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Job Description:
Position is a grant funded position to support and sustain Regional COVID Operations. Under the daily direction of the PHEP/ERT Manager and the supervision of the Epidemiologist/Supervisor, performs highly advanced consultative and technical assistance work related to Regional COVID Epidemiology Operations. Position required to travel to several field offices including the Pecos office on a regular basis. Position will be required to provide epidemiological functions for Pecos office and surrounding areas. Participates in epidemiology planning and implementation of epidemiology strategies to coincide with regional preparedness and response activities. Responds to public health emergencies, natural disasters, large disease outbreaks or COVID events anywhere in the state. Participates in the collection and analysis of epidemiologic data related to reportable diseases and COVID 19. Provides services regarding disease reporting, surveillance and prevention and control measures. Participates in the submission of data in regional surveillance systems through assessments, plans, and coordination of regional strategies for epidemiological program services. Participates in the planning, development and implementation of epidemiologic investigations and entry into epidemiological databases. Prepares epi reports and disseminates epi findings to program leadership. Participates in the implementation and presentation of epi training targeted at improving reporting and surveillance systems at the regional and local level. Performs quality assurance of epidemiological data and provides summaries to supervisor for review. Responds to related to epidemiology, preparedness, infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health threats including COVID. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude and demand for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

Essential Job Functions:
EJF 1 (30%) Participates in COVID epidemiology strategies to coincide with regional preparedness and response activities. Position will take a role in epidemiological investigations using teams from multiple programs for disease outbreaks, unusual expressions of disease or emergency situations. Duties will include epidemiological case investigations, data analysis and consultative activities pertinent to COVID epidemiology. Implements plans and strategies to improve the timeliness and completeness of reporting, reduce reporting barriers, raise awareness of reporting regulations, and improve the standardization of collected data elements necessary to assess, measure, and improve reporting and surveillance. Performs case investigations of notifiable diseases and disease outbreaks to include consultations with medical professionals, hospitals and facilities. Participates in the improvement and facilitation of regional surveillance systems through assessment, formulation of plans, and coordination of regional strategies with regional local health departments to ensure that strategies are implemented at both the regional and local level. Uses databases, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and other electronic technology to prepare reports and disseminate findings. Develops and delivers training programs targeting the improvement of reporting and surveillance of notifiable conditions as well as training for medical consultants and stakeholders to maintain awareness of public health preparedness initiatives. Conducts presentations regarding epidemiology, disease reporting and surveillance, all hazard epidemiology preparedness and planning to the health care workforce, local community leaders and the general public. Position required to travel to several field offices including the Pecos office on a regular basis to provide epidemiological functions for Pecos and surrounding areas.

EJF 2 (25%) Collects and analyzes epidemiologic COVID data to detect trends, outbreaks, unusual occurrences, and other possible adverse public health events related to infectious diseases. Builds and maintains rapport and positive relationships with a wide variety of health care providers including local health departments, infection control practitioners, physicians, laboratories, regional communicable disease staff and other groups/individuals involved in public/private health care. Reviews medical and lab reports. Will be responsible for providing epidemiological functions for Pecos office with required travel to Pecos on a regular basis. Participates as a member of the regional epidemiology program that receives, investigates, and responds to reportable disease reports 24/7/365.

EJF 3 (20%) Participates in quality assurance monitoring of reportable diseases and COVID within PHR 9/10. Conducts site visits with regional stakeholders to ensure reportable disease reporting and mitigation strategies are taking place. Provides technical guidance quality assurance visits with grant recipients to ensure contract compliance, status of critical benchmarks, and to provide technical assistance. Uses databases, spreadsheets, and other electronic technology to prepare reports and disseminate epidemiological findings.

EJF 4 (20%) As a member of the Epidemiological Program, will respond, support and sustain COVID Operations, public health emergencies, large disease outbreaks anywhere within the state. Participates in the implementation of public health preparedness/COVID response activities. Performs other duties as assigned (marginal function). 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 (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

OTHER DUTIES (5%) 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 (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.  

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of principles and methods of epidemiology and the epidemiology of infectious disease.
Knowledge and understanding of state laws pertaining to disease reporting and the prevention and control of communicable disease.
Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology
Knowledge of bioterrorism preparedness and response.
Knowledge of data management and statistical methods
Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory test interpretation.
Knowledge of educational program development and implementation.
Skills in public speaking.
Skills in writing and editing executive level reports.
Skill in interpreting medical information from laboratory reports and medical records.
Skill in creating questionnaires and abstracting data from hospital/medical records.
Skill in communicating and informing the public about infectious disease issues.
Ability to interpret statistical analyses of epidemiologic and research data.
Ability to communicate effectively with others by oral and written communications.
Ability to work discreetly and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to analyze situations and determine course of action.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal/external customers.
Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgment.
Ability to travel on short notice. 

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None  

Initial Selection Criteria:
Masters or Doctorate advanced degree from an accredited College or University in Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, Nursing or Public Health. Must be able to meet travel requirements (30% day and 20% night) and work hours other than Monday-Friday 8am-5pm during public health emergencies. Ability to triage stakeholder phone calls and participate in the Regional 24/7/365 on-call schedule preferred. Must have a Valid Driver’s License.  

Additional Information:
1. Initial prescreening by phone may be conducted.
2. Inbox Examination may be conducted.
3. In person oral interview with interview panel or virtual interview.
4. Travel within the State of Texas and driving to the Regions 36 counties (30% day and 20% night).
5. Regular travel to Pecos office.
5. May work alternate hours other than Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
6. Actively participates in the Regional 24/7/365 on call schedule.
7. Valid Driver’s license required.