NE DHHS is seeking a Chronic Disease Epidemiologist. Under administrative supervision, incumbents are responsible to design, implement, integrate, and administer complex state wide epidemiology surveillance systems and/or design, develop, implement, and conduct complex epidemiological studies involving chronic or acute diseases, infections, or injuries. Provides epidemiological leadership and direction in preparation for or response to disease and/or infection outbreaks. Coordinates with State Medical Epidemiologists in the investigation of threats of bioterrorism and outbreaks.
Examples of Work
Lead epidemiological and performance measurement activities to inform, prioritize, and monitor the delivery of the interventions in heart disease and stroke prevention, diabetes, obesity, physical activity, nutrition, breastfeeding, and school health. Identify program surveillance data needs and establish protocols for collecting performance measures data and assessing the validity and reliability of data obtained from various sources. Facilitate the use of programmatic and statewide data to assess the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of program interventions and develop recommendations and quality improvement plans by comparing program outcomes to the grant goals and requirements. Collaborate with the Program Evaluators to assure alignment of performance measures/epidemiology and evaluation activities, and assist in the development of the programs’ evaluation plans and subsequent evaluation activities. Administer and oversee external contracts/sub-awards to assure compliance with federal and state audit requirements and provide guidance/technical assistance as needed to remedy any concerns or inconsistencies. Prepare data and grant reports in a variety of formats to facilitate comprehension of the data and program outcomes by internal and external partners as well as the general public. Assist in writing grant applications, work plans, budget, and other documentation required by grantors. Develop and maintain collaborative and effective relationships with internal and external partners that will assist in achieving grant objectives and monitoring the reach and impact of grant activities. Participate in internal and external committees and workgroups related to areas of expertise. Designs manipulate, uses and manages, as applicable, databases for analysis of health problems to assess the potential public health impact.
Qualifications / Requirements
REQUIREMENTS: Masters degree in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics or other healthcare related field. Additional training and experience in the application of epidemiological principles and practices are required, including surveillance, investigative techniques, implementation and control measures, and evaluation measures, and system design and implementation.
PREFERRED: Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in public/community health epidemiology or performance measurement monitoring and be proficient in SAS. Training and experience in the application of epidemiological principles and practices, including surveillance, implementation and control measures and evaluation measures, and system design and implementation. Minimum of 1 year of experience working in chronic disease.
OTHER: Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: epidemiological principles and practices related to surveillance, investigative techniques, epidemiological study methodologies and protocols, and statewide surveillance system structures and operations; ArcGIS; SAS or other statistical software; electronic health records or health information technology for population health management; principles and practices of public/community health planning and organizing; the principles of grant writing, reporting, and grant administration; the techniques of planning and evaluation; and the practices and techniques of developing partnerships and collaborations. Skill in: effective verbal and written communication with the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences; decision making; leadership; planning, organizing, and prioritizing; problem-solving; data visualization, quantitative and analytical review; Microsoft office programs. Ability to: manage and balance workload of multiple grants; manage multiple databases; extract and create data charts, graphics, and reports; integrate/link databases; develop and maintain effective relationships with partners and team members; apply instructions; summarize program performance measure data and information into reports; demonstrate professionalism; work collaboratively in a team setting; operate basic computer software and hardware; self-motivate and work independently with minimal supervision; and apply and interpret State and federal laws and standards.
