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

Within the Department of Public Health, Public Health Initiatives, Infectious Diseases, STD Program, this Epidemiologist 1 (Infectious/Chronic Diseases) will be responsible for working with newly diagnosed patients infected with HIV in the southern part of the state with the goal of assuring patients are rapidly connected to an HIV healthcare provider and other needed medical and social services. Other jobs duties will include collecting and entering information into a database for data analysis and reporting as well as collaborating with healthcare providers and local health departments.

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

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 with establishing cooperative working relationships with medical providers and social service providers to obtain referrals on newly diagnosed HIV clients and facilitate access to care for these clients.

• 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 addressing each client's unique needs in a culturally competent manner, to establish rapport and ensure client access and retention in medical care.

• Experience performing outreach in high risk communities to assess patient's social service and medical needs.

• 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.

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 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.