EPIDEMIOLOGIST III

Epidemiologist III This is a highly responsible position in the Epidemiology section of the Indian River County Health Department under the direct supervision of the Epidemiology Community Health Nursing Consultant. The position works in the Epidemiology section conducting communicable disease and bioterrorism surveillance. The position must exercise considerable independent judgment and prudent decision making with limited supervision. Responsibilities: Conducting and participating in epidemiological investigations and disease surveillance activities in the Epidemiology Section. Identifying and evaluating a wide range of health conditions within an assigned program area to recognize public health problems pertinent to the population and to determine feasibility and approach to epidemiologic investigation throughout the community. Tracking, monitoring, and using databases, such as Merlin and ESSENCE-FL for analysis of health problems to assess the potential public health impact. Working closely with the Environmental Health Section on disease investigations regarding outbreaks with primarily environmental or food and water borne origin. Performing onsite review of facilities and procedures, providing guidance, and interviewing patients, health care providers, and others involved during disease investigations and outbreaks. Reporting findings in the disease surveillance computer system, Merlin. Distributing communicable disease updates (Weekly Disease Surveillance Report) and encouraging and increasing reporting of communicable disease by private providers. Preparing and presenting health promotion and disease prevention materials and/or presentations to internal and external clients. Responsible for the public health surveillance of disease outbreaks and other field epidemiological investigations of public health importance, such as disasters. Attending and completing trainings to maintain competencies. Contributing to the development of the Community Health Assessment (CHA) through data analysis and interpretation of chronic disease, maternal and infant health, communicable diseases, injury patterns, etc., for Indian River County. Assisting in writing a quarterly newsletter for medical providers regarding communicable disease surveillance, reporting, and results of surveillance. Maintaining records and reports as required. Performing administrative functions and working on assigned tasks as needed. Participating in in-service education programs, conferences, and staff meetings. Conducting and attending training related to bioterrorism and serving as a resource for staff and the community. Providing enhanced surveillance and monitoring following natural or manmade disasters. May provide technical leadership and guidance and coordinate with other professional staff, or technical and administrative staff, as assigned. Completing timesheet, EARS, and mandatory DOH training in a timely and accurate manner. Performing other related duties as required. Qualifications: Minimum – 3-5 years Local County Health Department Epidemiology experience preferred Masters Degree in Public Health with focus in Epidemiology Current Department of Health Employee Preferred-Experience in Infection Control Where You Will Work: 1900 27th St., Vero Beach, Fl, 32960 Department of Health Services