County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, plans, conducts and evaluates epidemiological research studies; determines disparities in health outcomes or patterns of disease in a community; designs data collection tools; conducts data analysis; assists in the management of disease surveillance systems and health status measurements, conducts epidemiologic investigations or program evaluations, and performs related work as required.    

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES 

This is the journey-level class in the Epidemiologist series located in the Health Care Services Agency.  Incumbents are responsible for conducting data analysis and activities related to surveillance, epidemiologic investigations, program evaluation, and/or research studies or projects. The class of Epidemiologist II is distinguished from the higher-level class of Epidemiologist III in that the latter functions as an advanced journey-level specialist or technical lead for a specific program in epidemiology, surveillance, evaluation and/or research. It is further distinguished from the lower level class of Epidemiologist I in that the latter is the entry-level class in the series and is responsible for supporting and assisting with data analysis and related activities.  

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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 classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.  

1.  Conducts data cleaning, processing, and analysis of surveillance and other data sources to identify patterns and trends in health outcomes in the community.

2.  Designs data collection tools, collects data, and conducts analysis for epidemiological or population health investigations.

3.  Performs data retrieval requests for disease investigations, surveillance, or other health status reports.

4.  Synthesizes and interprets data analysis results and prepares presentations, reports, and publications for a variety of audiences.

5.  Assists with the development, monitoring and evaluation of public health programs or disease surveillance protocols.

6.  Provides technical assistance to program staff or community groups related to epidemiologic methods or analysis for program planning.

7.  Supports and assists program managers and staff with development of data needs; may document business requirements for program data systems and development projects.

8.  Works collaboratively with researchers or other epidemiologists in the department, division, or other local/state jurisdictions to support research efforts.

9.  Trains public health audience and clients in the use and interpretation of health data.

10.  Participates in public health emergency responses and provides epidemiologic input for public health emergency planning and response.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I

Experience:  

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

OR II 

Education:

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

AND

Experience:

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

OR III

Education:  

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

AND

Experience:  

The equivalent of two years 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, bio-statistics, social/behavioral sciences or another closely related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for two years of the required professional experience in either pattern II or III.  

License:

Specified 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.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

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

 

Knowledge of:

• Epidemiological methods and study design.
• Data collection tools and methods.
• Public health surveillance methods.
• Data management principles and methods.
• The Ten Essential Public Health Services.
• Disparities in health outcomes for vulnerable populations and the role and influence of socio-economic, behavioral, and environmental factors affecting health risks and status.
• Principles and practices of program evaluation.
• Data processing and statistical analysis methods.
• Statistical analysis software, e.g. SAS, SPSS, STATA, R.
• Database software, e.g. ACESS, SQL.
• Principles and practices of program evaluation.  

 Ability to:

• Develop data collection tools and procedures.
• Process and clean data for analysis.
• Design and conduct program evaluations.
• Access and maintain surveillance and data systems.
• Conduct statistical analysis using statistical software.
• Summarize and interpret data analysis for reports and publications.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and effective reports, correspondence, policies, protocols and other written materials.
• Represent the department and the County in meetings with other agencies.
• Identify and collect valid and reliable quantitative and qualitative data and information.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Exercise interpersonal sensitivity and group interaction skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Operates a variety of standard office equipment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, with attention to linguistic preference and cultural proficiency.
• Understand and incorporate the Agency and Department’s core values and ethical standards of practice into all interactions with individuals, organizations and communities.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

AM:jc

Admin. Study 12/93

Old Spec Doc. Y:\1222H.WPF

RT:pf Rev/Retitle 10/1/01

[Old Title: Epidemiologist]

New Doc: 5784-5785.doc

CSC Date: 1/16/02

LC:ac Revised 04/24/19

New Doc: 5785.doc

CSC Date: 06/05/19

BENEFITS

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
• 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.