Tuberculosis Epidemiology Investigator (17180)

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Public Health in Houston, TX seeks a TB Epidemiologist Investigator to conduct patient and stakeholder interviews, perform case investigations, and support data-driven TB control efforts. The role emphasizes collaboration with hospitals, clinics, and public health partners to reduce transmission and protect community health.

You will use statistical tools such as SPSS, STATA, and Epi Info to analyze data, report findings, and support program KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university.
• Two years of experience in TB investigation or public health.

Responsibilities

• Interview TB patients and stakeholders to gather contacts, transmission locations, and infection sources.
• Provide expert consultation and recommendations for TB control measures per guidelines.
• Investigate cases using the Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) system and report notifiable conditions.
• Engage in community outreach through presentations, workshops, and health fairs; participate in outbreak surveillance.
• Collect and manage data for program KPIs and ensure timely data entry into state databases and EMR systems.
• Collect, package, and process phlebotomy specimens per guidelines.
• Perform emergency response duties as assigned.

Skills

SPSS

STATA

Epi Info

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

EDN system

Job description

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

This is a grant-funded position.

Our Values:

• Transparency- We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity- Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect- We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact- We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration- We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview

Under general supervision, the Tuberculosis Epi Investigator will conduct investigations, consultations, and outreach efforts to manage and control tuberculosis. Individuals in this role will be responsible for ensuring accurate data reporting and creating community awareness and collaboration in public health initiatives.

The Tuberculosis Epi Investigator is expected to be proficient with statistical analysis software (SPSS, STATA, and Epi Info).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Patient Interviews: Conducts interviews with tuberculosis (TB) patients and key stakeholders via phone, clinic visits, or field assessments to gather essential information regarding contacts, transmission locations, and sources of infection.
• Consultation and Recommendations: Provides expert consultation and formulates recommendations for TB control measures and prevention strategies in accordance with public health guidelines.
• Case Investigation and Reporting: Investigates cases through the Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) system, ensuring the timely and accurate reporting of health conditions among refugees and immigrants.
• Outreach and Education: Engages in community outreach through presentations, workshops, and health fairs to promote awareness and healthy practices. During outbreaks, initiates active surveillance in daycare centers, schools, and long-term care facilities. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with hospital infection preventionists, school health coordinators, and nursing staff to facilitate the reporting of notifiable conditions in Texas.
• Data Management and Reporting: Collects relevant investigative information, supports data for programmatic key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensures accurate and timely data entry into the state database and local health department electronic medical records (EMR) system, contributing to comprehensive epidemiological reports.
• Laboratory Specimen Handling: Collects, packages, and processes phlebotomy specimens in accordance with laboratory guidelines to ensure proper testing protocols.
• Emergency Response Duties: Performs additional duties as assigned, including specialized tasks related to emergency response efforts.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment is with a government agency. If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

• At least two (2)