Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance Epidemiologist

Under the supervision of the Vaccine-Preventable Disease Epidemiologist Team Lead, the Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance Epidemiologist 1 will be responsible for epidemiologic investigations, and surveillance for, but not limited to, diphtheria, measles, mumps, pertussis, polio, rubella, tetanus, varicella, and Acute Flaccid Myelitis. This position will be expected to perform active monitoring of VPD laboratory reports, conduct interviews with healthcare providers and patients, develop surveillance reports, recommend appropriate prevention and control measures, respond to VPD inquiries, and work closely with district and county health jurisdictions.

The Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance Epidemiologist 1 will be responsible for:

• Perform disease investigations and surveillance for, but not limited to, diphtheria, measles, mumps, pertussis, polio, rubella, tetanus, varicella, and Acute Flaccid Myelitis.
• Conduct active monitoring of VPD laboratory reports via electronic laboratory reports (ELR) and paper-based reports.
• Routinely contact healthcare providers to obtain clinical information and other pertinent health information.
• Routinely contact suspect VPD cases to obtain clinical information, pertinent health information, and exposure history.
• Provide VPD prevention and control recommendations to healthcare providers, school nurses, and district/local health departments.
• Provide technical support to district epidemiologists related to VPDs and case management.
• Assist with VPD outbreak response.
• Generate VPD surveillance reports on a routine basis.
• Perform additional tasks and duties as assigned to support VPD Epidemiology Team.
• Conduct trainings for Georgia’s district epidemiologists.

Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college or university AND Two (2) years of experience performing epidemiologic work or work in a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a Master’s degree in public health or a closely related field 
• Experience with case management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers.
• Ability to prioritize case load.
• Experience with interviewing and communicating with people from various backgrounds.
• Experience reviewing medical records.
• Experience with data management (from data collection thru dissemination).
• Experience with data dissemination (e.g., surveillance reports, data summaries).
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Understand basic statistics.

The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being. 

The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department. 

ADA Statement

DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email ADA@dph.ga.gov. 

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview.  DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

BENEFITS

Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.

Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.