Population Epidemiologist I

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES Performs basic epidemiologic and statistical analyses, and health planning for Tri-County Health Department (TCHD). Applies epidemiological and statistical methods, and geographic information systems (GIS) to understand the distribution and determinants of in populations to inform and guide decision-making and prioritization surrounding TCHD’s efforts to improve population health. This includes providing current research, data management, and statistical analyses for evidence-based decision-making, conducting assessments, and using data for program planning. Works independently and may assume project management and lead technical responsibilities as directed by supervisor.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Supervision Received: Supervision is provided by the Informatics, and Health Planning Manager

Supervision Exercised: No formal supervisory responsibility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all tasks, which may be found in positions of this class. The Tri-County Health Department retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential and additional functions of the job at any time.

Develops and applies epidemiological approaches to understand and describe the distribution and determinants of disease in populations and identify trends. Uses analysis to inform and guide decision-making and prioritization surrounding TCHD’s efforts to improve population health.

Utilizes mathematical and statistical methods using SAS or other statistical software to perform data analysis.

Performs descriptive and inferential statistics to support data-driven decision making for population-based program planning.

Uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map health, demographic and programmatic data to help inform the work of TCHD programs.

Supports the development and updating of population-based Community Health Assessments.

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Conducts ongoing analysis of community health data for the purposes of surveillance and community health assessment. Assists with maintaining TCHD’s data dashboard.

Assists in data collection and analysis efforts in TCHD’s Strategic Planning process.

Works with TCHD programs to conduct literature reviews, research evidence-based and best practices and model programs on targeted health topics.

Develops survey instruments; identifies appropriate sampling frames and sizes to meet project needs.

Prepares reports and data summaries in a manner suitable to a variety of technical or lay audiences; assists TCHD staff in preparing program reports.

Conducts presentations regarding data or other epidemiologic analyses. Assists with gathering data necessary to document the need for funding.

Participates in various committees and boards related to program activities and responsibilities.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DUTIES Employee responds, as required, to support emergencies, incidents and events. Employee participates in all and drills on emergency preparedness, as required. Completes trainings identified as appropriate for this level employee.

HIPAA STATEMENT Maintains sensitive & confidential client information according to the HIPAA policy.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES Performs other duties as assigned and required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Education and Experience:

Requires a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in public health, epidemiology, , health planning, or a related field. A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and two years direct and relevant experience in applied epidemiology or biostatistics may substitute for a Master’s Degree.

Special Qualifications: Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge of:

• Epidemiologic principles, techniques, practices, and procedures as related to population health assessment and data interpretation.

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• Quantitative and qualitative research design and primary data collection methods including basic survey design.

• Local, state and national sources of secondary public health data across public health disciplines.

• Data cleaning and data management methods for large and small datasets.

• Biostatistical analysis techniques for analyzing primary and secondary public health data.

Ability to:

• Use analytic software such as SAS (preferred), SPSS, STATA, ArcInfo, EpiInfo, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft Excel.

• Ability to perform basic mapping tasks using Geographic Information Systems software highly preferred. Ability and willingness to learn required at a minimum.

• Develop measurable program objectives and identify outcome measures.

• Conduct literature review.

• Gather, analyze, and interpret population health data.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Tri-County Health Department employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, prepare reports, and make informational presentations.

 Work in a culturally competent manner. Conduct epidemiologic analyses of health disparities or other historically underrepresented populations. Use knowledge of specific sociocultural factors in the population to interpret findings.

EQUIPMENT USED Standard office equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer and associated hardware and software, telephone, copier, calculator, and fax; audio/visual equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Work is primarily conducted indoors with occasional time spent in an outside environment.

1. Requires sufficient hearing and speech ability to communicate verbally in response to inquiries, complaints, and to speak to groups of people or the media in an informational or training situation

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2. Requires ability to lift and carry objects occasionally up to 15 pounds. 3. Requires manual dexterity to operate computer equipment and test equipment. 4. Requires correctable vision to observe sampling activities and conduct investigations of health situations 5. Requires ability to occasionally drive an automobile in all types of weather conditions. 6. Requires the ability to sit and perform administrative and computer work for significant periods of time.

The Tri-County Health Department is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws and values that promote employee participation in the delivery of quality services to and on behalf of the community. Accordingly, the Department celebrates diversity in the workforce.

Salary: Depending Upon Qualifications Employment Status: Full-Time, 40 hours per week

Office Location: Admin

Close Date: Open until filled INTERESTED APPLICANTS: Submit a cover letter and resume or a job application to [email protected] or FAX: 303-741-2351

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