Vaccine Preventable Disease Investigator

Job Description

Enter the field of public health and infectious disease with the Vaccine Preventable Disease Investigator position. Under the supervision of the Regional Epidemiologist, this position participates in the regional epidemiology and surveillance activities. This position enters data on notifiable conditions in programmatic and state databases and conducts vaccine preventable infectious disease investigations. This position performs administrative support functions for Public Health Preparedness & Epidemiology and Immunizations programs. This position participates in public health preparedness activities, meetings, and documentation. Works under moderate supervision with some latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Public Health Region 7 is comprised of 30 counties in central Texas, is situated along the I-35 corridor between Hillsboro and San Marcos, and stretches from San Saba in the west to Madison County in the east. It is home to the capital of Texas, major universities, teaching hospitals, and numerous state parks and other outdoor adventure opportunities.

Essential Job Functions

25% Enter data on notifiable conditions (e.g. vaccine preventable diseases) in programmatic and state databases. Responsible for receiving, triaging and recording incoming confidential notifiable condition reports as well as entering case investigation information into the Texas National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) database. Performs quality reviews of surveillance data under the guidance of the Epidemiology Team Lead. Maintain confidential records in accordance with DSHS record retention policies.

25% Conducts or assists primarily with vaccine preventable infectious disease investigations. May assist with other notifiable condition investigations or outbreaks. Contacts physicians, hospitals and laboratories to obtain necessary medical information. Interviews patients and reviews medical, laboratory, and other records. Contacts private and commercial labs to ensure specimens are forwarded to the state lab as needed. Communicates with team members, regional staff, state staff, local health department staff, healthcare professionals, and other partners to ensure efficient and complete notifiable condition reporting.

30% Performs administrative support functions for Public Health Preparedness & Epidemiology and Immunizations programs. Administrative support functions include purchasing, budget tracking, reviewing travel requests, and answering phones. Maintains inventory of supplies. Assists with and participates in program activities and/or trainings. Captures notes during meetings. Assists with documentation for program grant activities.

10% Participates in public health preparedness projects, planning, activities, meetings, and documentation. Contributes to the development, writing, interpretation, and implementation of public health preparedness guidelines, protocols, and plans related to vaccine preventable disease, regional surveillance activities, and/or immunizations. Develops and maintains knowledge and skills in public health preparedness. Appropriately documents all activities supporting public health preparedness.

5% May respond to a Public Health emergency, including a bioterrorism event, disease outbreak or disaster anywhere in state. Assumes an active role in the regional incident command structure during public health emergencies and/or exercises. Serves as liaison with federal, state, and local agencies in matters concerning the coordination of public health emergency plans and services. Works with PHR7 emergency management personnel, and city, county, state and federal officials on coordination during an event.

5% Performs other duties as assigned to include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery and/or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment, work other than normal business hours and/or an alternate work location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge of Public Health.

Knowledge of transmission and control of vaccine-preventable and other infectious diseases.

Knowledge of school immunization requirements and the laws, rules & regulations which impact immunizations.

Knowledge of recommended schedule for adolescents and adult immunizations.

Skill in data entry.

Skill in writing and editing.

Skill in preparing and presenting complex oral and written information and training to a variety of audiences in a clear, effective manner.

Skill in problem-solving.

Skill and experience in working with computer applications (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, Access).

Ability to establish and maintain relationships with public and private providers, school officials, stakeholders, and other community groups.

Ability to explain complex information at an appropriate level for individuals and groups.

Ability to understand, interpret, and implement policies and procedures.

Ability function independently, problem solve, and exercise professional judgment.

Ability to work on a team.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Registration Or Licensure Requirements

Must possess a valid Class C Texas dirver's license or equivalent from another state.

Initial Selection Criteria

• Experience with MS Excel or similar spreadsheets
• An Associates’ or Bachelor’s degree in public health, biology, social science or related field is preferred.
• Experience in data management and purchasing is preferred.
• Experience in public health is preferred.
• Willing to travel at least 10% and to work hours other than 8-5 M-F
  
  

Additional Information

This position requires some local area travel usually during normal business hours and may have opportunities for overnight travel to trainings, exercises, or conferences.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. Applicants must provide information relevant to the required and preferred experience for this position in the Special Training/Skills/Qualifications or Employment History sections of the application.

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required.

Applicants selected for interview will be required to complete a proficiency/skills assessment at the time of the interview (e.g. Excel or writing).

MOS Code

68S, HM, 870, 4E0X1

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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