Epidemiologist I

Introduction Protecting the Health of Our CommunityThe City of New Haven Health Department is seeking a dedicated and analytical Epidemiologist I to join our public health team. In this entry-level professional role, you will help monitor and investigate communicable diseases, analyze health data, support outbreak response efforts, and contribute to programs that improve the health and well-being of New Haven residents. Working alongside experienced public health professionals, you'll play a key role in identifying disease trends, supporting surveillance activities, and collaborating with healthcare providers, community partners, and other City departments to protect public health.This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a bachelor's degree in Public Health who is passionate about data-driven decision-making and community health. If you're organized, curious, and eager to make a meaningful impact through epidemiology, disease prevention, and public health initiatives, we encourage you to apply and help shape a healthier future for New Haven. PRIMARY FUNCTIONS This is an entry-level professional position under the administrative direction and supervision of the Program Director of Epidemiology which maintains surveillance of the state of health and the occurrence of disease in specialized population groups in New Haven. TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Assists with epidemiological investigations in the event of a disease outbreak or cluster. Conducts surveys of disease level or health risk levels in the community. Reviews data including case reports, health statistics, demographic information and the results of laboratory tests to identify possible epidemiological trends, locations and sources. Prepares reports on epidemiological surveys using available surveillance data, or by collecting new data as it pertains to acute and chronic diseases. Assists with the epidemiologic aspects of Health Department grants and program initiatives. Utilizes statistical software to create descriptive statistics or perform simple data analyses. Answers general informational questions from the public and medical community regarding disease control. Coordinates with other Sections in the Department and other City Departments in dealing with specific disease problems and work with Epidemiologists of higher grade to recommend appropriate action. Keeps abreast of changes in communicable disease control or impending problems in the City and alerts superiors. Receives notification of reportable disease from the medical community and the general public, and follows up as needed. Prepares necessary records and reports; initiates appropriate follow-up as needed. Works with Epidemiologist of higher grade to provide guidance to high-risk populations as needed. Performs other related work as required. EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. Knowledge of the principles, practices and regulations applied in public health including public health emergency preparedness and public health surveillance systems preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) desirable. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Knowledge of the nature and control of communicable diseases. Knowledge of the most current concepts of public health practices. Knowledge of local, state, and federal communicable disease reporting requirements. Ability to, conduct epidemiological surveys. Common knowledge of the cause, transmission, and prevention of COVID-19. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work cooperatively with professional medical personnel, other department personnel, and public officials, and other stakeholders. Strong verbal and written communication skills including active listening and emotional intelligence. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with internal staff, community partners, and other stakeholders. Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, equipment, and software including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook). Competency in using email clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail) and calendar applications for scheduling and managing correspondence. Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality of data. Ability to use computers in the carrying out of the duties of this position. Ability to handle a fast-paced, heavy workload environment and demonstrate excellent public service skills. Self-motivated, organized; able to work independently and as part of a team. Strong time management skills including organization, prioritization, and multitasking. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural differences, and fostering an inclusive environment. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Flexibility of schedule, this position may occasionally require work to be performed outside of the traditional 9-5 schedule.Possession of a Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) certification, preferred within 2 years of employment.Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut driver's license.CORE COMPETENCIES for PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS:This position is aligned with current Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals published by The Council on Linkages between Academia and Public Health Practice, and as such the competencies in the areas identified below are incorporated into the tasks and requirements listed above.Public Health Sciences• Facilitates and implements the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive public health informatics strategic plan for the Department• Good knowledge of the principles, practices and terminology of public health and chronic disease epidemiology; Good knowledge of disease prevention and health promotion programs.• Provides technical assistance to Sections and teams regarding public health informatics, data collection processes, information technology applications, and computer systems storage/retrieval.• Facilitates and implements the development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive public health quality assessment and improvement plan for the Department.• Provides technical assistance and training on quality assessment and improvement to Sections and teams.Analytical/Assessment Skills• Contributes public health informatics expertise to the Department’s community needs assessment process, health improvement goal setting, identification of public health policy and action options, program development, and creation of monitoring and evaluation plans.• Performs data analyses and creates visual presentations of findings.Policy Development/Program planning Skills• Conducts comprehensive reviews of evidence related to public health informatics, quality improvement and public health accreditation.• Serves on inter-jurisdictional or multi-agency committees involved in policy development related to public health informatics, health information exchange, quality improvement and/or public health accreditation.Communication Skills• Delivers targeted, culturally-appropriate information to help individuals and groups understand health promotion and disease prevention information, policies, regulations and local code.• Adheres to ethical principles and policies in the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of data and information.• Good working knowledge of the appropriate use of technology in health prevention and promotion and ability to independently adapt to the fast-changing landscape of technology.Cultural Competencies• Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, and ethnic, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities.• Ability to learn about and work with all cultures, ethnicity, social economic statuses being respectful and non-judgmental.Community Dimensions of Practice Skills• Participates in the Department’s design and application of the community health improvement strategies with a particular emphasis on developing and implementing• Evaluates specific, measurable action plans in partnership with public and private organizations.• Participates with community health partners in the development and implementation of Health Information Exchange(s).Leadership and Systems Thinking• Collaborate with internal and external partners in providing for and promoting the health of the population• Contributes to a work environment where continuous quality improvements in service and professional practice are pursued.• Demonstrates leadership and management skills; ability to independently manage projects while providing supervisory / oversight to diverse groups of community members.• Facilitates and implements Departmental quality improvement and evaluation initiatives.• Facilitates and implements Departmental public health informatics initiatives.• Demonstrates knowledge regarding and compliant with applicable professional practice guidelines and any other Federal and State laws and regulations applicable to practice as a public health professional.Financial Planning and Management• Collaborates in activities such as time studies that contribute to the development of budgets and the efficient use of resources. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS Physical RequirementsAmount of TimeWorking EnvironmentAmount of TimeNoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3NoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3StandXWet or humid conditions (non-weather)XWalkXWork near moving mechanical partsXSitXWork in high, precarious placesXUse hands to finger, handle, or feelXFumes or airborne particlesXReach with hands and armsXToxic or caustic chemicalsXClimb or balanceXOutdoor weather conditionsXStoop, kneel, crouch, or crawlXExtreme cold (non-weather)XTalk or hearXRisk of electrical shockXTaste or smellXWork with explosivesXRisk of radiationXLifting or force be exerted?VibrationXHow much and how often?Amount of TimeNoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3Up to 10 poundsXUp to 25 poundsXUp to 50 poundsXUp to 75 poundsXUp to 100 poundsXMore than 100 poundsX SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT This is a Special Fund, 'Non-Tested' position. Continued employment contingent upon availability of future funding. The grant funding supporting this position may be terminated at any time.This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.Special Funded employees shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security.The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support.Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening in accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana. Selection Plan Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process, and in some cases, this information may be used to determine the eligibility list. A hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position. #J-18808-Ljbffr