Epidemiologist I #2608-5548-01

• Assists with epidemiological investigations in the event of a disease outbreak or cluster.
• Conducts surveys of disease level or health risk levels in the community.
• Reviews data including case reports, health statistics, demographic information and the results of laboratory tests to identify possible epidemiological trends, locations and sources.
• Prepares reports on epidemiological surveys using available surveillance data, or by collecting new data as it pertains to acute and chronic diseases.
• Assists with the epidemiologic aspects of Health Department grants and program initiatives.
• Utilizes statistical software to create descriptive statistics or perform simple data analyses.
• Answers general informational questions from the public and medical community regarding disease control.
• Coordinates with other Sections in the Department and other City Departments in dealing with specific disease problems and work with Epidemiologists of higher grade to recommend appropriate action.
• Keeps abreast of changes in communicable disease control or impending problems in the City and alerts superiors.
• Receives notification of reportable disease from the medical community and the general public, and follows up as needed.
• Prepares necessary records and reports; initiates appropriate follow-up as needed.
• Works with Epidemiologist of higher grade to provide guidance to high-risk populations as needed.
• Performs other related work as required.

• Knowledge of the nature and control of communicable diseases.
• Knowledge of the most current concepts of public health practices.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal communicable disease reporting requirements.
• Ability to, conduct epidemiological surveys.
• Common knowledge of the cause, transmission, and prevention of COVID-19.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work cooperatively with professional medical personnel, other department personnel, and public officials, and other stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including active listening and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with internal staff, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, equipment, and software including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Competency in using email clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail) and calendar applications for scheduling and managing correspondence.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality of data.
• Ability to use computers in the carrying out of the duties of this position.
• Ability to handle a fast-paced, heavy workload environment and demonstrate excellent public service skills.
• Self-motivated, organized; able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong time management skills including organization, prioritization, and multitasking.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural differences, and fostering an inclusive environment.

• Flexibility of schedule, this position may occasionally require work to be performed outside of the traditional 9-5 schedule.
• Possession of a Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) certification, preferred within 2 years of employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut driver's license.

• Facilitates and implements the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive public health informatics strategic plan for the Department
• Good knowledge of the principles, practices and terminology of public health and chronic disease epidemiology; Good knowledge of disease prevention and health promotion programs.
• Provides technical assistance to Sections and teams regarding public health informatics, data collection processes, information technology applications, and computer systems storage/retrieval.
• Facilitates and implements the development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive public health quality assessment and improvement plan for the Department.
• Provides technical assistance and training on quality assessment and improvement to Sections and teams.

• Contributes public health informatics expertise to the Department’s community needs assessment process, health improvement goal setting, identification of public health policy and action options, program development, and creation of monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Performs data analyses and creates visual presentations of findings.

• Conducts comprehensive reviews of evidence related to public health informatics, quality improvement and public health accreditation.
• Serves on inter-jurisdictional or multi-agency committees involved in policy development related to public health informatics, health information exchange, quality improvement and/or public health accreditation.

• Delivers targeted, culturally-appropriate information to help individuals and groups understand health promotion and disease prevention information, policies, regulations and local code.
• Adheres to ethical principles and policies in the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of data and information.
• Good working knowledge of the appropriate use of technology in health prevention and promotion and ability to independently adapt to the fast-changing landscape of technology.

• Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, and ethnic, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities.
• Ability to learn about and work with all cultures, ethnicity, social economic statuses being respectful and non-judgmental.

• Participates in the Department’s design and application of the community health improvement strategies with a particular emphasis on developing and implementing
• Evaluates specific, measurable action plans in partnership with public and private organizations.
• Participates with community health partners in the development and implementation of Health Information Exchange(s).

• Collaborate with internal and external partners in providing for and promoting the health of the population
• Contributes to a work environment where continuous quality improvements in service and professional practice are pursued.
• Demonstrates leadership and management skills; ability to independently manage projects while providing supervisory / oversight to diverse groups of community members.
• Facilitates and implements Departmental quality improvement and evaluation initiatives.
• Facilitates and implements Departmental public health informatics initiatives.
• Demonstrates knowledge regarding and compliant with applicable professional practice guidelines and any other Federal and State laws and regulations applicable to practice as a public health professional.

• Collaborates in activities such as time studies that contribute to the development of budgets and the efficient use of resources.

This is a Special Fund, "Non-Tested" position. Continued employment contingent upon availability of future funding. The grant funding supporting this position may be terminated at any time.

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.