County of Alameda

Under general direction, leads planning, design, and implementation of epidemiology surveillance, and evaluation activities at the program level, including epidemiological studies; oversees and provides lead direction and technical expertise for epidemiology program goals and objectives; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the advanced journey-level specialist/lead class in the Epidemiologist series located in the Health Care Services Agency.  Incumbents report to, and receive direction from, either a Supervising Epidemiologist, section manager, deputy or division director, or an equivalent class and are responsible for independently developing and conducting population health surveillance and monitoring functions as well as designing and implementing clinical and population health research studies for targeted groups.  This class is the technical lead over programmatic epidemiology functions.  Incumbents are expected to exercise independent judgment in devising study methodology and research instruments and in coordinating activities with those of other county departments and health care agencies.  Additionally incumbents may provide lead direction to subordinate epidemiology staff on a project or day-to-day basis.

The class of Epidemiologist III is distinguished from the higher-level class of Supervising Epidemiologist in that the former functions in the capacity of an advanced specialist/lead, whereas the latter is responsible for the direct supervision of a group of subordinate staff engaged in epidemiology, surveillance, and evaluation activities and is responsible for the strategic direction, resource allocation and staffing of an epidemiology program.  This class is further distinguished from the lower level class of Epidemiologist II in that it provides programmatic technical oversight and functions independently, whereas the latter conducts epidemiological activities under general supervision.

NOTE:  The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the class notification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Leads data analysis using advanced statistical methods to monitor health outcomes and/or disease occurrence for program planning and policy development.
2. Within assigned division/program, acts in a lead capacity monitoring and reviewing work, coaching and developing staff, acting as a resource to staff, providing ongoing training and development, and providing input related to staff selection and performance evaluation.
3. Coordinates, develops, and evaluates public health program performance and/or related public health surveillance activities.
4. Leads production of reports, presentations, and publications for dissemination to professionals, policy makers, community partners, or at professional meetings.
5. Collaborates with program staff on design and implementation of program workflow and/or evaluations. Trains public health audience and clients in the use and interpretation of health data.
6. Provides consultation on epidemiology, surveillance, data systems development, data analysis, or research methods to department leadership and external agencies.
7. Leads or provides technical epidemiologic support in outbreak investigations or public health emergencies.
8. Determines appropriate study design and data collection tools and methods. Analyzes and interprets epidemiological investigation findings to guide investigative efforts.
9. Leads cleaning, analysis, and synthesis of program, surveillance, and/or outbreak data for dissemination. Provides data in response to requests from division or department leadership and external agencies.
10. Provides technical consultation to health care providers, staff, other health department units, heath facilities, schools, and other institutions in the community regarding disease epidemiology and reporting requirements.
11. Coordinates with program managers and staff for development of data needs, work flow, and data management procedures; collaborates with information systems (IS) and other relevant staff to design and manage data systems.  May document business requirements for program data systems and development projects.
12. Writes and/or contributes to grant applications or reports to support epidemiology, surveillance, or program evaluation activities.
13. Develops and monitors program performance, budgets, and contracts.
14. Works collaboratively with researchers and other epidemiologists in the department, division, and/or state/local jurisdictions to support research efforts.
15. Participates in public health emergency responses and provides epidemiologic input for public health emergency planning and response, as needed.

EITHER I

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience in the class of Epidemiologist II in the Alameda County classified service.

OR II  

Education: 

Possession of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in epidemiology, biostatistics, social/behavioral sciences or another closely related field.

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of four years of full-time, professional-level epidemiology experience, preferably in a public health, health care delivery, or academic institution setting.

Substitution:

Possession of a Ph.D. or DrPH in epidemiology, biostatistics, social/behavior sciences or another closely related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for two years of the required experience in pattern II.

License:

Specific positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license.

NOTE:  The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:  The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Example of Duties" section of this specification. 

Knowledge of:

• The latest trends and practices in the field of Epidemiology.
• Epidemiological analysis methods, research and program evaluation design and implementation; complex statistical analysis methods and interpretation.
• Current statistical and database management software applications.
• Principles and methods of survey design and public health surveillance.
• Principles of lead supervision and project management.
• Principles of public health prevention, disease and injury etiology.
• Environmental, social, economic, political, cultural and other issues impacting epidemiology.
• The Ten Essential Public Health Services.
• Disparities in health outcomes of vulnerable populations, and the role and influence of socio-economic, behavioral, and environmental factors affecting health risks and status.

Ability to:

• Plan, design, conduct and evaluate varied epidemiological research studies and draw valid conclusions.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and effective reports, correspondences, policies, informational brochures and other written materials.
• Collect and analyze complex statistical data using statistical software.
• Draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Present and explain epidemiologic data to a variety of audiences.
• Identify and collect valid and reliable quantitative and qualitative data and information.
• Facilitate and model effective written and oral communication with attention to linguistic preferences and cultural proficiency.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Exercise interpersonal sensitivity and group interaction skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Prioritize tasks and coordinate several activities to meet critical deadlines.
• Understand and incorporate the Agency and Department's core values and ethical standards of practice into all interactions with individuals, organizations and communities.

New Spec: 5777

LC:ac  04/24/19

CSC Date: 06/05/19

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.