EPIDEMIOLOGIST SENIOR - COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

Schedule: Full-time

LOCATION - Department of Public Health - Communicable Disease

Shift: 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Job Summary AFSCME 1276

Under the supervision of the Director of Communicable Disease Control Prevention or designee, functions as a specialist in communicable disease investigation. Interviews persons with reported communicable diseases, evaluates the information collected and implements disease control measures in accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Rules and Regulations for the Control of Communicable Diseases. Conducts investigations as assigned by the Director or designee. Enters case information into electronic databases; investigates and closes cases in internal and external databases, including, but not limited to, the Illinois-National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (I-NEDSS) database. This position is grant funded until June 30 2026.

Typical Duties

•Investigates suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of communicable diseases as assigned.

•Counsels clients about communicable diseases in suburban Cook County

•Conducts field investigations as required per the mode of transmission of the disease being investigated, counsels and refer to treatment persons with potential exposures

•Monitors, investigates, and enters information into internal and external databases); electronically completes cases as appropriate

•Completes morbidity and other disease investigation and case management reports in accordance with CDC and IDPH guidelines. Enters information on cases into databases (e.g.,I-NEDSS)

•Routinely runs and reviews reports in I-NEDSS, X-DRO registry and/or other surveillance systems as necessary

Minimum Qualifications

•Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required (Must provide copy of official transcripts at the time of interview)

•One (1) year professional experience in the area of communicable disease control is required

•Position may require local travel for which the employee must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and have access to an insured vehicle or otherwise provide an acceptable and reliable means of transportation is required

•Must be trained and certified in NIMS FEMA IS - 100.b and 700.a Management within (6) months of employment is required.

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required

Preferred Qualifications

•Bachelor’s degree in public health or in the natural sciences from an accredited college or university is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Knowledge of microbiology, infectious disease epidemiology and basic statistics

• Ability to work independently

• Ability to elicit information from and provide information to clients with a variety of educational, social and ethnic backgrounds

• Ability to travel throughout Cook County

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan

Deferred Compensation Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with Cook County Health, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

· Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

· Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military Veteran?”

· Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

*Degrees awarded outside the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCH is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER