Tuberculosis Epidemiologist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

3d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Tuberculosis (TB) Epidemiology and Surveillance Group Manager and guidance from the TB Epidemiology Team Lead, perform advanced (senior-level) epidemiological work which involves planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting epidemiological investigations such as contact investigations, outbreak investigations and TB genotyping cluster investigations. Analyze data using SAS and other statistical software and disseminate investigation results. Provide technical support and training to external stakeholders on managing TB databases. Work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Current and validd Texas driver's license
• Knowledge of major functions of public health
• Knowledge of infectious disease surveillance
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of epidemiology
• Knowledge of statistical concepts, research methods, and their applications to public health surveillance and research
• Knowledge of sampling, survey methods and weighing
• Knowledge of the health status, socioeconomic and demographic measures used in public health.
• Knowledge of population, socioeconomic and health outcomes data sources
• Knowledge of programming logic
• Knowledge of security and confidentiality as it relates to surveillance
• Skill in using Microsoft Office products especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Skill in using graphics presentation software
• Skill in using statistical software such as SAS and in writing syntax to perform analyses
• Skill in data management and analysis
• Skill in both verbal and written communications
• Skill in graphical presentation of data including charts, tables, and maps
• Skill in working with sensitive personal health information
• Ability to manage and query complex databases
• Ability to plan, conduct and report on epidemiological investigations
• Ability to use population data for public health planning and evaluation
• Ability to conduct research projects
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and show initiative
• Ability to communicate effectively with data users, coworkers and stakeholders
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships
• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in epidemiology, public health or closely related field. A Master's degree in epidemiology is preferred.
• At least one year's work experience in epidemiologic data analysis and reporting.
• Must have experience using SAS statistical software.

Responsibilities

• Using SAS, perform data management and analysis of TB contact investigation and mass screening data from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s (TDCJ) including regional and local TB programs.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of TB infection control measures and interventions for TB outbreak control.
• Monitor TB genotype clusters occurring in the state prison system and other institutions including regional and local health departments.
• Provide epidemiologic support to regional and local TB programs including TDCJ to assist in overseeing TB outbreak control measures.
• Participate in providing technical assistance and training to four Binational TB Programs, and all regional and local TB programs on data entry into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS).
• Using SAS and other statistical software, perform data quality assurance and analysis of case data to assess the burden of TB disease managed by regional and local TB programs including binational TB programs and describe demographic, clinical and risk factor characteristics of TB cases managed by these programs.
• Evaluate the performance of all TB programs using CDC national TB performance indicators.
• Serve as a technical resource for conducting contact investigations and cluster investigations.
• Assist in travel restriction alerts to prevent the spread of TB.
• Analyze the Chapter 89 jail TB database and congregate setting TB screening reports to determine the effectiveness of TB screenings conducted in these settings.
• Provide recommendations to improve TB prevention and control in congregate settings.
• Determine the appropriate format for epidemiological reports, and coordinate technical preparation, graphics design, and compilation of finished reports.
• Report the results of epidemiological investigations to various professional, state, and national organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned may include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or COOP activation. Such participation may include 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