Associate Epidemiology Specialist (748902) - TulaRay

Minimum Qualifications:

MPH or related degree (social sciences, demography, biological sciences), Experience in an applied public health setting preferred but not required.

• Knowledge of public health practices and infectious diseases principles.
• Knowledge of methods for developing infection control policies and procedures using outbreak data.
• Ability to read and interpret written materials.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to use public health data and to perform public health surveillance activities including reporting.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

This individual will support and increase harmful algal bloom (HAB) surveillance throughout Pennsylvania. They will also build and maintain partnerships and assist with relevant outreach efforts.

Specific tasks under this project include, but are not limited to:

1. Report all HAB events to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System (OHHABS).

a. Enter all HAB events to OHHABS by the end of corresponding calendar year.

b. Ensure consistent data reporting with the HABs Dashboard.

c. Generate reports for DOH website on HAB events and illnesses as needed.

2. Work with other program staff to develop human and animal illness response and case investigation standard operating procedure (SOP).

a. Review existing SOPs and data capture forms from states where HABs-related illnesses are reportable.

b. Develop and apply an SOP for responding to all reports of HAB-related human illness in Pennsylvania.

c. Determine and perform appropriate resident follow-up based on the results of the case investigation.

d. Work with IT staff to create a HAB-related human illness data capture form in PA-NEDSS.

e. Enter all reports of HAB-related human illnesses into PA-NEDSS.

f. Create additional protocols as needed to enhance HABs surveillance in Pennsylvania including protocols for clinical specimen collection and handling.

3. Review current online materials, including academic literature, existing HABs toolkits, etc. to assist in the revision and maintenance of Pennsylvania’s HABs monitoring and response strategy and improvement of health promotion materials.

4. Assist with other relevant environmental health projects related to HABs activities including outreach (e.g., educational materials, community events, etc.) and environmental health data dissemination.

5. Participate in all relevant HAB meetings including the HAB Taskforce meetings and other internal meetings as needed.

6. Present work and disseminate findings to relevant stakeholders via webinars, written publications, presentations through professional journals and national and regional conferences to advance best practices and share knowledge gained.

7. Provide regular updates to supervisor.

8. Perform other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The DOH reserves the right to reject or remove any unqualified contract staff if they cannot perform their duties at an acceptable level in order to meet the needs of this project.

The DOH will provide the contract staff with an Identification Badge and set of keys.

DRESS CODE

ID must be worn at all times when on duty and must be clearly visible and readable to other staff and consumers. The contractor shall dress in a responsible manner that displays professionalism at all times.

COMPETENCY MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

· Attends and participates in ongoing mandatory DOH training programs.

ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

· Interacts with DOH staff, stakeholders, and community members with good communication skills.

· Writes/prints legibly.

· Provides accurate and complete written work as required.

· Keeps conversations free from discriminatory, abusive or sexually harassing comments.

· Provides input and feedback to the supervisor in a timely manner.

· Interacts with colleagues in a cooperative manner to develop effective working relationships.

· Prepares and submits thorough and accurate reports in a timely manner as required.

· Reports problems accurately using the chain of command.

CRITICAL THINKING

· Prioritizes work tasks to be accomplished.

· Utilizes available staffing and equipment resources.

· Recognizes/anticipates project needs and priorities.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

· Demonstrates professional conduct with coworkers/public.

· Demonstrates ethical behavior in the workplace.

· Maintains a non-discriminatory work environment.

· Adheres to scheduled work hours.

About Us:

TulaRay partners with clients to create staffing solutions that meet unique organizational needs. Our services are designed to reduce administrative burdens, protect your brand, and improve assignment time-to-fill. We believe that mutually successful client relationships are built on lasting quality and exceptional customer service. We pride ourselves on our uncompromising commitment to high-quality emergency management & healthcare personnel, while ensuring that our clients are taken care of with personalized attention. TulaRay manages total compliance and respectfully supports hundreds of professionals and patient-centered programs.

TulaRay is proud to be an affirmative action employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by visiting our website at tularay.com