Job Specification Details

Advanced research, consultation and coordination work at a professional level for the Department of Health involving scientific assessment and analysis of infectious or chronic disease public health threats. This level epidemiologist has the independent ability to design epidemiologic studies, provide advanced analysis and interpretation of data, determine appropriate responses to public health threats, and guide others in the process of defining epidemiologic needs and in setting standards, policies and priorities for epidemiology. Work is performed under the direction of a senior level manager. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Designs and oversees epidemiologic studies. Assesses health data needs and data gaps. Evaluates the quality of existing data and creates and integrates new data sources into epidemiologic study designs or surveillance plans. Leads Department responses to infectious or chronic disease public health threats. Conducts studies and health assessments for special populations by developing health status profiles to support community health assessments. Supervises the design and implementation of prevention and health promotion programs, analyzes and interprets data, prepares and presents reports, and conducts cost effectiveness analyses.
 
Represents the Vermont Dept of Health at conferences and interagency councils for setting standards, policies, and priorities for epidemiology.

Monitors data quality and establishes standards for measuring data quality. Establishes goals and objectives and prepares functional specifications for new computer applications. Develops and follows standards for analyses, determines statistical significance of data and trends. Analyzes and interprets data from surveys. Links health surveillance data with disease prevention and control programs.
 
Publishes and actively disseminates health information in formats and timeframes defined by customers. Designs web pages and works with communications staff on press releases, department reports, state health plans, and health status reports. Responds to media requests. Writes health advisories for clinicians.

Provides informal training in epidemiology to other VDH programs. Assists staff in obtaining access to new data sources and software to create surveillance plans, social marketing plans and special reports. May serve as the principal investigator for grant funded projects and write and oversee grants and contractual agreements. May supervise program staff, mentor fellows, and oversee contractors. Performs other duties as assigne

Duties are performed in a number of settings, including office, laboratory and a variety of premises. Field travel is involved for which private means of transportation is required. Interaction with the public is involved, some of whom may assume differing opinions as to the cause of illness or outbreak, or experience fear as a result of outbreak or perception of chronic disease risk.

Expertise in epidemiology at an advanced level.

Considerable knowledge of the distribution and determinants of disease.

Considerable knowledge of state and federal public health laws and regulations pertinent to the field of epidemiology.

Ability to design and lead epidemiological investigations.

Considerable knowledge of health resources available locally, nationally, and internationally.

Considerable knowledge of medical practices and terminology associated with pertinent area.

Working knowledge of administrative and supervisory principles and practices.

Ability to perform sophisticated scientific and statistical analyses and interpret results.

Ability to work effectively with the public, agencies and health professionals to recommend and implement strategies to prevent, control and reduce disease burden and epidemiological outbreaks.

Ability to write grant proposals.

Considerable knowledge of incident command and emergency response as appropriate to epidemiology and leadership.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to provide leadership and accountability within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Doctorate in medicine or osteopathic medicine AND two (2) years of public health experience.

OR

Doctorate in epidemiology or public health AND two (2) years of public health experience.

OR

Master's degree in epidemiology or public health AND four (4) years of public health experience.

OR

Master's degree with at least six graduate credits in epidemiology or statistics AND four (4) years of public health experience.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.