Epidemiologist-Health Assessment and Evaluation Team

Job Summary This position is a union represented professional position in the Public Health Department, responsible for carrying out a broad and complex range of investigative health outcomes and analytical epidemiologic activities related to the surveillance, detection, and prevention of chronic diseases and injuries, rooted in health equity. The Epidemiologist works independently; as part of an experienced team; and with internal and external partners in providing epidemiologic expertise for specific programs or more complex individual epidemiologic analyses. The work includes developing and designing methods of analyzing and disseminating data for both routine and special short-term purposes. The position requires general and, in some cases, specific understanding of program processes and methods for prevention, intervention, and control of chronic diseases and any other public health work that does not include communicable disease. Specific projects or health topics that this position could support include Child Fatality Review and Prevention; Community Health Improvement Plan; development of online data products; drug overdose surveillance; injury and violence prevention; maternal/infant health; Medical Examiners’ Office; and place-based work. This position may conduct analysis on a variety of datasets including the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), Washington Healthy Youth Survey (HYS), Washington Child Wellness Survey (CWS), vital statistics, hospitalization and syndromic data. This position routinely analyzes and interprets both qualitative and quantitative data and writes reports and presents data for a variety of audiences.

The purpose of this position is to:

• Conduct epidemiologic health outcome investigations used in the prevention of chronic diseases, injuries, and other health and social conditions and in the planning of health programs.

• Serve as a technical resource in helping to identify, analyze, and report public health issues and problems, assess trends in health-related concerns, interpret data and information for corrective action and policy development.

• Design, implement, and evaluate epidemiological research, public health surveillance systems, and support the evaluation of public health prevention programming

Our department values our community’s diversity and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. Our department also encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

This is a full-time represented hourly position represented by Local 335 LIUNA.

This position has the option of a remote/hybrid work schedule possibility. However, the candidate selected must reside in OR or WA. No Exceptions

Qualifications

Experience & Education:

• Master’s degree from a CEPH accredited school of Public Health and coursework completion in biostatistics, epidemiology, research methodology, behavioral science, health education and promotion, and health services administration.

• Broad public health experience in population-based health and/or mental health/substance use disorder assessment, injury and violence prevention and/or chronic disease prevention.

• Knowledge of and demonstrated competence in the practice of epidemiology in a public health setting and a minimum of one year applied epidemiology and/or research in a public health environment.

• Knowledge of and experience with the principles of scientific inquiry and the statistical measures and study designs used in epidemiology.

• Experience in conducting epidemiologic investigations or scientific and social research in an area of public health concern.

• Experience participating in community planning processes addressing issues of public health concern and informing coalition best practices.

Skills:

• Strong oral communication and presentation skills to translate epidemiological information to policy makers, community stakeholders, and the general public;

• Strong written communication in the form of scientific publications, community reports, and grant applications;

• Use of different methodologies and sampling frames for data collection (quantitative and qualitative);

• Data collection instrument development;

• Competency with word processing, data visualization, spreadsheets, databases, and statistical packages such as STATA and SAS or R;

• Competency in working with and analyzing spatial and temporal data;

• Strong interpersonal skills;

• Strong background in using science and data to develop policy decisions and public health services;

• Understanding, knowledge and appreciation of cultural differences and similarities when working with diverse populations;

Knowledge of:

• The impact of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, mental or physical ability, religion, gender, gender expression, gender identity on behavior, attitudes and values related to health

• Key components of cultural competency; awareness of differences, attitude to examine beliefs and values, knowledge of differences; and skills to work effectively and appropriately across cultures;

• Advanced statistical measurement (linear, multiple, and logistic regression; factor analysis and discriminant function analysis; confidence intervals);

• Methods and procedures of public policy development; and

• Analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data for use in strategic planning and decision-making.

Ability to:

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the highest of ethical and moral standards in the conduction of a scientific inquiry process;

• Effectively and respectfully work with persons from diverse backgrounds including age, religion, national or ethnic origin, socioeconomic status, physical characteristics, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, health status, genetic predisposition, political belief, mental, or physical ability;

• Identify the role of cultural, social and behavioral factors in determining the delivery of Public Health services;

• Research and implement approaches to address problems that take into account cultural differences and working with diverse populations;

• Work autonomously with little or no direct supervision in the development and implementation of a project;

• Demonstrate use of good judgment and the knowledge of when to seek additional help;

• Confer with community partners about issues of public health significance;

• Carry out policy directives in an effective and timely manner;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, the public, policy makers, other governmental jurisdictions, contractors, community agencies and other County staff;

• Prepare effective correspondence and reports;

• Express ideas effectively both orally and in writing;

• Effectively use a personal computer, Microsoft Office software, e-mail, electronic scheduling, and internet to accomplish job functions;

• Work effectively with people of differing perspectives and disciplines in and out of the department;

• Recognize and address discrimination, stereotypes and stigmas in the work environment;

• Recognize features of personal behavior which are affected by culture; and

• Work in stressful and sensitive situations.

Examples of Duties

• Support the planning and execution of community health assessment projects, intervention research, and epidemiological investigation of health outcomes. Compile, maintain, analyze, and interpret health information. Write and publish health status reports.

• Provide data and public health assessment information to the department management team to inform departmental strategic planning process, Board of Health policy making, and program development work.

• Produce regular epidemiologic data products according to agreed schedule for the public and partners, and as requested.

• Conduct routine analysis of surveillance data to detect abnormal trends or areas of need.

• Provide courteous customer service to partners, both internal and external, and the public. Respond to routine inquires by phone or via email; listen to questions and explain the data

• Prepare public health information releases and media releases for findings from health information in coordination with the Director, Health Officer, managers, and other staff as needed. Respond to media requests at the direction of the Director.

• Represent the department in a variety of settings on public health issues. Make public presentations as requested.

• Other duties as assigned.

Other Assignments :

• Participate in regular team, program and all staff meetings

• Successfully complete online trainings, as required.

• Represent the program on community and statewide groups, committees, workgroups, and task forces as assigned.

• Lead or assist with time-limited, special projects.

• Other duties as assigned.

Other Necessary Qualifications:

• Must be able to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave. In addition, leaves may be cancelled under public health emergencies.

• Must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal law.

• Must adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory trainings.

• Possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.

Must be able to provide documentation of immune status per CCPH policy to vaccine preventable diseases.

Selection Process:

Resumes and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

Salary GradeLocal 335.11A

Salary Range$38.19 - $54.70- per hour

Close DateOpen Until Filled

RecruiterIrene Catherine Chrest

Email:

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here:

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at ; Relay .

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