Epidemiologist

Portage County Health District

PRIMARY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES (detailed version)

Surveillance/Ohio Disease Reporting System (ODRS)

Epidemiologist ensures overall data management for individual disease reports and outbreak investigations. Collect data for surveillance of communicable diseases in the community by abstracting data from confidential medical or public health records or through survey and other epidemiological approaches.

Data quality and review
Assure that the appropriate case definitions are utilized in case investigations.
Maintains data integrity by ensuring disease/case reports are entered into ODRS are complete, accurate, & timely.
Evaluate surveillance system
Timeliness and completeness of reports to local health jurisdictions (local reporting, ODRS, sentinel influenza surveillance, specialized disease or syndrome surveillance).
Evaluate disease reports to identify gaps in reporting.
Improving Disease Surveillance
Work with other agency staff to improve reporting in jurisdiction (s).
Use Ohio Department of Health (ODH) guidance “Guidelines to improving infectious disease reporting in LHD.”
Data Analysis
Monitor disease trends
Create statistical reports
Perform early event (e.g. EPI center) surveillance activities in designated area.
Respond to request for local data.
Conduct descriptive analysis of epidemiology of reported diseases.
Initiate investigation when disease reports (routine or syndromic data) indicate and increased incidence.
Collaborate with agency staff, hospitals, infection control specialists, physicians, schools, ODH, and others to provide a comprehensive approach to surveillance and follow up of communicable diseases.

Maintains confidentiality according to HIPAA Privacy rules.

Investigation

Interpret data and draw accurate conclusions based on sound scientific principles. Investigate potential epidemic situations of infectious diseases using accepted epidemiology methods to determine the cause, nature, and consequences of reported diseases. Utilize the Infectious Disease Manual (IDCM) guidelines for investigation, prevention and control of infectious diseases.

Know and implement the steps of an outbreak investigation.

Assure that appropriate case definitions are utilized in outbreak investigations.
Coordinate or assist local outbreak or case investigation(s).
Develop instrument (questionnaire).
Collect data.
Review records.
Coordinate with Nursing, Environmental Health, Health Education and Promotion staff about responsibilities and duties during an outbreak investigation.
Assist with preparing materials that can be distributed to media, patients or the general public regarding the outbreak or disease under investigation.
Coordinate or assist cross jurisdictional investigations.
Integrate with Incident Command structure for the investigation.
Write or assist to write final summary report of the outbreak investigation.
Complete appropriate Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) forms for outbreak investigations (e.g. foodborne, waterborne) and ensure data is entered into the (ODRS) and the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) in a timely manner.
Use statistical and database software to collect and analyze outbreak data.

OTHER TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist with animal bite investigations and associated disease surveillance and follow up.
Completes reports and provides client and community education associated with this program in a culturally appropriate manner.
Participates in emergency preparedness planning and training as assigned.
May provide trainings/in-services about ODRS, reporting, and investigation to other agency staff or health care providers in the community.
Maintain records, conducts chart audits, and assists with client satisfaction surveys.
Conducts community assessments and surveys, tabulates and analyzes survey results.
Assists the Director of Nursing to review and revise policies, procedures, and protocols. Attend meetings, conferences, trainings in order to maintain abilities, skills and knowledge.
Participates in health fairs and other community activities to present information, promote good health, and promote agency programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Masters in Public Health with concentration in Epidemiology. Proficiency with use of databases and Excel for data querying, statistical analysis, and reporting. Ability to efficiently multi-task on a daily basis. Communicable disease control or related experience required. Good customer service, verbal and written communication skills, effective presentation skills, and interpersonal relationship skills including cultural sensitivity and competence. Valid driver’s license and insurance.

Pay Rate: Pay Range is $22.00-26.00 per hour commensurate based on direct job experience and requirements.

Hours per Week: Full-time 40.00 hours per week.

Posting period: Open until filled.

Please send cover letter and resume to:
Joseph J. Diorio, MPH, MS, RS
Health Commissioner
Portage County Health District
705 Oakwood Street, 2^nd Floor
Ravenna, OH 44266

dfiling@portageco.com

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