STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

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

Office/On-site

Recruitment #220919-0285HC-002

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Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) is hiring! We are seeking an individual for the Newborn Screening (NBS) Program Follow-up and Tracking (NBST) unit Epidemiologist 1 position. Within the Department of Public Health, Newborn Screening Program, the Epidemiologist 1 position utilizes the NBST database and Laboratory Information Management Software (LIMS) to merge and extrapolate data for approximately 37,200 newborns born per year to track disorder incidence rates, assess timeliness at each point in the NBS process, and plays a major role in reporting data to funding agencies and a national data repository.  The Epidemiologist prepares reports for internal and external stakeholders including: daily sample receipt report (missed scan report); quarterly reports that provide feedback to submitters of samples on national timeliness quality indicators; reports to assist with minimization of false positive results and improvement of the positive predicative value of screening tests; comprehensive annual report; disorder specific reports; program summaries; briefs/articles for the CT NBS Program web page; working with hospitals and other providers to identify strategies to improve timeliness of specimen collection and transport;  evaluation of the screening and follow-up services; epidemiologic study design and planning; statistical analysis; policy and program development; technical expertise and training; identifying and advising on the epidemiological priorities in collaboration with the program staff and treatment centers; assisting with adaptation of the NBS Program to a new LIMS software. 

The Connecticut Newborn Screening Program (CT NBS) began bloodspot screening for one disorder, Phenylketonuria (PKU) in 1964. Two additional disorders were added in 1979, followed by an additional sixteen disorders and Hemoglobin (Hb) trait screening through 1983.  With the implementation of Tandem Mass Spectrometry instrumentation in 2004, the number of disorders detectable through newborn screening increased to over fifty (50) by 2010. Between 2016 and 2021 new screening technologies and treatment options led to even more disorders being added, bringing the number of disorders detectible through bloodspot screening to over sixty-five (65). The Connecticut Newborn Screening Program works to ensure that every newborn, who is born or resides in Connecticut, has a valid newborn screening on record and that those infants with abnormal screening results are promptly referred to a specialty treatment center for further evaluation and treatment when needed. These comprehensive efforts help prevent unnecessary disability and premature death.

Under the supervision of the section Supervisor, the responsibilities for this Epidemiologist 1 position include, but are not limited to:
  • Prepares quarterly report cards related to hospital and testing timeliness 
  • NewSTEPs database reporting
  • Assists with build and testing of reports LIMS/NBST database
  • Develops data request form for NBS (for external requests) and responds to data requests (internal/external)
  • Assists with statistical analysis for grant reporting
  • Assists with preparation of Annual positives report
  • Primary responsibility missed scan report and disposition report
  • Assists with NBST database reports for <24hr, UNSAT, Transfusion, Tickler
  • Assists with transition of NBS Program to new LIMS
  • Assists with build of CF reporting system
  • Assists with daily NBS QI activities 
  • Assists with tracking of specimens, including contacting hospitals and other health care providers by phone when needed 
  • Follows up on results of repeat newborn screens and closes cases in the system
  • Follows established NBS protocols and reports out of range NBS results to providers, the Network and hospitals
  • Initiates requests for samples for repeat newborn screening or reports positive results to the Newborn Diagnostic and Treatment Network (the Network) for follow-up
  • Documents all case specific interactions with providers, the Network and parents in the NBST database
  • Creates new cases in NBST database for out-of-hospital births and confirms current health care provider for infant
The Mission of the Department of Public Health (DPH) is to protect and improve the health and safety of the people of Connecticut by assuring the conditions in which people can be healthy, preventing disease, injury, and disability, and promoting the equal enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, which is a human right and a priority of the state. 

DPH accomplishes this through the implementation of its Strategic Plan which outlines the actions that DPH is taking to accomplish its Mission.

This position is conveniently located Rocky Hill. The highly specialized duties performed at the DPH Laboratory within the Newborn Screening Program are considered essential services within the State of Connecticut. This requires our employees to report to the physical work site during the pandemic and, possibly, during inclement weather events. Teleworking is not an option for this position. This is a full-time, first shift, 35 hour per week positions with a typical work schedule of Monday through Friday. Regular work hours will be 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

The DPH offers a competitive starting salary and excellent State benefits package including health/dental insurance, generous paid time off, retirement plan options, a healthy work-life balance to all employees, and a multitude of other benefits.  

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 
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TO APPLY
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. 
  • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
AFTER YOU APPLY 
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • NOTE: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
CONNECT WITH US 
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. 
  • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Jensine Tran at jensine.tran@ct.gov. 

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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, SKILL AND ABILITY

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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

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 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience working and communicating with laboratory staff and hospital and community-based health care providers (specialists, physicians, nurses, medical assistants, office staff) with demonstrated attention to detail and problem-solving ability
  • Experience working with and extrapolating data from complex information systems
  • 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 presenting data and outcomes in various formats for a variety of stakeholders including preparation of written reports, PowerPoint presentations and content presented through a variety of different digital platforms
  • Experience with Maternal/Child Health, Newborn Screening, Genetics and/or population health screening and knowledge of relevant disease processes and medical terminology
  • Experience and proficiency working with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and other electronic documentation systems and databases

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 substances.

Conclusion

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.





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