Epidemiologist

The Epidemiologist is responsible for the acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation of data as well as planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating data systems for each program within Kenosha County Public Health (KCPH). This position provides data management, data analysis, and data visualizations to be utilized in program evaluation, both internal to the health department and with other divisional, community, and academic partners as it relates to public health and the social determinants of health. The Epidemiologist will also be responsible for epidemiological surveillance, coordination of surveillance systems, and communication and reporting activities. This position is performed within the Population Health Section under direction of the Public Health Supervisor.

Kenosha County is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and is an
Equal Opportunity Employer.

2024 Hiring Range: $62,540 – $74,452 annually

Position Summary and Job Duties
Data Collection & Analysis
• Coordinate data analysis and outcome evaluation by adhering to and integrating findings from data into organizational operations
• Utilize data analysis and data visualization software, such as PowerPivot, R, SAS and Tableau, to correlate, integrate, analyze, and interpret various types of information from all KCPH programs and activities including preparing reports, charts, tables, graphs, and dashboards for internal and external stakeholder activities
• Adhere to and integrate findings from data analysis into organizational operations to improve health for individuals, families, and communities
• Manage sensitive health databases including overseeing the collection, cleaning, storing, and maintenance of data from multiple sources across different platforms
• Implement data collection methods and tools to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services
• Identify populations negatively and disproportionately impacted by events and crisis and the conditions, systems and structures that support these outcomes
• Ensure the consideration of the role of cultural, social, and behavioral determinants in the accessibility and delivery of public health otherwise known as health equity

Planning & Development
• Participate in short- and long-range strategic planning and policy development
• Participate in grant writing and provide oversight to the implementation and evaluation of programming to meet community needs
• Work with area secondary institutions faculty and staff to conduct research and provide student training opportunities
• Develop information, resources, and reports including workplans
• Deliver scientific and epidemiological data in clear, easy to understand visuals and sound bites for a non-trained, non-scientific audience
• Establish linkages and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders
• Participate in all aspects of the facilitation and development of the division’s Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and Strategic Plan including coordinating stakeholder meetings
• Review scientific evidence and scientific literature related to public health issues, concerns, interventions, and evidence-based or evidence-informed practices
• Ensure adherence and compliance to the policies and procedures of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regarding protected health information
• Perform other duties as required or assigned

Success Factors
Knowledge of:
• Epidemiology and related methods of public health research and practice
• Mathematical and statistical concepts (probability and statistical inference, linear and logistic regression, and non-parametric survival analysis)
• 10 Essential Public Health Services (i.e. using root cause analysis and other quality improvement methods and tools) and Core Functions of Public Health Practice
• Health education behavior change theories and use
• Cultural competency: supporting diverse perspectives in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, programs, and services that affect the health of the community
• Breadth of local governmental public health programs, practices, and responsibilities

Skill in:
• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting GC/FID, GC/MS, LC/MS/MS and FTIR Instrumentation
• Analyzing and solving problems by collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions
• SQL, SPSS, R, SAS, SharePoint, Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, geographic information systems (GIS), Quick Base, Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and internet usage
• Comprehending complex information presented in mathematical or diagram form and assimilating abstract and concrete variables
• Interpret empirical research from professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations
• Time management and prioritizing
• Community assessment, engagement, and action plans
• Critical thinking, systems thinking, analytical and problem-solving as well as sound judgment
• Strong written and oral communication for crafting reports, networking, interpersonal relationships, and effective presentations to a wide range of people

Ability to:
• Apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, odds ratios, and rate ratios to practical situations
• Effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, and lifestyles
• Effectively plan, organize, and manage competing priorities and challenges under pressure
• Engage, establish, and maintain collaborative partnerships with multi-cultural/multi-disciplinary staff, management, community partners, and the public
• Maintain confidentiality and serve the public with honesty and integrity
• Understand and consistently follow health department policies and procedures
• Always remain professional and courteous especially in high pressure situations
• Effectively work in a team environment that promotes customer satisfaction as well as independently to meet deadlines
• Operate with a high degree of flexibility, initiative, attention to detail, and commitment
• Thrive in a fast paced, robust organization
• Work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment

Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Policy, Public Health, Global Health, or a similar field
• Experience in preparing accurate reports with a background in the methods of public health sciences and public health programming (examples will be requested)
• Experience in health-related database management performing duties related to this position
Preferred Education and Experience
• Master’s Degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Policy, Public Health, Global Health, or a related field
• Experience creating dashboards in Tableau
• Experience coding in R
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)
• Or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Other Job Requirements
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Access to a personal vehicle for use in the performance of the job
• Occasional weekend and evening work as required
• Perform other work as required or assigned including but not limited to a 24/7 response during public health emergency situations and disease outbreak investigations

Benefits
• Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment, with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The position involves little to no physical demands.

Selection Process
• Application Review – Qualifying
• Oral Interview – Qualifying
• Background Check – Qualifying
• Drug Screen – Qualifying

If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.

Applications must be submitted no later than Sunday, September 22, 2024. Please include cover letter and transcript with coursework taken.

To learn more about the Kenosha County Public Health, please visit: https://www.kenoshacounty.org/297/Public-Health

Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.

The pay grade for this position is E7 (Min. $62,540 – Max. $86,365 annually).

This position is located in Kenosha County, a growing community along the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago. To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, please visit: https://www.visitkenosha.com/

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!

Kenosha County is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

https://www.kenoshacounty.org/jobs

Deadline Note: