Epidemiologist

Job Responsibilities

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This position is critically needed to collaborate in developing data-driven products and conducting analyses that directly support the agency's response to the opioid epidemic. The employee will disseminate various visualizations (presentations, infographics, and dashboards) to key stakeholders and other targeted populations. Finally, the position will provide data leadership for both internal and external stakeholders by providing appropriate epidemiologic practices and analyses.

* Collect, analyze, interpret, and report epidemiologic data regarding the South Carolina population. Lead data analyses to guide internal and external stakeholders in their pursuit of improving health and reducing disparities, focusing on drug overdoses and injuries in the state.

* Visualize and create data products ranging from dashboards to infographics to presentations to inform a variety of populations on various injuries and drug overdoses in the state.

* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to chronic disease and injury program staff, to meet grant deliverables and use surveillance data to demonstrate need for policies, measure impact of policies, and identify priority populations for intervention.

* Participated in community-level data dissemination events, including but not limited to SC Data Walks; collaborate with DPH Community Health Systems teams, including Injury Division program staff, to meet the data needs of constituents, assist in the evaluation of community health programs, and ensure use of findings.

* Assist in the grant writing process as it related to chronic diseases, injuries, and drug overdoses in South Carolina. Serve as an expert in data availability, targeted populations, and various social determinants of health.

* Performs other duties as assigned by bureau leadership, section leadership, or direct supervisor.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in Public Health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a closely related field and relevant working experience. A Doctoral degree in epidemiology, or advanced training in applied epidemiology, such as the Public Health Prevention Specialist Program at the CDC may substitute for experience.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements: Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the SCDPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred experience with data visualization software such as Tableau or Power BI. SAS or a compatible statistical software understanding is preferred. Preferred knowledge and experience with working on injury related topics, such as the opioid epidemic.

Additional Comments

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant, being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Temporary Grant Employees (TGE) positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Temporary Grant Employees (TGE); please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.