ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
- Directs and/or conducts epidemiological investigations or studies.
- Oversees and/or evaluates the need for conducting disease surveillance and implements surveillance systems (active, passive, and syndromic).
- Designs data collection, data management, data evaluation, and data dissemination processes for epidemiologic investigations or studies.
- Develops recommendations and manages budgets, grants (including the development and submission of applications), programmatic and fiscal reports, contracts, staffing needs, and policies and procedures; and prepares funding proposals.
- Recruits, hires and evaluates the performance of subordinates.
- Provides training and professional development of staff subordinates.
- Reviews reports and special publications prepared by staff and oversees the preparation of special and annual reports.
- Provides epidemiological information to the Public Health Director to address general public and news media.
- Prepares and presents speeches, epidemiological data, technical reports, and briefings.
- Develops educational materials and training and operational manuals used in implementing epidemiology programs.
- Develops and participates in conducting educational programs on major public health issues.
- Supervises the work of others.
- Consults with hospital administrators, physicians, regional, state, and national organizations and others on the epidemiology of diseases.
- Serves as the senior subject area expert in an epidemiologic focus area.
- Leads and provides infection control recommendations, ensuring strict adherence to policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
- Collaborates with leadership to identify, evaluate, and apply new trends in epidemiology.
- Responds to public health emergencies on a 24/27/365 basis.
- Will be required to drive a City vehicle for city business use.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Skill and Abilities:- Ability to plan, conduct, and report on epidemiological investigations; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to design, implement, and evaluate complex epidemiological analysis; translate data into clear and concise public health information for multiple audiences.
- Ability to manage and direct public health programs, services, and personnel.
- Ability to coordinate and review epidemiological analyses of environmental chemical exposures or health effects from such exposures.
- Ability to direct corrective action to prevent or alleviate public health problems.
- Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
- Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
- Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
- Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
- Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
- Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
- Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
- Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.
Knowledge of:- Knowledge of electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Knowledge of advanced principles of public health surveillance.
- Knowledge of Quality Assurance and Quality Control processes (QAQC).
- Knowledge of statistical analysis software (SAS, SPSS, R. STATA) and analysis techniques
- Knowledge of modern office procedures and methods including computers and applicable software.
- Knowledge of the principles and methods of epidemiology and related biostatistics; infectious diseases, adverse reproductive outcomes, cancer, or other chronic diseases; occupational and environmental diseases or injuries and how causes of diseases affect epidemiologic practices.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Tableau.
- Knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Knowledge of advanced medical terminology.
- Knowledge of population-based surveillance methods.
- Knowledge of health informatics and data systems used in public health surveillance.
- Knowledge of principles of epidemiology and public health emergency response.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Effort Requirements
Position will have the following exposures
- Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
- Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
Work Environment Locations
Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
Never
- Construction site
- Confined space
Seldom
- Street environment (near moving traffic)
- Warehouse environment
Sometimes
Frequently
Often
- Office or similar indoor environment
Exposures
Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
Never
- Individuals with known violent backgrounds
- Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
- Moving mechanical parts
- Fumes or airborne particles
- Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
- Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)
Sometimes
- Individuals who are hostile or irate
Frequently
- Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
Often
Travel
Position will require the employee to travel
Sometimes:
Frequently
- Regional travel
- National travel
Often
Required License and Certifications
- Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
Desirable Licenses or Certifications
- Community Health Worker License from the State of Texas (CHW)
- Certified in Infection Control (CIC)
- Certified in Public Health (CPH)
As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480, two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.
City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.