STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Epidemiologist 2 (Infectious/Chronic Diseases) (35 Hour)

Recruitment #180409-0287HC-001

Introduction

This Epidemiologist 2 (Infectious/Chronic Diseases) position, located in the Department of Public Health's (DPH) TB, HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis Section, will be the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) responsible for interviewing inmates of the Connecticut Department of Corrections (DOC) who have been diagnosed with HIV/STDs; serving as the liaison between the DPH and the DOC for HIV patients during their time in DOC custody; and assuring continuity of HIV care upon discharge to the community.

The DIS will work directly with staff responsible for overseeing the health of inmates in the DOC system, as well as establish and maintain appropriate contacts with public agencies and health departments, health professionals, hospitals, HIV community-based organizations, and Ryan White agencies to facilitate disease follow up and surveillance, and assist in connecting patients to care.

Should you have questions pertaining to any phase of this recruitment, please contact Deb Lyons at Deborah.Lyons@ct.gov or (860) 509-7180.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Public Health this class is accountable for performing the full range of tasks in investigating infectious, chronic and non-infectious diseases and implementing disease prevention methods.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Leads and participates in routine epidemiologic investigations to identify risk factors and implements and evaluates resulting intervention measures; collect and collates data including performing interviews; performs data analysis and summarizes relevant epidemiologic investigation data into tables, charts and written reports; provides technical information to the professional and lay public including local health departments; collaborates in the preparation and presentation of workshops; may respond to media inquiries; maintains an orderly surveillance system capable of detecting risk factors and changes in disease patterns; may administer biologics or collect specimens such as blood and urine samples, throat and rectal swabs under the supervision of a physician.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of infectious and/or chronic disease processes; considerable knowledge of relevant disease processes which affect humans and animals; considerable knowledge of epidemiological methods and techniques; knowledge of basic biological processes; oral and written communications skills; interpersonal skills; computer skills; ability to independently perform epidemiological investigations; ability to independently collect, analyze and interpret epidemiological data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years' experience in conducting epidemiological investigations in a responsible technical or professional capacity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have involved interviewing and performing trend analyses at or above the level of Epidemiologist 1.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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 Public Health, Community Medicine or a related health science may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. A Doctorate in a related discipline such as Public Health, Medicine or a natural or behavioral science may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience performing outreach in high risk communities and assisting in interviewing of and referral for individuals relative to HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs);
• Experience working or conducting outreach in correctional settings;
• Experience contacting public health agencies, hospitals, medical providers, community based organizations and/or the general public to facilitate disease follow up and surveillance and/or answer general questions;
• Experience working with epidemiological data, including: handling and maintaining confidentiality of personal health information; collecting information; data entry; monitoring outcomes; and data analysis using one or more of the following: Excel, Access, SAS, SPSS, or ArcGIS;
• Experience establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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.