Job Description
JOB The Epidemiology Investigator of the Delaware Couty Health Department is responsible for the study of diseases and illnesses in the County. This position is responsible for assisting in the identification, investigation, control, and mitigation of outbreaks or clusters of health problems in Delaware County. This position assists in planning, organizing, directing, and implementing a countywide epidemiology program for infectious and non-infectious diseases and illnesses. This position works under the general supervision of the Department’s Epidemiologist. Completed work is reviewed for program effectiveness. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES Participates in planning, organizing, and directing Delaware County’s public health epidemiologic program to identify, control, and mitigate illnesses and diseases.Manages and oversees non-STI, DIS utilization of communicable disease surveillance systems and reporting processes to ensure accurate, timely, and complete data collection and investigations in PA NEDSS, NORS, and other databases, including animal bite surveillance and reporting platforms.Maintains current contact information of organizations required to report diseases to DCHD (Hospitals’ Infection Preventionists, LTCF, schools, veterinarians, medical practices) and establishes ongoing communication with healthcare providers, laboratories, and other surveillance partners.Provides consultation and technical assistance on PA DOH epidemiological investigations, including letters to parents, school nurses, LTCFs, addressing outbreak control and exclusion criteria. Provides day-to-day guidance and technical support to Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) related to assignment of case investigations, contact tracing activities, data entry, and adherence to surveillance and reporting protocols established by the PA DOH.Conducts and directs epidemiologic investigations in accordance with Department protocols, including case investigations, outbreak response, and coordination with clinical, hospitals, and laboratory partners.Monitors incidence, prevalence, and mortality trends to identify unusual and emergent patterns of reportable diseases with significant severity and frequency that increases public health risks, including, potential health hazards in populations, geographic areas, or specific groups.Coordinates the collection and transportation of clinical specimens to appropriate laboratories in accordance with Department protocols, including training on isolate collection and mailing to PA DOH BOL.Prepares comprehensive investigation reports that summarize the number of open and closed PA NEDSS investigations by conditions and DIS staff.Monitor and manage processes for recording and reporting established Epi e-mail Outlook accounts and RingCentral for external organizations and individuals to report diseases (animal bites, outbreaks, reportable conditions). Ensures quality control of surveillance activities and disease investigations and participates in continuous quality improvement efforts, especially utilizing automated reports on data verification provided by the PA DOH ERA Informatics.Recommends improvements to surveillance processes and procedures to enhance the quality, completeness, and timeliness of morbidity reporting.Ensures Epi and DIS staff are currently certified in PA DOH data security and confidentiality in in accordance with applicable state and county laws and policies.Manages, maintains, and analyzes complex epidemiologic databases and surveillance datasets, including population data from the US Census.Uses surveillance data to identify disparities among population groups and inform targeted public health interventions.Utilizes PA DOH county health profiles and other platforms / dashboards, to prepare county and municipality level summaries, epidemiologic reports, and data briefs on communicable diseases and other public health conditions.Develops clear, accurate, and technically sound epidemiologic reports and presentations for the Delaware County Health Department, Board of Health, and other partners as directed.Maintains current knowledge of epidemiologic methods, surveillance technologies, and public health best practices, as recommended by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, PA DOH, and the CDC. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles, practices, recent developments, and techniques related to epidemiology.Considerable knowledge of occupational diseases and illness.Considerable knowledge of the epidemiology of emerging and common communicable diseases.Considerable knowledge of public health laws and regulations.Considerable knowledge of social determinants of health.Knowledge of a wide range of disease conditions and illnesses, including health disparities.Knowledge of the functions and resources of federal, state, and local agencies in the field of public health.Kno