Epidemiology Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW:

• Surveils community health indicators and accesses public health data sources to assist a variety of audiences with their data needs.
• Operates in a fast pace, on-demand environment developing presentations and reports that use data to illustrate community health concerns.
• Coordinates with other programs, departments and community agencies to provide requested or required public health data and interpretation.
• Functions as both a scientist and a storyteller to make public health data useful for internal and external customers.

POSITION SUMMARY

Incumbent completes or oversees professional, epidemiological, investigative work by assisting in the design, conduct, and analysis of epidemiological investigations for disease surveillance or special studies. The purpose of the work is to gather data that describes the community’s health, provide interpretation and illustration of these data within the department and to the community; provide data and information concerning service delivery, and propose practices or policies based on findings that will preserve or promote public health.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs epidemiological and statistical analyses on variety of data, as requested, and prepares results for review.
• Participates in disease outbreak investigations and monitors the incidence of chronic illness conditions, disease risk factors, or other adverse health outcomes.
• Provides epidemiological analysis or interpretation of data and information for persons having responsibility for program or policy.
• Consults department program staff by advising on data methodology and available data resources.
• Disseminates results of investigations, special studies, routine surveillance and analyses of health outcome data.
• Participates in MCHD response activities as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Four years of experience in related field.  Two years of epidemiology experience with local or state public health departments preferred.

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or related life science field.

Master’s Degree in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology preferred.

Equivalent Experience for Education Accepted? Yes

Licenses and Certifications: Valid NC or SC driver’s license and the ability to obtain and maintain a county operator’s permit.

Computer Skills:  Proficiency using word processing software.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Questionnaire design, data collection, data and information sources and data analysis.
• Epidemiological techniques, methods and surveillance systems, particularly as related to communicable, chronic or environmentally induced diseases, or injury control.
• General nature and objectives of statewide public health programs.
• The organization and operation of federal, state and local governmental agencies relating to public health.

Skilled in:

• Prioritizing work;
• Providing customer service;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Preparing a variety of reports and documentation quickly and accurately;
• Assessing consumer needs, problems, and progress
• Quick and accurate response to short timelines.

Abilities:

• Communication – Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.
• Collaboration – Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
• Applied Learning – Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge, and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare, and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation, and sick days; near-site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Moderate noise is typical for the work environment for this job.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.