Epidemiologist 1 (Infectious/Chronic Diseases) (35 Hour)

Within the Department of Public Health, Newborn Screening Program, this Epidemiologist 1 (Infectious/Chronic Diseases) position will play a key role in the addition of statistical quality indicators (QI) that can benefit the approximately 37,200 infants born in Connecticut annually.

This position would enhance the overall receipt, login, tracking and reporting processes as well as the other QI that can improve the timeliness and accuracy with which the overall NBS process is carried out. The position would also carry out the following tasks: assist with maintenance of and data entry in the NBS Follow Up/Tracking database and other associated databases; assist with development of various forms of written communication; assist with compiling data related to program and national QI indicators; assure specimen and patient information match in both Horizon and NBS Follow Up/Tracking databases; assist with running Horizon and NBST database daily reports and workflows; prepare outstanding case reports for treatment centers.

In the Department of Public Health this class is accountable for assisting is the compilation and interpretation of epidemiologic/scientific data and statistics including field investigations and literature review.

Assists program staff in epidemiologic investigations of acute and chronic diseases; assists in interviewing of individuals relative to disease outbreaks; under supervison of an Epidemiologist of higher grade, maintains a surveillance system capable of detecting risk factors and changes in disease patterns; makes appropriate contacts with public health and other agencies, health professionals, hospitals, etc. to facilitate disease follow up and surveillance; answers general informational questions from the public and medical community; regularly reviews scientific literature to maintain a current knowledge of pertinent disease processes; may administer biologics or collect specimens such as blood and urine samples, throat and rectal swabs under supervision of a physician; may compile statistics and do less complex calculations and interpretations; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of infectious/chronic disease epidemiology; knowledge of relevant disease processes which affect humans and animals; knowledge of epidemiological methods; knowledge of basic biological processes; interpersonal skills; oral and written communications skills; ability to research scientific literature and develop and gather data.

Five (5) years' experience in a responsible technical or professional capacity in epidemiological investigations.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

2. A Master's degree in a related discipline including community medicine, public health or a related health science may be substituted for the General Experience.

3. A Doctorate in a related discipline such as medicine, public health or a natural or behavioral science may be substituted for the General Experience.

• Experience working and communicating with hospital and other health care providers in the community (specialists, physicians, nurses, medical assistants, office staff);

• Experience with written and verbal communication directed towards health care practitioners, parents and the public;

• Experience and proficiency working with Microsoft Word, Excel, ACCESS, Epi Info, SAS, Outlook, PowerPoint and other electronic documentation systems and databases;

• Experience conducting epidemiologic investigations, oversight of epidemiological data, including collecting information, data entry, and analysis (including calculating positive predictive values, incidence and prevalence rates) and monitoring outcomes;

• Experience with Maternal/Child Health, Newborn Screening, Genetics and/or population health screening and knowledge of relevant disease processes and medical terminology.

1. Incumbents in this class must be willing to be immunized for communicable diseases as necessary and appropriate.

2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

The Department of Public Health aims to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and advancement, fostering an environment committed to supporting individuals in all protected classes.  If you require an aid/accommodation to participate fully and fairly, please contact the Human Resources Office at (860) 509-7177.