Epidemiologist – Quality Improvement & Evaluation

Georgia Department of Public Health (GA); East Macon (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

Retirement plan (ERS GSEPS)

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Dental

Vision

Job summary

Georgia Department of Public Health’s North Central Health District Epidemiology Department is seeking an Epidemiologist to support disease surveillance, quality improvement, and program evaluation. You will help develop evaluation plans, monitor progress, and contribute to informatics and policy committees.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and two years of epidemiologic work experience; a Master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any field and two years of epidemiologic experience.
• Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics, Public Health Informatics, Health Services or related field preferred.
• Experience interviewing diverse populations and conducting surveillance/reports.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and supervise epidemiologic investigations and surveillance.
• Collaborate with program leaders to evaluate strategies and identify improvements.
• Coordinate informatics working group and assist with policy evaluation and program improvements.
• Provide training and technical assistance on performance management and Quality Improvement.

Skills

Epidemiology

Data analysis

Public health

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree in Epidemiology/Health

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Statistical software

Job description

Pay Grade: L

Who we are.

We protect lives.The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the State of Georgia for responding to disasters.

What we offer.

As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact. No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can:

• Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility– Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and Georgia Residents
• Work witha Dynamic and Diverse Team– Collaborative and inclusive way of working where employees share ideas and leverage collective strengths
• Achieve Career Longevity – Countless opportunities for continuous learning/development that support a long‑term career
• Take Part in a Hands‑on Working Culture – Unique culture of active engagement and problem‑solving, no matter your role
• Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like you

Come join our team!

As an Epidemiologist with the North Central Health District’s Epidemiology Department, you will join a dedicated group of public health professionals working to protect the health and well‑being of communities across the state by supporting vital public health initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, a great schedule, and a healthy work‑life balance, allowing you to grow your career while maintaining time for what matters most to you.

The Epidemiologist – Quality Improvement & Evaluation role centers on supporting disease surveillance, evaluating the performance and impact of public health programs, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. This role reports to the Director of Epidemiology and works closely with public health program leaders to develop strategic interventions and evaluation plans that monitor progress and improve health outcomes. The role also contributes to the District’s Informatics and Policy Committees and supports initiatives that advance the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Epidemiology

• Under supervision, plan, develop, and conduct epidemiologic investigations, surveillance, and interventions of limited scope and/or complexity to determine the causes of disease and implement disease control measures.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret statistical data; prepare epidemiologic reports; and maintain awareness of current disease trends.
• Identify populations at risk, symptoms, exposure locations, and transmission timelines; apply evidence‑based interventions and control measures; monitor outbreaks; and assist with public health emergencies.
• Conduct routine follow‑up with healthcare providers to obtain clinical and other pertinent health information while providing disease prevention and control recommendations.

Quality Improvement

• Collaborate with program leaders to evaluate program strategies and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate the Informatics Technical Working Group to develop and implement evaluation procedures.
• Provide input on the development and implementation of related policies, procedures, and programs and collaborate with internal and external evaluators to assess program effectiveness.

Strategic Planning

• Maintain the District’s strategic plan and update it as needed.
• Coordinate the Management Team’s biannual strategic plan review meetings and assist with program‑ and county‑specific evaluation plans.
• Collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team on strategic planning and policy evaluation to support organizational and programmatic objectives.
• Provide and coordinate training for staff and community partners.
• Participate in the District Policy Committee and other committees as needed.

Performance Management

• Coordinate and manage the program performance management dashboard and system plan.
• Work with program managers to identify program strengths and opportunities for improvement and apply quality improvement tools to address identified needs.
• Provide and coordinate training and technical assistance for staff and partners related to performance management and quality improvement.

Quality Assurance

• Foster a culture of quality by enhancing organizational performance, identifying areas for improvement, and supporting changes to business processes.
• Schedule program audits, monitor and maintain audit records, and develop an annual audit report.
• Provide training and technical assistance related to Accreditation, Quality Improvement (QI), Quality Assurance (QA), and the MAPP process.

Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience performing epidemiologic work or work in a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics, Public Health Informatics, Health Services or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience interviewing and communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience conducting medical record reviews.
• Experience managing data from collection through analysis and dissemination.
• Experience analyzing data and interpreting health statistics.
• Experience preparing informative and accurate reports, including surveillance reports, data summaries, and program evaluations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to develop, organize, motivate, and coordinate groups across the organization.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, public officials, representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Public Health Accreditation and Quality Improvement processes.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.

The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well‑being.

The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15‑minute breaks or one 30‑minute break.

Employment Information

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

ADA Statement

DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email [e-mail].

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview. DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

BENEFITS

Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long‑term care, and life insurance.

Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.