Epidemiological Investigator-Surveillance Specialist

Performs routine and complex research work in the field of epidemiology. Collects epidemiological data for the surveillance of specific diseases and conditions; conducts disease investigations; analyzes data and delivers reports.. Performs all work as a contributing member of the public health emergency preparedness team (PHEP). Works under general supervision. This is not a remote work position.
This is an essential duty position in relation to a designated Public Health Emergency and local disasters. During public health emergencies and local disasters this position will be required to take on additional tasks and work additional hours to meet the needs of the community as it relates to the Health Department. In the event of a public health emergency, you shall report to work if ordered to do so by either of the following officials or positions: (1) District Attorney's Office (Civil Division), (2) County Judge/Emergency Management Coordinator, (3) Commissioners' Court liaison or a member of Commissioners' Court, (4) Director of Public Health Services, or (5) PHEP Program Manager.
Daily in-office attendance is required 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday. Some weekend and evening work is required. Exceptions: The work performed outside normal business hours (evenings and/or weekends) can or may be remote work; and during a public health emergency or local disaster, remote work could be required.
This position is a grant-funded position and the position and salary is directly dependent upon grant funds received.Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as key member of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Team (PHEP), and is prepared to respond to any threats to public health/hazards-whether natural or man-made-during an emergency declaration as part of the Brazoria County Emergency Operations team.
• Collects epidemiological data for the surveillance of specific diseases and conditions, including waterborne and foodborne diseases, vaccine preventable diseases, zoonotic diseases, and epidemiological duties for pandemic response.
• Conducts disease investigations to determine cause; identifies trends within the reporting area for the potential impact on the public's health, and potential for an epidemic.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and other county employees.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with local, regional, state and national partners.
• Coordinates with others, as needed, to assist in the collection of epidemiological data.
• Analyzes, plans, develops, coordinates and conducts specific epidemiological investigations or studies including the use of situational mapping.

• Analyzes epidemiological data using of statistical measures.

• Prepares and maintains lab and patient records in a confidential manner and maintains HIPPA compliance.
• Responsible for data entry into reporting programs. (i.e. NEDSS, Salesforce, etc.)
• Responsible for responding to health alerts from all health partners.
• Responsible for monitoring regional, state, and national reports.
• As one member of the PHEP team is required to be on call after hours, holidays and weekends for case and outbreak reporting, this position will serve in this rotation schedule with other employees as assigned by the PHEP Program Manager.
• May assist in the development of guidelines for approval by the local health authority for investigations of disease processes within the community.
• May perform sample or specimen collection for laboratory testing. This function may be performed at healthcare facilities, schools, and other partner organizations.
• Assist the PHEP Team in the development of all plans and programs, and may assist in the development of quality assurance programs including QA for all reporting functions.
• Works with healthcare facilities, schools, and other organizations to strengthen infection control measures.
• Participates in Health Fairs and other community outreach events to provide disease prevention education to citizens of Brazoria County.

• Professionally represents the Brazoria County Health Department and attends, participates, and presents at meetings and conferences as required.
• Participates in professional training to maintain specific job knowledge.

• Provides situational reports on a regular basis to the PHEP Manager and the Director of Public Health Services.
• Performs related work as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This is not a supervisory position.QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the non-essential functions.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience and/or Training Guidelines:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public health, epidemiology, science, biology, clinical or laboratory health care or a related field. A Master's in an appropriate field such as epidemiology or public health is required. Licensed LVN and RN will be considered with relevant experience, OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of/Skill in:

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, especially over the telephone and in person, and in the writing of correspondence, reports, plans and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions as a representative of the PHEP team.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to compute statistical data, determine results, and relay results verbally, in written form, and via infographics, to the program manager, director, and other necessary entities.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Ability to successfully operating a personal computer and various software applications.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications with a high level of proficiency in MS Excel.
Ability to utilize reporting software and extract reports.
Ability to perform sample or specimen collection to be submitted for laboratory testing. This function may be performed at healthcare facilities, nursing homes, schools, and other partner organizations.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect statistical data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret a wide variety of information and work effectively with abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to use initiative, discretion and decision-making skills within established procedures, guidelines and rules.
Ability to act and problem solve with precise judgment.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Self-motivated, dependable and reliable; as this position requires little direct supervision.
Ability to tactfully deal with the public in stressful situations.
Positive customer service attitude with the ability to provide effective customer service.

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Texas driver's license and reliable transportation is required.


WORK ENVIRONMENT and PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the non-essential functions. The work of this job is typically performed in an office work environment (health department office) and also involves field work outside the office which may be noisy and which may involve biohazards. Exposure to communicable diseases is possible.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the non-essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, walk, sit, climb and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, manipulate, and/or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to speak and listen/hear/comprehend on a consistent basis.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
The incumbent in this job must be knowledgeable about and follow the County's safety policies and procedures. Ask supervisor for details. Proper precautions and following road safety laws are required at all times while driving.

DRUG/ALCOHOL POLICY
Drug/Alcohol policy applies to this job: Pre-employment drug/alcohol testing required.
Brazoria County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected class. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.Employment Type: Full Time