Epidemiologist II - Overdose Prevention & Assessment (Health Department) - Snohomish County

This position is open until November 1st, 2024, and is a bargaining unit represented position.

A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete. Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.

This Epidemiologist II position will focus on opioid and other drug overdose prevention work for the Snohomish County Health Department (SHD). The incumbent will primarily provide epidemiologic support for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Overdose to Action (OD2A) grant. The Epidemiologist will maintain data dashboards and create reports summarizing surveillance data relating to drug overdose, including but not limited to mortality data, data from Emergency Medical Services (EMS), data from emergency departments and data regarding access to treatment. The incumbent will work closely with staff from the SHD Substance Use Prevention team and collaborate with partners from outside agencies to evaluate effectiveness of programs aimed at reducing the use and misuse of opioids and other drugs. The Epidemiologist will support data needs relating to the newly developed overdose fatality review (OFR), in conjunction with the Snohomish medical examiner. The incumbent will also provide epidemiologic support for other health topics of public health importance as governed by department needs. 

A hybrid schedule is generally what this incumbent will work, if they so choose, and as long as job duties and requirements are met as outlined by the Manager.  

Definition:

Under direction of the Epidemiology and Informatics Manager, or designee, will perform a variety of highly responsible, advanced epidemiological activities related to collection of epidemiological data, researching, analyzing, and interpreting health-related characteristics of the population to identify the distribution of diseases, spectrum of behaviors and relevant conditions. Proposes and/or initiates investigations, analysis, and reports. Designs major projects and performs complex analysis. The incumbent may also work in collaboration across divisions, leadership and/or interdisciplinary teams in support of department-wide administrative functions. 

The incumbent is responsible for designing, coordinating, and conducting case control, cohort, or cross-sectional studies to identify the incidence, prevalence, or causes of human morbidity or mortality using a variety of epidemiological methods; prepare formal written reports of study findings, including a description of the methods used, the findings, and the interpretation of the data. Additionally, provides consultative services on disease investigation, outbreaks, surveillance, regulations governing compliance, general epidemiological questions, research methodology, and study findings.

Work is performed under limited supervision. Incumbent will complete the work within the specified timeframe and is responsible for the work performed.  Prepares and carries out assignments and handles problems and deviations in accordance with experienced judgment, instructions, policies, procedures and/or accepted practices. The incumbent coordinates work with others and uses independent judgment concerning appropriate methods and procedures and keeps the Health Officer and/or supervisor regularly informed of progress, and workload concerns.   Incumbent reports to the Epidemiology and Informatics Manager who reviews work for accuracy, thoroughness, and conformance to established practices and procedures.