Disease Investigator

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

This position will be responsible for conducting case interviews with patients and healthcare providers to collect information on communicable disease cases, as well as compiling that information into reports for internal and external stakeholders. This position will also assist the Epidemiology/Emergency Preparedness Coordinator with work related to the Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Participation in Epidemiologic Investigations

Participates in developing epidemiologic investigations. Uses established scientific and technical methods and practices to identify and evaluate a wide range of health conditions within an assigned program area, to recognize public health problems pertinent to the population, and to determine feasibility of and approach to epidemiologic investigations.

2. Participates in conducting outbreak and other epidemiologic investigations by assisting with onsite review of facilities and procedures; interviewing patients, health care providers, and others involved; and assisting in collecting data from local agencies or other health entities.

Performs analyses by using statistical techniques commonly employed in epidemiologic evaluations to interpret and analyze observed health phenomena. Uses databases for analysis of health problems. Uses surveillance systems to collect disease or health outcome data. Generates descriptive analyses of surveillance data for a variety of audiences.

3. Participation in Surveillance Activities

Identifies surveillance data needs, implements new or revises existing surveillance systems, reports key findings from the surveillance system, and supports evaluation of surveillance systems.

4. Consultation on Scientific and Technical Issues

Provides scientific advice and technical assistance to various public, private, and nonprofit health and health-related state and local agencies and organizations. Advice and assistance relates to epidemiologic expertise in assigned programs or issues where type of resources provided and impact on communities are established and where assistance requires the application of established scientific and technical methods and practices. May also serve as a scientific consultant for a public health program or project where technical and other characteristics pose previously encountered difficulties in carrying out the program.

5. Presentation, Publication, and Dissemination of Data and Epidemiologic Findings

Conducts literature reviews and assists in preparing reports from analyses of surveillance data, literature reviews, and other information using behavioral science, demographic and epidemiologic analytic techniques, and evaluation. Follows direction from senior scientists and integrates other perspectives. Makes oral presentations to diverse audiences, both scientific and nonscientific. Prepares responses to requests for information.

6. Participation in Administrative and Program Projects and Activities Related to Technical, Scientific, and Programmatic Expertise

Jointly with the EPI/Disease Surveillance Specialist responsible for writing the RFP for Public Health

Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Grant and meeting the requirements for grant deliverables.

7. Works closely with the Ashtabula County MRC Coordinator to coordinate volunteer staffing requirements as needed to address public health threats.

8. Participates as a member of the Ashtabula County Health Needs Assessment Committee.

9. Responds to all bioterrorism incidents occurring in the county and coordinates response actions with Hazmat, law enforcement, EMA, hospitals, local health departments and the Ohio Department of Health. Works closely with the Epidemiology/Emergency Preparedness Coordinator to monitor for unusual occurrences of disease and collaborates with others inside and outside the agency to analyze and summarize findings and draw conclusions.

10. Collaborate with others inside and outside the agency to identify public health concerns related to natural and bioterrorism disasters.

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

· Participates in emergency preparedness exercises, activities, and trainings (including completion of ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 within 6 months of hire)

· Reports for duty following the activation of a public health emergency response plan 24/7/365

· Will have access to Ohio Disease Reporting System, EPI Center, EPI-X, NORS, NRDM, GMIS, OPOD, within 5 days of employment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree or higher in Nursing, Biology, Public Health, Environmental Health or Community Health. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree candidate in one of the above mentioned fields may be considered as long as course work is completed within 3 years of employment.

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20