Williamson County & Cities Health District Epidemiologist I Foodborne Disease Epidemiologist Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Section Director, serves as a member of the Disease Control and Prevention team with the principle focus of foodborne illness epidemiology and surveillance. Responsibilities to include investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings in compliance with local, state, and federal agency guidelines and regulations. Abstracts epidemiological data from Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD), Outbreak Management System (OMS), Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and Texas- National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (Tx-NEDSS) for analysis and summary. Prepares routine situational awareness and quality assurance reports from data analysis. Participates in analyzing, planning, developing, coordinating, and conducting specific epidemiological investigations, studies, and outbreak investigations. Under the Incident Command System (ICS) participates in emergency response activities including but not limited to disease outbreaks. Participates in Quality Improvement Processes, and in committees and workgroups to promote improvements to WCCHD programs and improve health outcomes. Promotes educational activities focused on food and water-borne disease control and prevention. Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Each WCCHD employee s job description lists the specific tasks to be accomplished by the position the employee is filling at WCCHD. The WCCHD Responsibilities are a set of general expectations for employees about how they should work with each other and the public we serve. Each employee must sign an acknowledgment that they have been informed, understand, and agree to abide by these expectations. Violation of these responsibilities may lead to implementation of WCCHD s disciplinary procedures. (40%) Participation in Epidemiologic Investigations of Food- and/or Waterborne Infections Receive reports from doctors, hospitals, schools, and other resources regarding notifiable conditions and suspected outbreaks of any condition that may be transmitted either by food or water. Following WCCHD Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and guidance from DSHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), conducts investigations to determine case status: Verifies residency status and refers cases to other counties or jurisdictions when necessary Performs interviews with suspected cases or a parent/legal guardian if suspected case is a minor Notifies supervisor if situation requires immediate public health response Identifies and follows-up on possible contacts to help prevent spread 1
Collects additional data as needed from medical providers, laboratories, school health personnel, and other sources Provides education to all clients on disease prevention and control using only approved resources defined in SOGs Completes interviews within five (5) business days with a goal of at least seventy-five (75%) percent completion rate. Completed interviews include those in which the casepatient is contacted but refuses some, or all of the interview. Interviews for which no contact is made with case-patient do not constitute a completed interview. Submits completed interviews to DSHS electronically to FoodborneTexas@dshs.state.tx.us or to fax number (512) 776-7616 no later than twentyfour (24) hours after completion of interview. Enters all foodborne and waterborne illness cases correctly and completely in Tx-NEDSS within five (5) business days of completion of investigation of each case interview. Monitors to ensure that at least ninety percent (90%) of reported positive cases of E. coli, Listeria, Vibrio, and Salmonella from hospitals and clinics within the jurisdiction have laboratory specimens submitted to the DSHS Laboratory Services Section, in Austin, Texas or to another specified contract laboratory for confirmatory and/or molecular testing. Enters outbreak data into OMS and prepares reports to be submitted to DSHS and/or the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS). Assures and monitors the confidential treatment and transfer of confidential data provided by DSHS and confidential data provided to DSHS. Provides surge capacity public health agencies in the event of a major statewide outbreak or disaster. (25%) Participation in Surveillance Activities Submits a monthly list of all reported clusters, outbreaks and information on investigation findings on the tracking sheet provided by DSHS. Submits the list via electronic mail at FoodborneTexas@dshs.state.tx.us and sandy.clark@dshs.state.tx.us by the 15th of the following month. Receives foodborne illness and food establishment complaints from the public and documents WCCHD response in OMS. Develops and maintains system for data information management related to food safety. At least once per year, conducts review of data related to foodborne illness and food establishment complaints to identify trends and possible contributing factors that are most likely to cause foodborne illness or food-related injury. (10%) Consultation on Scientific and Technical Issues Participates as assigned in community capacity work groups or task forces related to food safety Serves as point of contact for queries regarding food safety and foodborne illness. Participates as requested by, and along with Environmental Health Services in site reviews of establishments under investigation in foodborne illness outbreaks or clusters. Communicates the recommendations of State and Federal Partners during outbreaks and translate into recommendations for local implementation. 2
(10%) Presentation, Publication and Dissemination of Data and Epidemiologic Findings Prepares and presents case summaries for Health Authority, Director of Disease Control and Prevention, and Director of Environmental Health Services. Develops information related to food safety epidemiology and surveillance for internet publication on WCCHD web sites. Prepares and presents data and findings to Board of Health, community groups, and others as requested. (10%) Participation in Administration and Program Projects Attends in-person all program related training, including the initial foodborne investigation orientation training in Austin, Texas, provided by DSHS. Participates in monthly conference calls with DSHS to provide updates, progress reports, and other necessary communications. Participates in outbreak/cluster-related conference calls and responses relevant to the jurisdiction hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or DSHS. Assures and monitors the foodborne illness kits to ensure that materials have not expired, and transfers kit materials as needed/requested to other jurisdictions to optimize utilization. Participates in planning and strategy meetings for surveillance activities and outbreak response as directed by the Section Director. Responds during public health emergencies as assigned under ICS. Serves as assistant to WCCHD Command Staff Supports public health logistics and administration During public health emergencies, assumes epidemiology, disease surveillance, and/or data management duties in positions as assigned under ICS Assists with the creation and distribution of situational updates and other documents during ICS activation Drafts information for Situation Reports, Provider Alerts, and public information for dissemination via the Public Health Information Network (PHIN) or other means of mass communication. (5 %) Other related duties as required In the event of a public health emergency, employees may be called upon to support WCCHD s response in ways that are outside the usual scope of their job responsibilities. This may involve working hours that are outside the employee s usual work hours. Employees will not be required to perform duties that are outside of their competence or professional licensure. Education and/or Equivalent Experience: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is required, with major course work in epidemiology, public health, microbiology, infectious diseases, biostatistics or a related field generally preferred. Two years experience in epidemiology work is required. Master s degree in Public Health (MPH) or Master s of Science degree in Public Health (MSPH) preferred and substitutes for experience requirement. Bilingual (Spanish-English) preferred. Licenses or Certifications Required: None 3
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others. Knowledge of infectious diseases, especially foodborne illness Knowledge of principles and methods of biostatistics Knowledge of epidemiology principles, including study design Knowledge of key elements of data management and quality assurance Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze data and to devise solutions to problems Ability to adhere to standardized policies and procedures Ability to conduct and report on complex studies and investigations Ability to conduct confidential interviews of persons affected by foodborne or other illnesses Ability to understand and interpret analytical results Ability to understand statistical analysis-related issues in a broad context Ability to work in a collaborative manner and independently Ability to establish goals and objectives, policies, and procedures Ability to design and execute evaluation processes Ability to prepare concise reports and to adapt report to various educational levels Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Ability to prioritize activities and manage multiple responsibilities Skill in data entry Skill in performing complex statistical analyses using a variety of methods Skill in using a computer, including Microsoft Office Professional Maintain current driver s license, auto liability insurance, reliable transportation Environmental Factors: Works mostly in a well-lighted, air-conditioned office. May work in various WCCHD offices around the county and in a variety of community locations. Some work activities may be outdoors and therefore, employee will be exposed to heat and cold. May have extensive contact with the public. May have contact with persons who may be infected with contagious diseases. Tobacco-free workplace. Must comply with WCCHD immunization policy requirements. Number and Type of Positions Supervised by this Position: None Name of Immediate Supervisor: Virginia L. Headley, PhD Director, Disease Control and Prevention Section Work Assignment Location and Hours: Williamson County & Cities Health District 100 West 3 rd Street Georgetown, Texas 78626 8:00 am 5:00 pm Monday Friday, Evenings and Weekends as needed These job responsibilities have been reviewed with me by my supervisor and I agree that they accurately reflect my current assignment. I acknowledge that these responsibilities may change 4
over time to accomplish the work of the Health District and that I may be required to assume other responsibilities in time of public health emergencies. Employee Signature Date Supervisor Signature Date I have reviewed this job description. Branch Deputy Director s Signature (if not the direct supervisor) Date 5