IN-DOH-Measles Epidemiologist I

Cynet Systems•Indianapolis, IN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position aims to minimize measles-related morbidity and mortality among Indiana residents by conducting epidemiological surveillance, investigation, and analysis. The employee provides technical assistance, coordinates diagnostic testing, monitors disease data, develops educational materials, and supports case and outbreak investigations. The role may also provide surge capacity for data entry and, if applicable to the program area, serve as the IDOH epidemiologist on call during non-business hours for approximately two to three weeks per year. The employee completes most work independently under general supervisory direction, consulting the supervisor about complex or unusual situations. The role requires quickly developing working knowledge of relevant diseases and public health topics, assessing potential public health threats, interpreting regulations and guidance, identifying interventions, and communicating findings to internal and external partners. The employee is expected to maintain patient confidentiality, follow agency policies, practice cultural sensitivity, and identify professional development opportunities. The position works closely with the CDC, IDOH Laboratories, health care providers, local health departments, other state agencies, and additional partners. It is based in a standard office environment and requires occasional travel, including overnight travel. The posting describes the role as hybrid, with two days in person and three remote, potentially fewer in-person days depending on meetings and training. Physical demands may include extended sitting, use of limbs and fingers for manual tasks, lifting or transporting items up to 50 pounds, and, depending on duties, walking, standing, climbing, bending, stooping, pushing, or pulling.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education and experience combinations: a relevant master's degree; a non-relevant master's degree plus at least two years of public health experience; a relevant bachelor's degree plus at least two years of public health experience; a non-relevant bachelor's degree plus at least four years of public health experience; or a high school diploma or GED plus at least eight years of public health experience.
Experience with disease or syndromic surveillance systems such as NBS or ESSENCE; the skills table specifies two years.
Experience assisting with investigations, ideally involving vaccine-preventable or communicable diseases; the skills table specifies two years.
Experience conducting descriptive analysis of surveillance data, including identifying findings and limitations; the skills table specifies two years.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; the skills table specifies two years.
Experience preparing written and oral reports, presentations, and educational materials; the skills table specifies two years.
Ability to quickly acquire detailed knowledge of relevant diseases and public health topics.
Ability to gather and interpret information to identify public health threats and complete risk assessments.
Ability to interpret and communicate state regulations and public health guidance.
Ability to identify appropriate indications for public health laboratory testing and appropriate disease-prevention interventions.
Ability to evaluate surveillance data and support evaluation of surveillance systems.
Ability to elicit relevant information from patients in structured or unstructured telephone interviews.
Ability to use appropriate informatics tools and statistical or geospatial software, such as Epi Info, SAS, or ArcGIS.
Ability to design and execute epidemiologic or other relevant scientific studies.
Ability to provide prompt, courteous customer service; collaborate effectively; and communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and maintain organized records.
Ability to remain composed and professional when interacting with people who are angry or in emotional distress.
Knowledge of state and federal privacy laws and ability to protect patient confidentiality.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Willingness to travel occasionally, including overnight travel.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing and executing epidemiologic studies.
Experience conducting patient telephone interviews.
Experience working with the CDC, laboratories, local health departments, and health care providers.
Knowledge of state public health regulations and privacy laws, such as HIPAA.
Experience with risk assessment, prioritization, and record keeping.
Competence in statistical or geospatial software such as Epi Info, SAS, or ArcGIS.

Responsibilities

Provide prompt technical assistance to health care providers, local health departments, members of the public, and other audiences.
Coordinate with IDOH Laboratories, health care providers, local health departments, and members of the public to arrange prompt diagnostic testing where appropriate.
Conduct disease and public health surveillance using the state electronic disease surveillance system (NBS), the state syndromic surveillance system (ESSENCE), and other appropriate systems.
Develop educational materials for health care providers, local health departments, the public, and other audiences.
Assist with surveillance and investigation of individual cases and outbreaks.
Provide surge capacity for data entry of relevant reports and laboratory results as needed.
If applicable to the program area, serve as the IDOH epidemiologist on call during non-business hours for approximately two to three weeks per year.
Serve as a backup to other staff as necessary.
Conduct descriptive analyses of surveillance data, identify key findings, and identify data limitations.
Prepare written and oral reports, presentations, and educational materials for internal and external partners.
Complete work independently, consult the supervisor in complex or unusual situations, and identify process improvements or special projects.
Protect patient confidentiality, comply with agency administrative and fiscal policies, and practice cultural sensitivity.
Maintain effective working relationships with agency personnel, public health partners, and the general public.
Maintain organized records and appropriately document work activities.
Travel occasionally, including overnight travel.