Vaccine Preventable Disease Epidemiologist I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • $4,020 - $5,178 • Onsite

About The Position

Performs moderately complex epidemiological work related to vaccine preventable diseases. Works under the supervision and direction of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Group Manager, in the Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit (EAIDU), with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Provides consultation and to regional and local health agencies, medical professionals, federal entities, and the public on the epidemiology, prevention, and control of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). Participates in epidemiologic investigations, including the development of outbreak investigation tools, surveillance forms, and reports.

Utilizes the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS)-based system (NBS) t to support disease surveillance, incidence monitoring, and reporting activities. Assists in developing and evaluating surveillance procedures, protocols, and guidelines on VPDs.

Evaluates program data and educational needs and develops quality assurance measures to ensure timely and accurate disease data. Collaborates with Unit managers, team leads, and program specialists to maintain QA/QI standard operating procedures.

Coordinates with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Immunization Section to promote consistent VPD prevention messaging and interpretation of VPD-related data, including disease surveillance statistics and immunization coverage levels. Maintains the VPD condition content on the DSHS website.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from a U.S. accredited college or university or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator with a focus on epidemiology and/or analysis and assessment.
• or Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. accredited college or university or a foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator with at least 1 year experience in epidemiology.
• Knowledge of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) and other infectious diseases.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of database management and data and statistical analyses.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Epidemiology.
• Knowledge of public health statutes and rules.
• Knowledge of outbreak control measures.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and improvement procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of program evaluation techniques, including the evaluation of training programs.
• Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics; of infectious diseases, and of how causes of disease affect epidemiologic practices.
• Skill in the use of computers and software relevant to data collection and data analysis: NEDSS Based System, Excel, PowerPoint, Epi Info, SAS, SPSS, data visualization programs, and Access.
• Skill in public speaking.
• Skill in mathematical and statistical calculations.
• Skill in preparing technical reports.
• Skill in writing and maintaining standard operating procedures.
• Skill in interpreting medical information from laboratory reports and medical records.
• Skill in creating questionnaires and abstracting data from hospital/medical records.
• Skill in communicating and informing the public about infectious disease issues.
• Skilled in project management.
• Ability to conduct investigations and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to communicate complex disease concepts to public health and medical professionals.
• Ability to interpret public health laws, rules, regulations, and recommendations related to immunizations.
• Ability to interpret public health laws of the State of Texas, with special emphasis on communicable disease laws.
• Ability to understand, organize, manipulate, and maintain complex data.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assists in management of statewide surveillance activities for VPDs, including but not limited to measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae, and invasive Haemophilus influenzae infections.
• Supports Unit epidemiologists in the collection and analysis of epidemiological data and developing recommendations for disease prevention and control. Monitors surveillance data to identify unusual trends, patterns, and emerging public health concerns.
• Reviews written and electronic disease and laboratory reports to identify and confirm VPD-related illnesses. Communicates verbally and in writing with regional and local health departments, medical professionals, laboratories, federal entities, and the public concerning VPD surveillance and reporting activities.
• Coordinates, performs, and oversees the entry and management of VPD data within NBS by regional and local health departments. Identifies site-specific data quality issues and develops reports to support training, remediation, continuous improvement of programmatic surveillance activities.
• Monitors data quality and implements quality assurance measures to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of reported data and user competency. Utilizes NBS surveillance data and software applications such as Word, Access, Epi Info, Excel, statistical analysis programs, data visualization tools, and PowerPoint to prepare status reports, ad hoc morbidity reports, and summary epidemiologic reports.
• Manages airline exposure notifications by maintaining related databases, informing local and regional health departments of exposures, coordinating the release of vaccine when indicated in collaboration with the DSHS Immunizations Section, and providing feedback to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partners. Prepares CDC performance measure reports for review by team leads and Unit management.
• Develops and applies epidemiological case definitions, standards, procedures, and policies that support the effective and efficient delivery of public health services and enforcement of public health laws and regulations. Interprets and responds to written and verbal public health information requests related to VPD surveillance, communicable disease epidemiology, infectious agents, modes of transmission, reservoirs, incubation periods, communicability periods, and control methods.
• Maintains and updates VPD website content to ensure information is accurate, current, and complete. Serves as a resource for consultations on the epidemiology, prevention, and control of VPDs and other assigned conditions. Provides technical assistance to written and verbal requests for information to regional and local health departments, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Participates in the development of NBS user training and educational materials. Develops and maintains data flow diagrams, data entry procedure manuals, case rejection and approval protocols, data standards, current case definitions, and minimum dataset requirements. Conducts training sessions, workshops, and group discussions regarding VPD surveillance and reporting requirements.
• Provides guidance and training to regional and local health departments on laboratory specimen submission procedures, surveillance practices and related VPD surveillance topics as needed. Delivers presentations and public health education to medium and large audiences and remains current on emerging issues, trends, and best practices related to prevalent and emerging VPDs.
• Participates in outbreak investigations involving VPDs and other conditions as assigned. Develops interview tools, questionnaires, and survey instruments to support epidemiologic investigations.
• Conducts interview with patients and relevant contacts; coordinates the collection, transport, and submission of clinical and environmental specimens; reviews medical records; and develops and maintains databases used to manage epidemiologic and laboratory data.
• Coordinates and conducts active surveillance activities by contacting medical providers and reviewing laboratory records, hospital records, and other relevant data sources to ascertain and verify reports of reportable conditions. Participates in special VPD-related projects and other public health initiatives as assigned.
• Performs related duties as assigned by supervisor to support program, Unit, and agency operations. May serve or participate in, but is not limited to, a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery activities, or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activations. Participation may require reassignment to alternate work schedules, locations, or duties to meet agency needs.

Benefits

• insurance coverage
• 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: Entry Level