Infection Prevention Data Analyst & Epi III

Job Description

Do you have a "can do" attitude, enjoy working on a dynamic team, and want to be a part of the fascinating field of Infectious Disease Prevention? If yes, join our team of forward-thinking public health and medical professionals working toward improving the health of Texans.

Subject matter expert and performs senior-level epidemiological work related to the reporting of antimicrobial resistant (AR) organisms in the state of Texas. Initiates, plans, conducts, and oversees epidemiological surveillance of AR organisms. Designs processes for the collection, management, evaluation, and dissemination of AR organism data entered in the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS). Performs quality assurance reviews and data analysis of large datasets of AR organisms surveillance data. Develops educational materials and trainings for healthcare facilities and public health departments regarding the reporting of AR organisms. Prepares presentations and technical reports of AR organisms data. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders at the local, regional and state level on AR organisms initiatives. Consults with hospital administrators, physicians, state and national organizations and others on the epidemiology of AR organisms. Responds to public inquiries regarding AR organisms. Develops recommendations to Manager on budget, grants, contracts, staffing needs, policies and procedures as needed.

Essential Job Functions

45% Epidemiology and Surveillance

Initiates, plans, conducts, and oversees epidemiological studies and surveillance projects regarding AR organisms. Provides technical assistance and epidemiologic consultation to public health department epidemiologists, infection preventionists, medical professionals, and other stakeholders on data entry, case classification, and other aspects of AR organism reporting. Coordinates reporting of AR organisms with healthcare facilities, local and regional health departments, CDC, and other internal and external stakeholders. Ensures accuracy, precision, completeness, timeliness, and fidelity of data collected during epidemiological investigations and data entered into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS). Conducts some data entry, reviews, and approves or rejects notifications and oversees year-end date cleanup in NEDSS. Develops AR reporting guidelines and resources. Works with the Public Health Informatics & Data Exchange Group to update notifiable AR organism pages in NEDSS.

35% Leadership and Education

Serves as subject matter expert for AR organisms reporting. May coordinate the work of other epidemiologists. Mentors and trains state, local and regional health department epidemiologists, infection preventionists, and other healthcare facility staff. Assists with grants, including writing work plans, making recommendations for budgets, carrying out and tracking activities, and reporting milestones and performance measures. Manages projects and helps prioritize tasks to ensure their timely completion. Hosts and attends meetings with internal and external stakeholders to provide updates about AR organism reporting. Develops and provides educational materials and trainings for healthcare facilities, public health departments, general public and other partners. Develops recommendations to Manager on contracts, staffing needs, policies and procedures. Participates in the interviews and selection process for other team members. Serves as a point of contact for the CDC on issues related to AR surveillance and reporting.

15% Communication

Prepares and disseminates information to internal and external stakeholders regarding AR reporting using PowerPoint, Excel and NEDSS. Prepares abstracts for manuscript submission or presentation at professional organization meetings and conferences. As requested by DSHS leadership, responds to legislative requests and inquiries from the DSHS Press Office. Prepares information for DSHS website. Responds to requests from the Communications Office.

5% Other Duties as Assigned

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 Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge (expertise) of epidemiology and biostatistics

Knowledge of the natural history and epidemiology of common infectious diseases, especially AR organisms

Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to notifiable conditions and HAI

Knowledge of infection control principles

Knowledge of microbiological laboratory procedures

Skill (expertise) in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook independently

Skill in the use of the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System independently

Skill (expertise) in preparing written reports

Skill (expertise) in creating effective technical documents

Skill in managing large databases

Skill in conducting disease outbreak investigations

Ability to independently conduct epidemiological surveillance

Ability to independently collect, analyze and interpret data

Ability to make recommendations based on data analysis results

Ability to present statistical and technical data in a clear and concise format

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Ability to work with public health and healthcare professionals

Ability to inform and educate stakeholders on AR reporting

Ability to use computers to organize and maintain records and files

Ability to interpret laboratory findings and medical records

Ability to interpret state laws and rules of the State of Texas

Ability to organize and maintain complex electronic records and files

Ability to independently devise and develop solutions

Registration Or Licensure Requirements

Infection Prevention certification a plus

Initial Selection Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree + three years' work experience in public health or related field (or state employment)
  
  

OR

Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field of study + one year in public health or related field (or state employment)

• National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) experience
  
  

Additional Information

Partial or full telework a possibility, pending successful work performance. At a minimum, must report to 1100 49th St Austin Central Office one time per month (not eligible for travel reimbursement).

MOS Code

111X, 112X, 113X, 114X, 611X, 612X, 621X, 631X, 632X, 641X, 648X, SEI15, 0203, 0207, 0302, 0520, 0602, 0802, 1802, 6502, 7202, 7208, 7210, 7220, 8U000, 9G100, 16GX, 41AX, 86MO, 86PO

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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