Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to: actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

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).

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