Department of Health (Albany, Bureau of Water Supply Protection) - Public Health Fellow I (Epidemiology and Data) In 2021, the New York State Public Health Corps (NYSPHC) Fellowship Program was formed to support New York State public health preparedness and response related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies. In August 2024, the next cohort of NYSPHC Fellows will be mobilized across New York State to 1) provide critical support and services to the New York State Department of Health, local health departments (LHD), and community-based sites in response to both current and future public health emergencies, (2) build effective communication and messaging throughout the State to support key strategies addressing public health efforts, and (3) facilitate connections among the community level public health stakeholders required to strengthen and sustain public health learning and action partnerships. Public Consulting Group LLC (PCG), as the project manager, and its affiliate, Staffing Solutions Organization LLC (SSO), have partnered with NYSPHC for SSO to recruit and hire Fellows for the 2024-2026 Public Health Corps Cohort. Applicants MUST submit the following components with their application: Resume Statement of Purpose – Upload under “Cover Letter” section of application, 500 words or less 2 Professional References – Upload under “Additional Documents” section of application Responsibilities As a Public Health Fellow I, you will be responsible for working with the designated host organization to provide specialized professional services related to identified public health priorities. The Public Health Fellow I will have an onsite presence based on the needs of the host organization. The host organization may require up to 100 percent onsite work and/or local travel. Responsibilities of this position are as follows: Comply with NYSPHC requirements, including successfully completing Cornell University’s Public Health Essentials Certificate Course and University of Miami’s Building Expertise in Administration and Management Certificate course. Comply with PCG project and SSO employment and program requirements. Focus efforts in at least one of the following areas: communications; emergency preparedness and response; epidemiology; laboratory; policy development; program and organizational management; and stakeholder engagement. Responsibilities and tasks may include: Support with public health investigations and surveillance activities to gather information on COVID-19, emerging or future public health threats, and/or chronic or communicable diseases. Provide public health education, training, and outreach programs. Collect, review, and enter data required by the host organization. Prepare written summaries, reports, and action plans. Create and disseminate communications for public health outreach. Assist the public in obtaining appropriate services. Communicate regularly with the NYSPHC Regional Fellowship Placement Coordinator. Other duties, as assigned. Fellowship Position Specific Description The Department of Health (Albany) Public Health Fellow I will work in the area of Epidemiology and Data with a focus in other/unspecified communicable disease and environmental health. This position is located in Albany, NY at the Corning Tower Department of Health Office. NYS has the highest incidence rate of legionellosis (i.e., Legionnaires’ disease—a severe and often deadly form of pneumonia) in the country. According to CDC, the number of cases nationwide increased nearly nine-fold between 2000 and 2018. While there was a dip in reported case counts in 2020 due to COVID, the numbers have continued to increase since then. NYS has a statewide regulation in place to mitigate exposure to Legionella, the bacteria that causes legionellosis. However, due to the continued staff shortages and strain of the ongoing COVID response at the state, regional, and local levels, support for, and enforcement of, 10NYCRR Part 4 Protection Against Legionella are still below optimal levels. The NYSPHC Fellow will build staff capacity to ensure the Bureau of Water Supply Protection is able to respond sufficiently to the continued emergency conditions resulting in the high incidence rate of legionellosis in NYS. The addition of a NYSPHC Fellow will also ensure that staff are trained and available to assume the necessary roles to mitigate exposures and to investigate any future infectious disease outbreaks. Key duties include: Providing support to cooling tower registry stakeholders, including LHDs and tower owners, by responding to inquiries about regulatory requirements and trouble-shooting issues. Assisting with coordination and data tracking for both community and nosocomial legionellosis outbreak investigations. Assisting with the drafting of regulatory updates. Assisting in the design and implementation of outreach and education programs and resources and assisting with other tasks as assigned. Minimum Qualifications At least one of the following: One year of experience within a health, public health, education, human services, community-based organization, or institutional setting One year of experience in administrative, personnel, fiscal, or other related operational activity Associate’s degree Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Proficiency with computers, including word processing, email, data entry, using spreadsheets and databases, and creating presentations. Critical thinking and sound judgment. A flexible, adaptive, and composed attitude with the ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse individuals. Phenomenal work ethic with a positive attitude. Employment is contingent on completion of a background check. Must be able to meet position requirements, including reporting for onsite work or local travel as required. If a fully remote position, must have reliable internet access.