IIS Epidemiologist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

8d • $4,523 - $5,889

About The Position

The Epidemiologist II works under the direction of the Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Manager in the Information Immunization System (IIS) Unit. Performs specialized data analysis and evaluation studies related to the Texas Immunization Registry and related immunization program activities. Maintains the vaccination evaluation and forecasting functionality of the registry including documenting deficiencies reported by internal and external stakeholders.
Reviews and assesses vaccination reporting within the IIS through measuring vaccination validity and completeness. Identifies methods for increasing IIS usage and effectiveness as a tool for increasing vaccination coverage statewide. Assists with design, implementation, and evaluation of IIS improvement activities. Collaborates with other Immunization Unit epidemiologists to plan, develop, initiate, and conduct epidemiological studies of immunization coverage levels using the IIS as the primary data source. Presents to professional and lay audiences on vaccination uptake, data quality, and coverage levels.

Requirements

• Knowledge of public health principles
• Knowledge of data quality assessment as it relates to public health practice
• Knowledge of database management
• Knowledge of statistical analyses using large datasets
• Knowledge of program evaluation
• Knowledge of quantitative epidemiological methods
• Knowledge of vaccines and related schedules
• Skill in the use of software relevant to database management and statistical and epidemiologic analyses (SAS, SQL, R, and/or SPSS or other statistical/database management software)
• Skill in Microsoft Office including Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• Skill in the management and manipulation of large datasets (>1 million records)
• Ability to establish goals and objectives
• Ability to evaluate policies and procedures
• Ability to assimilate technical concepts and to communicate these effectively in an easily understood format both orally and in writing
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively on a team
• Ability to learn new technological skills as needs arise and to think critically about how to apply technology to improve program effectiveness.
• A master’s degree with a focus in epidemiology, biostatistics, or related field and at least 1 year of work experience in epidemiology or data analysis (work experience at a public health agency is preferred) OR An undergraduate degree in public health, biostatistics, biological sciences, or a related field with 2 or more years of epidemiology or data analysis (work experience at a public health agency is preferred)

Responsibilities

• Updates the Texas Immunization Registry to ensure new and updated vaccines are reportable into the system.
• Creates and maintains vaccination schedules within the registry for accurate evaluation and forecasting.
• Documents deficiencies with registry regarding vaccination reporting and evaluation and forecasting.
• Conducts and documents testing and evaluation of vaccine reporting and vaccination schedules.
• Coordinates with health care providers, electronic health record systems, local and regional health department partners on matters related to IIS data quality.
• Performs epidemiological studies and advanced data manipulation and analyses related to the IIS and immunization program activities.
• Analyzes and provides interpretation of data using appropriate statistical methods and analysis packages.
• Contributes to the design, implementation, and evaluation of IIS activities.
• Assists in coordinating needs assessment activities for IIS.
• Responds by telephone or in writing to requests for data from private and public agencies, health professionals, media organizations and the public.
• Assists in the reporting of metrics for the IIS portion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunization Cooperative Agreement.
• Prepares written reports and presentations on vaccination uptake, data quality, and coverage rate data using the registry and ensuring content is appropriate for the target audience.
• Prepares or assists in preparing data for dissemination to external and internal partners.
• Reviews scientistic literature as appropriate.
• Listens to external webinars and calls as needed.
• Working with Unit staff, develops protocols, procedures, and training materials related to the IIS and vaccination coverage and uptake.
• Participates in training regional and local staff in IIS data.
• Performs related duties as assigned by supervisor, which may 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 or Continuity of Operations Plan (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: Mid Level