TEXAS PUBLIC HEALTH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Title:

Texas State Epidemiologist

Location: Austin, TX

Date Posted: April 23, 2010

Hiring Salary: $108,516 – $160,000

Position Description/Duties:
Director V - Under the general oversight of the Commissioner of Department of State Health Services (DSHS), serves as the senior epidemiology subject matter expert and State Epidemiologist. Provides oversight and direction for all departmental epidemiologic activities. Provides leadership in initiating, planning, developing, executing, and evaluating the department’s epidemiologic initiatives, including assessments of mental health, substance abuse, communicable diseases, environmental conditions, chronic diseases, occupational health, and other conditions of significance to public health. Serves as a senior science representative and as point of contact to the CDC and other federal agencies for all epidemiologic science and surveillance issues. Provides advice on epidemiologic issues to departmental programs and leaders. Oversees, supports, and coordinates a team of epidemiologists and biostatisticians representing services and program areas throughout the department. Chairs regular meetings of the departmental Epidemiology Council. Keeps abreast of relevant public health and medical literature, and provides continuing education for fellow epidemiologists and other interested parties. Seeks opportunities to obtain grants and contracts for epidemiologic studies in areas targeted by the department, and develops financial resources for conducting epidemiologic studies and activities within the department.

Job Functions:

(55%) As State Epidemiologist, oversees and coordinates epidemiologic activities related to public health services, including surveillance of and responses to public health events and emergencies; preparation for and response to natural and man-made disasters; outbreak investigations; disease and injury surveillance; in consultation with health service regional medical directors and other department leaders, represents the department in contacts with CDC and other federal agencies on issues of epidemiologic sciences; strengthens departmental science base through leadership in training, advocacy for expanded use of epidemiology in departmental programs and policy decisions, and serves as a senior science officer. Facilitates and works as a member of interdisciplinary teams, which provide the epidemiologic component used in decisions and intervention designs within the department. Keeps abreast of relevant public health and medical literature; provides continuing education for fellow epidemiologists and other interested parties; and promotes the professional development of epidemiologists and biostatisticians throughout the department. Recommends epidemiologic priorities to the department leadership. Works with health science centers, schools of public health, schools of medicine, graduate schools and other institutions in performing epidemiologic studies that benefit pubic health and prevention. Participates in community meetings, workshops and other pubic gatherings to provide epidemiology expertise on questions of disease or injury risk and impact. Develops, maintains, executes, and updates a plan for effective use of epidemiologic science within the department.

(25%) Provides professional and scientific consultation to state facilities, health service regions, local health agencies, and other entities regarding epidemiology and disease, harmful exposure, and injury control. Serve as a spokesperson on matters of epidemiology for the department. Leads the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of formal epidemiologic initiatives. Seeks opportunities to obtain grants and contracts for epidemiologic studies in areas targeted by the department and develops financial resources for conducting epidemiologic studies and activities within the department. Recommends updates and changes in reportable diseases and conditions in Texas. Advises the Commissioner of DSHS on issues of scientific and medical significance.

(15%) Oversees the Office of the State Epidemiologist and assures that the Office operates based on the policies, procedures, and priorities of the department. Chairs the Epidemiology Council.

(5%) Performs special studies, develops reports, attends meetings and performs other duties as
assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in
a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity
of Operations (COOP) activation.

Position Requirements:

Knowledge of principles and practices of public health and preventive medicine, familiarity with disease conditions and injury causing agents, including special knowledge of biological terrorism and the agents likely to be used.
Knowledge of disease and injury surveillance and reporting practices.
Knowledge of steps in investigating an outbreak or epidemic.
Knowledge of biostatistics for public health use, including modern epidemiology and biostatistics software. Knowledge of CDC operations and organization and of inter-state notification of communicable diseases policies and procedures.
Knowledge of public health law.
Knowledge of management, leadership and communication concepts and practices.
Knowledge of principles and practices of modern medicine related to comprehensive health services; structure and functions of local regional and state public health organizations.
Knowledge of current social and economic problems pertaining to public health; trends in public health profession.
Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to public health.
Skill in explaining, advocating and expressing facts and ideas in a convincing manner; negotiating with diverse individuals and groups internally and externally.
Skill in oversight and coordination.
Ability to listen and seek to understand the opinions/points of view of others; exhibit cultural awareness and competency in dealing with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to plan, develop and promote statewide epidemiologic science programs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and other agencies.
Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely; address widely divergent audiences effectively.
Ability to communicate clearly in written and spoken

Physical Requirements:

How to Apply:

Resumes cannot be submitted in lieu of Texas State Application. Complete and submit application at: https://accesshr.hhsc.state.tx.us/

Select "HHS Job Opportunities For External Applicants Only" from box on right side of screen. Enter "epidemiologist" in Keywords field; enter. Select "State Epidemiologist". Press "Apply to this job".

Complete and submit State Application as directed. Provide complete information in each section. Do not enter "See resume".

Contact sue.holman@dshs.state.tx.us

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