Epidemiologist II

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform the following duties as assigned.   

(30%) Coordinates with health information exchanges (HIE), vital statistics for Medicaid and other partners within and external to DSHS to obtain data related to Congenital Syphilis (CS). Responsible for performing data merges, matches, cleaning, and updating. Manages specialized program databases and develops new databases and tracking mechanisms as program needs arise. Proposes and initiate CS epidemiological studies and investigations, including design specification and analysis, and present project results. Initiates epidemiological data collection operations, defines database requirements, and provides quality control for data management of congenital syphilis case investigations. 

(20%) Serves as a subject matter expert on congenital syphilis epidemiology in Texas. Works within the team of surveillance staff at central office to ensure accurate, timely and complete reporting of cases of congenital syphilis and oversees follow up of any infants born to mothers diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy to ensure accurate reporting. Collaborates with STD Prevention and Public Health Follow Up colleagues to provide training, guidance, technical assistance and oversight to local and regional programs performing congenital syphilis surveillance data collection. 

(15%) Uses specialized software, particularly SAS and other software to analyze data associated with congenital syphilis from a variety of sources, including examining surveillance efforts, epidemiologic trends, academic research, and testing and public health follow-up efforts. Design, implement, and evaluate surveillance processes for congenital syphilis. 

(10%) Uses academic and general search engines to locate congenital syphilis -related research. Provides consultation relating to research design, planning, instrumentation, and statistical analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.  

(10%) Synthesizes disease information from a variety of sources to write reports for lay and professional audiences. Oversees, coordinates, and prepares reports and materials for presentation and publication. Works with IT partners to develop Tableau dashboards and visualizations. Develops illustrations of program data and analyses using PC software such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Presents reports and data analysis findings to internal and external groups, including DSHS staff and community groups. This position may contribute to CS 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 acts as a liaison to other branches within the Department and with state and national organizations related to congenital syphilis. 

(10%) Participates in the preparation of and responds to complex requests for CS information, data and analyses as requested by the team lead, CS Manager, Division Director or other Department staff, outside agencies, the public and the media. Report the results of CS epidemiological investigations to various professional, state, and national organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

(5%) Other duties assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and location.  To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities  

Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of epidemiology and related biostatistics; infectious diseases, adverse reproductive outcomes, cancer, or other chronic diseases; occupational and environmental diseases or injuries; and how causes of disease affect epidemiologic practices. 

Knowledge of epidemiological/public health research design, methods, principles, and techniques  

Knowledge of measurement, testing, and evaluation procedures  

Knowledge of analysis of large datasets 

Knowledge of computer software, including SAS, Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Adobe Professional, Tableau, and ArcGIS software   

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software, in collecting and abstracting data from health records, in analyzing and interpreting large amounts of data, and in critical thinking. 

Skill in the use of statistical measurement techniques, research design and implementation, problem-solving methods and techniques  

Strong project management to organize major project activities into a logical sequence with a reasonable and achievable schedule of deadlines 

Skills in technical writing skills to communicate project/research information clearly and succinctly for correspondence with state and federal agencies 

Skill in creating data dashboards that simplify complex ideas to lay audiences and for internal and external consumption 

Skill in critical thinking and problem solving 

Ability to conduct epidemiological studies and investigations, and to communicate effectively. 

Ability to manage projects and prepare reports on epidemiological studies and investigations; to interpret and publishing findings; and to supervise the work of others. 

Ability to work independently and show initiative 

Ability to develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research/data methods, procedures or DSHS policies         

Ability to interpret complex statistical data, charts, and tables and translate detailed information into simpler terms orally and in writing 

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing 

Ability to assess the reliability, validity, and appropriateness of proposed data collection methods and epidemiologic designs 

Ability to plan, organize, and conduct assigned phases of complex research projects 

Ability to formulate reasonable hypothesis and structure research designs to account for variables 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work with others as part of a team.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: Not Applicable .

Initial Screening Criteria: