IN-DOH-Measles Epidemiologist I

Inteletech Global•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Measles Epidemiologist I works to minimize measles-related morbidity and mortality among Indiana residents by conducting investigative and analytical epidemiological activities and measles surveillance. The role provides technical assistance, coordinates diagnostic testing, monitors disease reports and surveillance systems, supports case and outbreak investigations, and develops educational materials for partners and the public. The employee completes most activities independently under general supervisory direction, consulting the supervisor on complex or unusual situations. The role requires rapidly acquiring working knowledge of relevant diseases, applying epidemiological judgment to assess threats and identify interventions, protecting patient confidentiality, following agency policies, and maintaining professional relationships with internal and external partners. The position includes occasional and/or overnight travel and may involve serving as the epidemiologist on call outside business hours for approximately two to three weeks per year, if applicable to the program area.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education and public health experience combinations: a master's degree in a relevant field; a master's degree in a non-relevant field and at least 2 years of public health experience; a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 2 years of public health experience; a bachelor's degree in a non-relevant field and at least 4 years of public health experience; or a high school diploma or GED and at least 8 years of public health experience.
At least 2 years of experience with disease or syndromic surveillance systems such as NBS or ESSENCE.
At least 2 years of experience assisting with investigations, ideally involving vaccine-preventable or communicable diseases.
At least 2 years of experience performing descriptive analysis of surveillance data, including identifying findings and data limitations.
At least 2 years of Microsoft Office proficiency.
At least 2 years of experience preparing written and oral reports, presentations, and educational materials.
Ability to quickly acquire detailed knowledge of relevant diseases or public health topics.
Ability to identify public health threats by gathering and interpreting relevant information.
Ability to interpret and communicate state regulations and public health guidance.
Ability to identify appropriate public health laboratory testing indications and disease prevention interventions.
Ability to identify surveillance data limitations and support evaluation of surveillance systems.
Ability to elicit relevant information through structured or unstructured patient telephone interviews.
Ability to use appropriate informatics tools and epidemiologic or scientific study methods.
Ability to provide prompt, courteous customer service and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.
Strong oral and written communication, prioritization, and organizational skills.
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 commitment to protecting patient confidentiality.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to perform the physical functions described, including lifting or transporting items up to 50 pounds, with or without equipment assistance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with statistical or geospatial software such as Epi Info, SAS, ArcGIS, or similar.
Experience designing and executing epidemiologic studies.
Experience with patient telephone interviewing.
Experience working with 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.

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 the public to arrange diagnostic testing when appropriate.
Conduct disease and public health surveillance using the state electronic disease surveillance system (NBS), the state syndromic surveillance system (ESSENCE), and other systems as appropriate.
Develop educational materials for health care providers, local health departments, the public, and other audiences.
Assist with surveillance and investigations of individual cases and disease outbreaks.
Provide surge capacity for data entry of relevant reports and laboratory results as needed.
Serve as the IDOH epidemiologist on call during non-business hours for approximately two to three weeks per year, if applicable to the program area.
Serve as backup to other staff as necessary.
Conduct descriptive analyses of surveillance data, identify key findings and limitations, and support evaluation of surveillance systems.
Prepare written and oral reports and presentations for internal and external partners.
Conduct risk assessments and identify appropriate public health interventions.
Document work activities and maintain organized records.
Identify and execute process improvements or special projects that benefit IDOH and Indiana residents.
Maintain effective relationships with CDC, IDOH Laboratories, health care providers, local health departments, other state agencies, and other partners.
Protect patient confidentiality and comply with state and federal privacy laws and agency administrative and fiscal policies.
Identify professional development opportunities that benefit IDOH and Indiana residents.