Oversees data collection and surveillance activities to ensure quality control. Assists the CDE Branch Manager and the HPCDPS Director in the coordination of epidemiological activities across the branch and section. Writes data and surveillance reports as required by internal and external management, funding sources, etc.

Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(30%) Serves as team lead for the Chronic Disease Epidemiology (CDE)’s epidemiology team. Participates in the screening, interviewing and selection process. Makes assignments, directs projects for the team and ensures deadlines are met keeping the quality standards. Assists the CDE Manager with establishing priorities for the team and implements them. Assesses training needs and makes recommendations for training; provide on-the-job training and assist less experienced staff with analysis and presentations. Attends and provides input at meetings pertaining to work assignment.

(20%) Plans, designs, oversees, and implements data collection, data management, and data dissemination processes to support chronic diseases programs. Identifies and analytically examines databases that may serve as sources of prevalence, incidence, hospitalizations, and vital data for chronic diseases in Texas. Works to manage and analyze data sources like Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, hospital discharge data, vital and population data, following protocols and dissemination standards set by CDE Manager. Works on program specific datasets such as the Texas Tobacco Quitline (TTQL) and the Youth Tobacco Survey (YTS), and present data as requested. Monitors data requests and fulfills them on schedule. Analyzes data using SAS and creates maps using ArcGIS. Proficiently use MS Office to write reports, create fact sheets, data briefs, and presentations as needed. Participates as a member in the DSHS BRFSS Health Survey User Group, and YRBS User Group, GIS User group, etc.

(20%) Initiates and guides the implementation of epidemiologic projects for chronic disease burden in general and special populations. Oversees the progress of these projects and the survey proposals that are established to implement chronic disease surveillance activities. Provides technical assistance to projects regarding chronic disease case definition, surveillance methods, data analysis, and report generation. Consults with state and national organizations on the epidemiology and surveillance of chronic diseases.

(15%) Provides epidemiological information to DSHS leadership, news/media, legislature/policy making groups and general public as requested. Prepares and presents technical reports and briefings.

(10%) Prepares formal contributions to public health sciences, including scientific abstracts and manuscripts for publications, and present them.

(5%) Performs other duties as assigned, including epidemiological analysis on additional related diseases or health behaviors. Other duties as assigned also include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Skills in using MS Office programs, statistical software (SAS) to analyze data, and mapping packages (ArcGIS). Skills in translating statistical information into meaningful information for the general public and external stakeholders. Skills in compiling effective written reports, creating GIS maps, and delivering presentations to both lay and professional groups.

Ability to take independent decisions, manage high priority workloads, manage competing priorities, and operate in changing public health environment. Ability to work with short turnaround times for deliverables. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely. Ability to advise and train other epidemiology staff in standard techniques for planning, conducting, and reporting surveillance activities. Ability to provide leadership and technical advice on epidemiology and surveillance related to chronic-disease conditions and their risk factors. Registration or Licensure Requirements: Initial Selection Criteria: A graduate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in epidemiology, public health and/or biostatistics or a related field.

Experience with programming in statistical software (for example SAS).

Experience in MS Office programs and mapping packages (e.g. ArcGIS) to analyze data.

Experience of utilizing various data sources related to chronic disease and risk factors.

Experience with survey development, data collection, statistical analyses, and data dissemination process.

Experience of applying epidemiological principles, research methods principles, and surveillance systems including quality assurance.

Experience with writing and reviewing statistical reports. Experience leading a team or project.

Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. Please fill out all application fields.

Agency salary policy, budget, and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.

Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete an in-basket exercise. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. without employer’s sponsorship.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68S, 60C, HM, 230X, 4E0X1, 43HX, 43MX, 43EX. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/Jo bDescriptions.aspx MOS Code: 4084

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.