STD Surveillance Consultant

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Manager of the STD Epidemiology and Surveillance Group, conducts highly advanced (senior-level) research and analysis of program evaluation and epidemiologic data associated with STDs. Proposes and initiates epidemiologic and program evaluation studies, including design, implementation, analysis and dissemination. Primarily responsible for initiating, conducting and directing advanced analysis and reporting on data associated with STD screening, including examining surveillance efforts, epidemiologic trends, academic research, trends in service utilization and expenditures, and public health follow-up and care linkage efforts. Position works with staff across DSHS to characterize STDs screening efforts from various data analysis files. This position contributes to HIV/STD epidemiologic profiles and DSHS reports for lay and professional audiences. Provides expertise for the HIV/STD prevention grant processes, including epidemiologic profiling, evaluation, formulating and measuring objectives, and data analysis design. Coordinates efforts with other Group and Branch staff, working as a team on all phases of Group and Branch epidemiology, planning and evaluation functions when necessary. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Graduation from a four-year college with coursework in statistics, public health, epidemiology, social science or related subjects. One year of full-time experience may be substituted for one year of education.
• Two years of full-time experience in public health, disease epidemiology, or program evaluation.
• Experience with public health follow-up or STD surveillance activities.
• Experience with disease surveillance and methods for evaluating surveillance systems.
• Knowledge of research design, demonstration, and evaluation concepts and methodologies; of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis; of standard and appropriate research sources and texts; and of measurement, testing and evaluation procedures.
• Knowledge of computer software programs including SAS, MS Access, Excel, and Power Point.
• Knowledge of current social, economic, and public health issues related to STD and HIV/AIDS.
• Ability to analyze issues, draw valid conclusions, and make recommendations; to prepare and present comprehensive statistical and narrative reports; to conduct effective presentations; to interpret departmental policies and procedures, grants, legislation, and regulations relating to research activities; to prepare concise reports; and to supervise the work of others.

Nice To Haves

• Strong knowledge of SAS and MS Access preferred.

Responsibilities

• Uses academic and general search engines to locate STD related research.
• Provides consultation relating to research design, planning, instrumentation, and statistical analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Provides consultative services, technical assistance, and program information to regional and local PHFU contractors in accordance with state and national goals to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of data gathered during STD investigations.
• Develops action plans as needed to address documented challenges and barriers
• Identifies and addresses training needs of STD, and aids in the evaluation of the effectiveness of program systems to improve accuracy, precision, completeness, fidelity, and efficacy of STD reporting.
• Responsible for performing data merges, matches, cleaning and updating.
• Manages specialized program databases and develops new databases and tracking mechanisms as program needs arise.
• Coordinates with health information exchanges (HIE), private health plans, Medicaid and other partners within and external to DSHS in order to obtain data related to STDs
• Uses specialized software, particularly SAS and Microsoft Access to analyze data associated with STDs from a variety of sources, including examining surveillance efforts, epidemiologic trends, academic research, and testing and public health follow-up efforts.
• Synthesizes disease information from a variety of sources in order to write reports for lay and professional audiences.
• Oversees, coordinates and prepares reports and/or materials for presentation and publication.
• Develops illustrations of program data and analyses using PC software such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Presents reports and research findings to internal and external groups, including DSHS staff and community groups.
• This position may contribute to HIV/STD epidemiologic profiles and DSHS reports for lay and professional audiences.
• Prepares required program annual and quarterly reports.
• Represents DSHS at meetings and conferences on a statewide and national basis and act as a liaison to other branches within the Department and with state and national organizations related to STDs.
• 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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level