Public Health Technician, 206, Epidemiology

Performs moderately complex epidemiological work and public health preparedness activities. Work involves assisting in the design, implementation, and analysis of epidemiological investigations or studies; and participating in general data management/entry and report writing for epidemiological investigations or studies. Works under the supervision of the Epidemiology Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Abstracts epidemiological health data from the medical records of private and public health physicians and hospitals.
• Collects epidemiological data for the surveillance of specific diseases and conditions, analyzes data, and summarizes results of analysis.
• Disseminates the results of investigations, special studies, and surveillance; and prepares written and oral reports and presentations.
• Maintains disease databases (NEDSS) and spreadsheets and analyzes epidemiological data through the use of statistical measures. Participates in analyzing, planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting specific epidemiological investigations or studies.
• Skilled in conducting investigations and determining sources of exposure for cases and clusters of infectious disease.
• Assist with syndromic surveillance activities.
• Arranges for the cooperative use of epidemiological data with other agencies, states, and national organizations such as the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
• Prepare and edit reports for internal or external publication in reference to the Department’s data, programs, activities, and guidelines.
• Works with other health personnel in the control of public health problems.
• May coordinate with others to assist in the collection of epidemiological data.
• Participates and provides support during public health emergency preparedness activities.
• Interact with the public, outside agencies, and organizations through meetings, public presentations, and media interviews to improve public and professional understanding.
• Represent the Division/Department in meetings and communications with committees, task forces, and stakeholders to encourage timely reporting and promote interests.
• Responds to public health emergencies on a 24/7 /365 basis.
• Performs related work as assigned, including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of the basic principles of public health surveillance (active, passive, syndromic, wastewater)
• Knowledge of modes of transmission, diagnosis, and prevention of infectious diseases.
• Knowledge of basic statistical analysis methods used in infectious diseases epidemiology, disease monitoring and trend analysis.
• Knowledge of laws relating to public health and confidentiality including HIPAA.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), Canva, and Tableau
• Knowledge of managing large datasets and data entry

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong focus on accuracy and thoroughness in data review, abstraction, and entry.
• Capacity to interpret and analyze information from various sources, identify discrepancies or patterns, and propose data quality improvements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong cultural competency skills to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Required to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively in a team.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, maintain meticulous records, and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to generate clear and concise reports.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
• Ability to perform other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements

Position will have the following exposures

• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations

Never

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space
• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

• Outdoor environment

Frequently

• Vehicles

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures

Never

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate

Frequently

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Often

• Communicable diseases

Travel

Seldom

• International travel

Sometimes

• Regional travel
• National travel

Often

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree* or 60 college hours from an accredited college or university in Public Health or a related field
• At least one (1) year of experience in healthcare or health related experience

*Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)

Foreign Education:

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io, two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer.

We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.