Public Health Epidemiologist/Scientist 4 : Disease Intervention Specialist
2007-12-18
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Performs field investigations for all communicable and infectious diseases reported to Wyoming Department of Health in the Northeast region of the state to include the following counties: Big Horn, Campbell, Converse, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan, Washakie, and Weston. Also provides back up investigation statewide for other DIS staff. Routine DIS services include conducting patient and partner investigations during normal working hours, however, at times, investigations may extend into evening and weekend hours. DIS staff may draw blood or collect other specimens as needed, make referrals to health care providers for additional services, provide risk reduction counseling and conduct follow-up interviews when required. Investigations are conducted in response to laboratory reports generated within Wyoming as well as other states reporting persons or contacts of persons with communicable or infectious diseases who reside in Wyoming. Assists, as needed and at the direction of the State Epidemiologist, with other disease outbreaks statewide. Must have knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV to encompass clinical and prevention knowledge. This position requires a working knowledge of clinical laboratory testing procedures and the ability to interpret basic test results. Facilitates collaboration, cooperation among all health care providers testing and treating communicable diseases reported to WDH. Assists with grant writing and data collection as required by the CDC Cooperative Agreements. Delivers training to Wyoming health care professionals and providers on STD/HIV protocols, testing and counseling, immunization requirements and other relevant STD/HIV concerns as determined by the CDC cooperative agreement. Serves in a collaborative role between many other community and state programs, as well as other state agencies, to enhance integration and promote collaboration of effective public health programming and service delivery. This position works closely with the WDH Public Health Lab. Travel throughout the state to coordinate, train, and build community based intervention capacity; present information and updates at various medical and public health events; attend state and national training events; consultation to public and private providers on laboratory testing methodology and interpretation of results. Out of state travel is also required to attend national meetings and training opportunities in the related health field.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Conduct epidemiologic field investigations related to STD's and HIV infections. Conduct patient interviews and investigations as appropriate and monitor follow-up progress. May perform blood draws as needed, make referrals to health care providers for additional services, provide risk reduction counseling and conduct follow up interviews when required. Provide technical assistance to healthcare providers statewide, including but not limited to public and private health care providers, State Public Health Lab and private reference labs. Facilitate collection and analysis of STD/HIV/Hepatitis/TB data for determination of epidemiologic trends, monitoring outbreaks and for use with the implementation of program goals and objectives. Complete report preparation and dissemination as necessary. Assists in maintenance of data bases for reporting and tracking of surveillance information required by grants. Performs statewide Title X audits and delivers community based health care provider in-services and trainings. Assists with preparation of CDC cooperative agreements (application, progress reports, data submissions, budget, etc) as requested by Program Managers for STD, HIV, Hepatitis and TB programs. Attends and participates, as required, in federal and state conferences, meetings or workshops.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Applied epidemiology principles and procedures. Knowledge of HIV/STDs and other communicable diseases. Knowledge of clinical laboratory testing procedures and the ability to interpret basic tests results. Knowledge of field/disease investigation techniques and protocols including the diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of patients and partners. Knowledge of culture, social norms and values of diverse population to ensure cultural diversity when conducting contact investigations. Knowledge of state and federal government policies and procedures, HIPPA and confidentiality principles, legislative processes, etc. Knowledge of federal and state requirements for reporting, DIS protocols & documentation of disease intervention. Navigating geographical locations (ability to read maps, use locater information in contact locating). Appropriate patient and provider communication, managing paperwork requirements, "team" environment with co-workers. Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task, problem-solve and track information over extended time frames.Competent use of computers and software: MS Word, Word Perfect, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and a basic understanding of Internet and Intranet. Proficient with data collection. Communication: verbal and written, as well as public speaking, small group & presentation training skills. Ability to draw clients and patients successfully with 90% accuracy using medical approved phlebotomy techniques. Proactively identify, develop, and strengthen valuable relationships with other groups in the organization, and across other organizations to leverage results.
**Must have a valid Wyoming Driver's License
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a community or public health science, social or behavioral science, or closely related field, PLUS one year of professional work experience in disease control, health education, health surveillance, investigation, research, Public Health Epidemiologist/Scientist 4 : Disease Intervention Specialist (Class Code:EP04-12788)
AGENCY HIRING RANGE: $3,333.00 - $3,713.00 Per Month
FULL HIRING RANGE: $3333.00 - $4269.00 Per Month
LOCATION: Cheyenne
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
DEPARTMENT: Department of Health, Preventive Health & Safety Division professional work experience in disease control, health education, health surveillance, investigation, research, or biostatistical analysis in an epidemiology program.
APPLICATIONS: For more information or to apply online go to Online Application or submit a State of Wyoming Employment Application to the Human Resource Division, Emerson Building, 2001 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002- 0060, Phone: (307)777-7188, Fax: (307)777-6562, along with transcripts of any relevant course work. The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. No notice of eligibility will be sent to applicants who meet
the minimum qualifications.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Conduct epidemiologic field investigations related to STD's and HIV infections. Conduct patient interviews and investigations as appropriate and monitor follow-up progress. May perform blood draws as needed, make referrals to health care providers for additional services, provide risk reduction counseling and conduct follow up interviews when required. Provide technical assistance to healthcare providers statewide, including but not limited to public and private health care providers, State Public Health Lab and private reference labs. Facilitate collection and analysis of STD/HIV/Hepatitis/TB data for determination of epidemiologic trends, monitoring outbreaks and for use with the implementation of program goals and objectives. Complete report preparation and dissemination as necessary. Assists in maintenance of data bases for reporting and tracking of surveillance information required by grants. Performs statewide Title X audits and delivers community based health care provider in-services and trainings. Assists with preparation of CDC cooperative agreements (application, progress reports, data submissions, budget, etc) as requested by Program Managers for STD, HIV, Hepatitis and TB programs. Attends and participates, as required, in federal and state conferences, meetings or workshops.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Applied epidemiology principles and procedures. Knowledge of HIV/STDs and other communicable diseases. Knowledge of clinical laboratory testing procedures and the ability to interpret basic tests results. Knowledge of field/disease investigation techniques and protocols including the diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of patients and partners. Knowledge of culture, social norms and values of diverse population to ensure cultural diversity when conducting contact investigations. Knowledge of state and federal government policies and procedures, HIPPA and confidentiality principles, legislative processes, etc. Knowledge of federal and state requirements for reporting, DIS protocols & documentation of disease intervention. Navigating geographical locations (ability to read maps, use locater information in contact locating). Appropriate patient and provider communication, managing paperwork requirements, "team" environment with co-workers. Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task, problem-solve and track information over extended time frames.Competent use of computers and software: MS Word, Word Perfect, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and a basic understanding of Internet and Intranet. Proficient with data collection. Communication: verbal and written, as well as public speaking, small group & presentation training skills. Ability to draw clients and patients successfully with 90% accuracy using medical approved phlebotomy techniques. Proactively identify, develop, and strengthen valuable relationships with other groups in the organization, and across other organizations to leverage results.
**Must have a valid Wyoming Driver's License
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a community or public health science, social or behavioral science, or closely related field, PLUS one year of professional work experience in disease control, health education, health surveillance, investigation, research, Public Health Epidemiologist/Scientist 4 : Disease Intervention Specialist (Class Code:EP04-12788)
AGENCY HIRING RANGE: $3,333.00 - $3,713.00 Per Month
FULL HIRING RANGE: $3333.00 - $4269.00 Per Month
LOCATION: Cheyenne
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
DEPARTMENT: Department of Health, Preventive Health & Safety Division professional work experience in disease control, health education, health surveillance, investigation, research, or biostatistical analysis in an epidemiology program.
APPLICATIONS: For more information or to apply online go to Online Application or submit a State of Wyoming Employment Application to the Human Resource Division, Emerson Building, 2001 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002- 0060, Phone: (307)777-7188, Fax: (307)777-6562, along with transcripts of any relevant course work. The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. No notice of eligibility will be sent to applicants who meet
the minimum qualifications.