Surveillance Coordinator

Brief Job Description: 

Under the direction of the Epidemiology Manager, the Surveillance Coordinator receives and processes all incoming disease reports. Reviews and abstracts data from medical records and laboratory results. Utilizes statewide and regional reporting databases to determine patient history. Evaluates patient history, disease report information, and current Disease Investigation Guidelines to determine if epidemiological investigation is required. Enters investigation records into databases and determines investigation assignments as directed by Epidemiology Program procedures.  Maintains and updates program policies and procedures. Provides support to epidemiological investigations.  Conducts initial quality assurance analyses to ensure completeness and accuracy of program data. Work is performed under limited supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. During public health emergencies, including pandemic responses such as COVID-19, all PHR 8 employees are expected to provide related public health or emergency response services. This may include response, recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities. This participation may require a change in shift, location and/or supervisor. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

SURVEILLANCE:  Receives reports of notifiable conditions and reviews for complete information required to conduct an epidemiological investigation. Reviews medical records to abstract relevant clinical history, testing results, and diagnosis of illness. Coordinates with healthcare providers/public health stakeholders to request supporting clinical information as needed. Interprets laboratory results and medical records and utilizes current disease investigation guidelines to determine whether public health follow up is required. Ensures timely assignment of investigations to other public health jurisdictions, PHR 8 programs, and PHR 8 Epidemiology team members. Enters relevant surveillance data into the Texas NEDSS Based System and regional databases. Maintains and updates program surveillance procedures. Ensures disease reporting and investigation records are maintained in compliance with DSHS record retention policies. (40%) 

OUTREACH: Maintains and updates contact information for program stakeholders, including but not limited to local health departments, hospital infection preventionists, school nurses, government entities, and other healthcare providers and community members. Provides guidance and education to public health partners regarding public health reporting requirements. Provides accurate, timely and relevant information to partners and the general public when requested while maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality. May provide surge capacity for epidemiological investigations, conducting patient interviews and abstracting health data from medical records to identify relevant potential disease exposures and clinical outcomes. (40%) 

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE:  Participates as a member of the Epidemiology Response Team (ERT) and may respond to an all-hazards event, large disease outbreak, or public health emergency in Region 8 or elsewhere in Texas. Participates in regional all-hazards response planning and the implementation of preparedness and response activities and exercises. Serves as the epidemiologist-on-call in rotation with other staff, responding to callers on the Region 8 24/7 response telephone line. (15%) 

OTHER DUTIES: 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. Safe operation of a state-owned, rental or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS policy. Must comply with the DSHS immunization policy. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.     (5%) 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge of: 

Principles and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics. 

Infectious disease transmission. 

State laws pertaining to disease reporting and the prevention and control of communicable disease. 

Medical terminology and laboratory tests. 

Skill in: 

Medical record abstraction. 

Verbal and written communication. 

Mathematical and statistical computations. 

Organization and record keeping.  

Ability to: 

Plan, develop, and oversee disease surveillance programs. 

Manage multiple tasks and correctly prioritize public health follow up. 

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

Work independently, exercising sound judgment. 

Follow verbal and written instructions. 

Independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state. 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public health, microbiology, infectious diseases, or a related field. 

Experience in medical record abstraction preferred.

Additional Information: 

This position is funded by the Public Health Infrastructure Grant through November 2027.