Epidemiologist Ii - Informatics (Health Department)

This position is open until filled and is a bargaining unit represented position.
A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete. Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.
A first review date for all applications will be March 25, 2024.
We are seeking an Informatics and Data Management Epidemiologist to join the Snohomish Health Department Epidemiology and Informatics team. The Epidemiologist will provide expertise regarding data modernization across a range of data systems used by the Health Department and will help assure interoperability of data systems for public health surveillance.
Definition:

Under direction of the Epidemiology and Informatics Manager, or designee, will perform a variety of highly responsible, advanced epidemiological activities related to collection of epidemiological data, researching, analyzing, and interpreting health-related characteristics of the population to identify the distribution of diseases, spectrum of behaviors and relevant conditions. Proposes and/or initiates investigations, analysis, and reports. Designs major projects and performs complex analysis. The incumbent may also work in collaboration across divisions, leadership and/or interdisciplinary teams in support of department-wide administrative functions.

The incumbent is responsible for designing, coordinating, and conducting case control, cohort, or cross-sectional studies to identify the incidence, prevalence, or causes of human morbidity or mortality using a variety of epidemiological methods; prepare formal written reports of study findings, including a description of the methods used, the findings, and the interpretation of the data. Additionally, provides consultative services on disease investigation, outbreaks, surveillance, regulations governing compliance, general epidemiological questions, research methodology, and study findings.

Work is performed under limited supervision. Incumbent will complete the work within the specified timeframe and is responsible for the work performed. Prepares and carries out assignments and handles problems and deviations in accordance with experienced judgment, instructions, policies, procedures and/or accepted practices. The incumbent coordinates work with others and uses independent judgment concerning appropriate methods and procedures and keeps the Health Officer and/or supervisor regularly informed of progress, and workload concerns. Incumbent reports to the Epidemiology and Informatics Manager who reviews work for accuracy, thoroughness, and conformance to established practices and procedures.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Performs statistical analyses of health data, e.g., descriptive analysis, univariate analysis, trend analysis, multiple logistic regression, survival analysis, etc.
• Coordinates the compilation, maintenance, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative health data using appropriate research methods.
• In coordination with agency leadership, identifies, develops, and procures access to data sources and databases relevant to public health surveillance and decision making.
• Develops and implements quality control processes to ensure high quality data are available for analyses.
• Coordinates activities with Health Department staff, public health staff working in a similar program area at other local public health agencies, and the Washington State Department of Health.
• Develops good working relationships with healthcare provider offices, hospitals, schools, and other healthcare facilities in the county to facilitate collection of quality data.
• Writes reports of epidemiological investigations and analyses of health-related data.

• Works with the Health Department leadership, managers, staff, and the community to develop and maintain datasets about population health in Snohomish County, including an inventory of available assessment data and identification and prioritization of new or updated community health information needs.
• Provides support to the Health Department as a resource for other assessment activities, including assistance with survey designs, determining the most practical and desirable sampling techniques, database design and management, data quality processes, program evaluation, and providing other assistance as needed.

• As part of rotation, provides 24/7 call coverage during non-business hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays). When on first call, act as the primary point of contact for receiving, triaging, and responding in a timely manner to notifications of communicable disease reports from health care providers, laboratories, veterinarians, or other public health agencies.
• Participates in and supports emergency preparedness and response activities, including preparedness for the division, agency, and community.
  
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  Informatics and Data Management Epi II:
  • The Epidemiologist will provide expertise regarding data storage infrastructure, such as use cases for SQL servers and will assist in implementation of modern data storage architecture and systems.
  • The Epidemiologist will identify and lead the development and implementation of innovative analytic and programming solutions to complex issues and processes associated with the collection, management, analysis, and dissemination of public health data systems to support automation of work and interoperability of data systems.
  • The Epidemiologist will provide advanced level informatics consultation and expertise to program areas across the entire Health Department, including serving on committees and bodies tasked with modernizing data systems across the scope of public health work undertaken by the Department.
  • The Epidemiologist will serve as a public health informatics specialist, providing advanced informatics and data science expertise to the Health Department
  • The Epidemiologist will perform advanced, highly complex, varied tasks associated with public health informatics and data science such as system analysis, record linkage, preparation of novel datasets, and maintenance/enhancement of existing data systems.
  • The Epidemiologist will use machine learning and other methods related to advancing data interoperability.
  • The Epidemiologist will maintain awareness of data management best practices, and will be primary point of contact to Washington State Department of Health subject matter experts working on data modernization and interoperability of public health data systems.
  • The Epidemiologist will maintain fluency with up-to-date data visualization and storage methods, including use of data dashboards.
  • The Epidemiologist may be temporarily assigned to other subject areas as needed based on department priorities and needs, such as during incident response.

Associated Duties:

• Participates in opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Performs other related duties as requested by the Program Supervisor.
• Protects the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal law.
• Adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines, including timely completion of mandatory trainings.

Education: A Master's degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Informatics Data Science, or a related field.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in epidemiology research and analysis, program evaluation and/or practice and/or informatics, database management, data science and/or quality control.

Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in a public health agency.

Or:

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Information:

• Successful completion of a background check pursuant to RCW 43.43.830.
• Valid Washington State Driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire and a driving record which meets the requirements of Snohomish Health Department's insurance carrier