Healthcare-Associated Infections Epidemiologist III
About The Position
Under the supervision of the Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI)/Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) Epidemiology Manager, the Healthcare-Associated Infections Epidemiologist III serves as a subject matter expert and performs senior-level epidemiological work related to reporting, prevention, and control of HAIs and AR for a designated Public Health Region (PHR). The role collaborates with epidemiologists in the Healthcare Safety Unit and the assigned PHR, and may be deployed to other PHRs in Texas as needed. The position initiates, plans, conducts, and oversees HAI/AR surveillance and investigations; conducts infection control assessments of healthcare facilities and recommends ways to address identified gaps; and designs processes for collecting, managing, evaluating, and disseminating data. It develops educational materials and training for healthcare facilities and public health departments, prepares presentations and technical reports, collaborates with local, regional, and state stakeholders, consults with healthcare and public health professionals, and responds to public inquiries. The role also advises the manager on budgets, grants, contracts, staffing, policies, and procedures as needed.
Requirements
- Master’s degree (MPH, MS, or MSN), doctorate (PhD, DSc, DNP, DrPH, ScD, or DMSc), or professional certification or licensure (RN, PA, or MD).
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in areas such as infection prevention and control, infectious disease epidemiology, public health epidemiology surveillance, data analysis, or microbiology.
- Knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics, HAIs and other infectious diseases, infection prevention and control strategies, HAI/AR surveillance, outbreak investigation principles and methodologies, and state and federal laws and regulations related to notifiable conditions and HAI.
- Skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; preparing written reports and technical documents; managing large databases; epidemiological investigation and outbreak response; project management; coordinating multi-agency initiatives; and providing technical assistance and consultation.
- Ability to independently lead investigations; coordinate activities across partners; translate epidemiological findings into public health recommendations and action; collect, analyze, and interpret data; and make recommendations based on data analysis and infection control assessment findings.
- Ability to assess compliance with infection prevention and control standards; present statistical and technical data; communicate effectively; manage multiple projects; and work with public health and healthcare professionals.
- Ability to inform and educate stakeholders on infection prevention and control strategies; use computers to organize and maintain records and files; and interpret laboratory findings and medical records.
- Ability to interpret Texas laws and rules, exercise sound judgment when information is incomplete or evolving, prioritize competing demands, and respond effectively during public health emergencies.
- If not certified in infection control (CIC), obtain the associate Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC) certification within 6 months of hire and CIC certification within 15 months of hire.
Nice To Haves
- Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Initiate, plan, conduct, and oversee HAI/AR epidemiological surveillance projects, infection control assessments, and investigations in healthcare facilities.
- Coordinate investigations with healthcare facilities, local and regional health departments, the CDC, and other internal and external stakeholders.
- Review medical records and abstract relevant information; coordinate epidemiological and laboratory resources to support investigations.
- Provide epidemiological consultation to infection preventionists, public health epidemiologists, medical professionals, and other stakeholders.
- Communicate investigation findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
- Develop, review, and update HAI and AR investigation guidelines and resources; assist other epidemiologists in the state as needed.
- Serve as the HAI/AR subject matter expert for the designated Public Health Region and help achieve the HAI Investigations Group’s goals and objectives.
- Mentor and train local and regional health department epidemiologists, infection preventionists, interns, fellows, and other HAI Epidemiologists.
- Assist with HAI Investigations Group grants by writing work plans, recommending budgets, tracking activities, and reporting milestones and performance measures.
- Manage projects and help prioritize tasks to ensure timely completion.
- Host and attend meetings with stakeholders to provide updates on infection prevention and control topics and HAI/AR investigations.
- Develop and provide educational materials and training for healthcare facilities, public health departments, the public, and other partners.
- Prepare and disseminate information about infection prevention and control and HAI/AR reporting, prevention, and control, including health advisories.
- Prepare abstracts for manuscript submission or presentations at professional organization meetings and conferences.
- Respond to legislative requests and DSHS Press Office inquiries when requested by DSHS leadership.
- Develop recommendations for the manager on budgets, grants, contracts, staffing needs, policies, and procedures as applicable.
- Participate in interviews and selection of other team members.
- Participate in or support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations Plan activation, including possible assignment to an alternate shift pattern or location.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- 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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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
