Job Description
About the position Under supervision of the Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI)/ Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) Epidemiology Manager, serves as subject matter expert and performs senior-level epidemiological work related to the reporting, prevention and control of HAIs and antimicrobial resistance (AR) for designated Public Health Region (PHR). Works in collaboration with other epidemiologists of the Healthcare Safety Unit and assigned PHR. Initiates, plans, conducts, and oversees epidemiological surveillance and investigations of HAI/AR. Conducts infection control assessments in healthcare facilities to evaluate their infection prevention and control (IPC) programs, and provide recommendations on how to mitigate identified gaps. Designs processes for the collection, management, evaluation, and dissemination of data. Develops educational materials and trainings for healthcare facilities and public health departments regarding infectious diseases, IPC recommendations and healthcare outbreak management. Prepares presentations and technical reports on IPC topics and HAI/AR investigations. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders at the local, regional, and state level on IPC initiatives. Consults with hospital administrators, physicians, state and national organizations and others on the epidemiology of HAI/AR. Responds to public inquiries regarding HAI/AR. Develops recommendations to Manager on budget, grants, contracts, staffing needs, policies and procedures as needed. Must be able to Lead/Coordinate Leadership-requested projects and staff tasks autonomously and using detail-oriented approach to ensure consistent quality and content across DSHS programs. HAI Epidemiologist will be deployable to other PHRs within the state to assist, as needed, and may serve in Surge capacity. Works in Harlingen office 2 days weekly, works remote 3 days weekly, and responds to Unit needs in person, as needed. Responsibilities • Initiates, plans, conducts and oversees epidemiological surveillance projects, infection control assessments, and investigations of HAI/AR infections in healthcare facilities. • Coordinates investigations with healthcare facilities, local and regional health departments, CDC, and other internal and external stakeholders. • Reviews medical records and abstracts relevant information. • Coordinates provision of epidemiological and laboratory resources to support investigations. • Provides epidemiologic consultation to infection preventionists, public health department epidemiologists, medical professionals, and other stakeholders. • Communicates investigation findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders. • Develops, reviews and updates HAI and AR investigation guidelines and resources. • Helps achieve the HAI Investigations Groups' goals and objectives. • Serves as HAI/AR subject matter expert for designated Public Health Region (PHR). • Mentors and trains local and regional health department epidemiologists, infection preventionists, interns, fellows and other HAI Epidemiologists. • Assists with the HAI Investigations Group grants, including writing work plans, making recommendations for budgets, carrying out and tracking activities, and reporting milestones and performance measures. • Manages projects and helps prioritize tasks to ensure their timely completion. • Hosts and attends meetings with internal and external stakeholders to provide updates about IPC topics and HAI/AR investigations. • Develops and provides educational materials and trainings for healthcare facilities, public health departments, general public and other partners. • Develops recommendations to Manager on contracts, staffing needs, policies and procedures. • Participates in the interviews and selection process for other team members. • Prepares and disseminates information to internal and external stakeholders regarding IPC topics and HAI/AR reporting, prevention, and control, including health advisories. • Prepares abstracts for manuscript submission or presentation at professional organization meetings and conferences. • As requested by DSHS leadership, responds to legislative requests and inquiries from the DSHS Press Office. • 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 Plan (COOP) activation. Requirements • Master's degree (MPH, MS, MSN), Doctorate degree (PhD., DSc., DNP., DrPH., ScD., DMSc.), or professional certification or licensure (RN, MT[ASCP], PA, MBBS, MD, DO). • Minimum 3 years of relevant experience (e.g., infection prevention and control, infectious disease epidemiology, public health epidemiology surveillance, data analysis, or microbiology). • Knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics • Knowledge of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and other infectious diseases • Knowledge of infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies • Knowledge of healthcare risk management a
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