JOB
DEFINITIONUnder direction, plans, initiates and conducts epidemiological investigations, field studies and disease surveillance; Performs difficult and complex administrative tasks to control disease outbreaks and prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality; Performs project management as assigned; Performs related duties as assigned.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis class is responsible for sophisticated surveillance, identification and complex control measures of communicable and reportable disease hazards and environmental disease hazards. The incumbent applies advanced technical epidemiological models to determine patterns of disease in a community and designs research projects to assess levels of community morbidity or apply successful interventions to local projects. This class is distinguished from Public Health Nurse classes which provide clinical, educational and counseling activities directly to clients relating to disease control. This position provides consultation to Public Health Officer and Public Health Nurses who are assigned to communicable disease control activities. REPORTS TODirector of Nursing/Deputy Director of Public Health, Public Health Officer or designee CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISEDMay supervise clerical or professional staff as assigned by Deputy DirectorTYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSSit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONSWork is generally preformed in an office setting; Continuous contact with the public and other staff. Frequent overnight travel to trainings, conferences and meetings required.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIESDuties may include, but are not limited to the following: Initiates and plans Epidemiological assignmentsTrains and instructs staff as necessaryDevelops and implements methodology and systems to be usedPrepares grants and special reports in support of Public Health service activitiesAssesses and determines program goals and prioritiesCoordinates Public Health Accreditation activitiesMay conduct programs to train on techniques related to the various phase of Public Health activitiesPlans course of study and implements and evaluates its effectivenessMay represent Health Officer at meetings, conferences, and seminarsMakes recommendation to administrators regarding allocation of resources and program design based upon Epidemiological evidenceCollects and analyzes data applying advanced bio-statistical methodologies to calculate risk of diseases and appropriateness of interventionPerforms technical and informational presentations to the professional medical communityDevelops various health services, programs, policies and proceduresPlans, executes and evaluates the work of the facilities, agencies or community groups with which they workPerforms related duties as assigned
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of epidemiological trends and disease patterns, their characteristics, and standards to determine the origin, spread and control of hazards to the community.Thorough knowledge of statistical theory and techniques of epidemiological, demographic, biostatistical and community health research.Thorough knowledge of research design methods and techniquesThorough knowledge of review and evaluation of disease outbreak interventionsWorking knowledge of community resources and medical services available for medical programsKnowledge of project management, including funding sources, grants proposal writing and project evaluation.Personal computer operating systems, software applications (MS Office, etc.) and related equipmentMethods and techniques used in researching, proofing, evaluating, gathering, organizing, and arranging dataEffective methods of training and presentations skillsRecord keeping and time-management practices and proceduresModern office practices and proceduresCorrect English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuationBasic arithmetic Ability to: Plan, organize, coordinate and direct a public health project(s)Initiate and design complex interventions to collect field dataApply sophisticated mathematical and biostatistical techniques to analyze data to determine origin, spread and risk of morbidity and populationsWrite, present and consult with health administrators in the preparation of concise narrative and statistical reportsEstablish, and maintain effective working relationships with private and public agencies in the health care delivery systemProvide technical expertise to department staff involved in eliciting vital epidemiological information, disseminating findings and advocating for measures meant to reduce the level of disease in eh communityApply research methodologies and research findings in the course of disease control or prevention projectsEvaluate project effectivenessPrepare grant applications and contractsSpeak effectively before groupsUse computer software to analyze and present data in diagrammatic formats and support data processing activitiesExercise sound and independent judgment in determining and selecting appropriate processes, alternatives, forms and desired actions within established work practices, procedures and commonly used regulationsLearn and develop skills with computer software programs or automated systemsProvide training and assistance for others in using assigned systems or softwareRead and understand detailed and complicated instructionsUnderstand, interpret and apply rules and regulations of the Internal Revenue ServiceWork productively under time pressure and with interruptionsExercise tact when dealing with othersSelection Process: All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list. In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all County of San Benito employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.