Epidemiologist III

State of Delaware; Delaware; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) seeks an Epidemiologist III to lead surveillance, response, reporting and analysis of rural health issues, developing targeted interventions to improve well-being in rural communities.

The role collaborates with the Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and related offices, participates in on-call rotations, and serves as a State Health Operations Center responder—seeking a proactive leader with strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher in Life, Physical, or Health Science or related field.
• Three years experience in using epidemiological methods to identify, study and control the incidence and distribution of communicable, chronic or environmental diseases or other public health problems.
• Three years experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing epidemiologic studies such as developing and testing a hypothesis by selecting cases and controls, determining information needed, data sources, sampling and collection methods.
• Three years experience in designing and using surveillance systems to monitor public health problems.
• Six months experience in inferential statistics such as correlation, t-tests, f-tests or analysis of variance.
• Six months experience in preparing statistical summaries and scientific reports.
• Six months experience in providing epidemiologic direction, guidance and assistance to state and federal agencies or public and private organizations to control public health problems affecting a population.
• Six months experience in managing budgets, grants or contracts.
• Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.

Responsibilities

• Conducts epidemiologic investigations, descriptive studies or analytic studies.
• Maintains surveillance systems used to monitor disease trends.
• Makes recommendations for continuation or changes to operations, programs, services, policies or procedures based on findings to promote and protect public health.
• May participate on internal and external committees and workgroups related to areas of expertise.

Skills

Epidemiology knowledge

Data analysis

Statistical methods

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Life, Physical, or Health Science

Job description

Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas. We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession. For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

This Epidemiologist III position in the Epidemiology Section will lead the surveillance, response, reporting and analysis of health issues in rural populations and develop targeted interventions to improve well-being for rural communities. The position will work collaboratively with staff in the Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Office of Family Health & Safety Epidemiology, and Office of Environmental Health & Informatics Epidemiology. This role also involves taking part in the Epidemiology Section on-call rotation and serving as a State Health Operations Center responder.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Conducts epidemiologic investigations, descriptive studies or analytic studies.

• Identifies public health problems pertinent to the population and determines feasibility and approach for the study.
• Collects, analyzes and interprets data using statistical techniques to identify outbreaks, determine changes in trends and probable causes of epidemiologic problems; uses existing epidemiologic databases to analyze and interpret public health issues.
• Maintains surveillance systems used to monitor disease trends.
• Makes recommendations for continuation or changes to operations, programs, services, policies or procedures based on findings to promote and protect public health.
• May participate on internal and external committees and workgroups related to areas of expertise.

Job Requirements

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Life, Physical, or Health Science or related field.
• Three years experience in using epidemiological methods to identify, study and control the incidence and distribution of communicable, chronic or environmental diseases or other public health problems.
• Three years experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing epidemiologic studies such as developing and testing a hypothesis by selecting cases and controls, determining information needed, data sources, sampling and collection methods.
• Three years experience in designing and using surveillance systems to monitor public health problems.
• Six months experience in inferential statistics such as correlation, t-tests, f-tests or analysis of variance.
• Six months experience in preparing statistical summaries and scientific reports.
• Six months experience in providing epidemiologic direction, guidance and assistance to state and federal agencies or public and private organizations to control public health problems affecting a population.
• Six months experience in managing budgets, grants or contracts.
• Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources . DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship. All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements. Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov .

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com . If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail] . The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.