BRFSS and IYS Epidemiologist Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County

Iowa National Guard; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance & long-term disability

Employee assistance program

Employee discount programs

Job summary

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is seeking an epidemiologist to support BRFSS and IYS. You will lead data collection, analysis and reporting to inform public health programs.

Responsibilities include creating annual datasets, performing statistical analyses, and communicating results to diverse audiences. Must have SAS/SPSS experience and a public health background. EEO/AA employer with strong benefits.

Qualifications

• 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in epidemiology.
• Experience with epidemiologic surveillance and data collection.
• Strong statistical analysis and data management skills.
• Ability to communicate statistical information to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain BRFSS and IYS datasets.
• Perform lead work in collecting, compiling, analyzing and reporting epidemiological data.
• Calculate estimates of risk factors and health behaviors by demographic factors.
• Utilize statistical software such as SAS and SPSS.

Skills

SAS

SPSS

Epidemiology

Data analysis

Education

Graduate degree in public health

Tools

SAS

SPSS

Job description

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and both selective requirements will be placed on the eligible list.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is seeking an epidemiologist to support two vital population health surveillance tools -- the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) and Iowa Youth Survey (IYS). This position is a key member of the Performance and Operations team. If you are highly motivated and thrive on collaborating with others, we want you on our team!

Responsibilities

This position will work with the BRFSS and IYS Program Coordinator to support the administration of BRFSS and IYS. This position will perform lead work in collecting, compiling, analyzing and reporting epidemiological data.

What You'll Do

• Create and maintain annual BRFSS and IYS raw datasets
• Performance analysis of BRFSS and IYS data, including calculation of statistical and epidemiological measures to describe health and human services problems
• Calculate estimates of risk factors and health behaviors by various demographic factors
• Utilize statistical software such as SAS
• Use advanced statistical methods to analyze data, including applying weighting and adjustment schema
• Evaluate the strengths and weakness of the datasets and perform a variety of tasks to assure the quality and integrity of survey data
• Ensure appropriate use of survey data and advise researchers and HHS programs on the appropriate use
• Communicate statistical and epidemiological information to lay and professional audiences through a variety of modes.
• Assist BRFSS and IYS Coordinator with planning and developing the annual BRFSS questionnaire and sampling techniques.

Requirements

Proficient in the use of SAS, SPSS, or other statistical software systems and performing epidemiological surveillance.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage:Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off:Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans:Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts:Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage:Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program:Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs:Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits.

Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.

185 Epidemiology

6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in epidemiology, which involves:

• The surveillance for respiratory diseases, vector-born diseases, enteric diseases, antimicrobial-resistant agents, or other infectious or non-infectious diseases
• The development of protocols and procedures for data collection and analysis, ongoing analysis of data using a variety of databases and statistical analysis programs
• The development and dissemination of written reports, graphs, tables, etc.

576 Quantitative Social Science Research

6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in quantitative social science research in sociology, psychology, economics, government, public administration, or criminal justice, which includes the following:

• Developing research methodologies and data collection methods
• Using statistical software such as SPSS and SAS
• Calculating statistical data and analyzing and drawing conclusions from it
• Compiling statistical data and writing books and reports

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification.

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a graduate degree in public health with at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology. Attach an unofficial transcript for verification.
2. All of the following (a and b):
   • a. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a non-public health graduate degree with at least two courses related to the principles and practice of epidemiology; (attach an unofficial transcript) and
   • b. Three years of experience in applied epidemiology in an infectious, noninfectious, or chronic diseases; environmental poisonings or conditions; injury prevention; or a substance misuse related epidemiology program.