Epidemiology Investigator, Tuberculosis

• Patient Interviews: Conducts interviews with tuberculosis (TB) patients and key stakeholders via phone, clinic visits, or field assessments to gather essential information regarding contacts, transmission locations, and sources of infection. 
• Consultation and Recommendations: Provides expert consultation and formulates recommendations for TB control measures and prevention strategies in accordance with public health guidelines. 
• Case Investigation and Reporting: Investigates cases through the Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) system, ensuring the timely and accurate reporting of health conditions among refugees and immigrants.
• Outreach and Education: Engages in community outreach through presentations, workshops, and health fairs to promote awareness and healthy practices. During outbreaks, initiates active surveillance in daycare centers, schools, and long-term care facilities. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with hospital infection preventionists, school health coordinators, and nursing staff to facilitate the reporting of notifiable conditions in Texas. 
• Data Management and Reporting: Collects relevant investigative information, supports data for programmatic key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensures accurate and timely data entry into the state database and local health department electronic medical records (EMR) system, contributing to comprehensive epidemiological reports. 
• Laboratory Specimen Handling: Collects, packages, and processes phlebotomy specimens in accordance with laboratory guidelines to ensure proper testing protocols. 
• Emergency Response Duties: Performs additional duties as assigned, including specialized tasks related to emergency response efforts.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. 
• At least two (2) years of experience working in public health epidemiology field on infectious disease case investigation and/or surveillance activities. 

• High school diploma or GED 
• At least five (5) years of experience working in public health setting epidemiology field on infectious disease case investigation and/or surveillance activities.

• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Access. 
• Basic proficiency with statistical analysis software (SPSS, STATA or Epi Info). 
• Excellent organizational skills and communication skills. 
• Ability to write reports and technical papers. 
• Ability to work well with public and staff members. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment. 
• Use your personal mobile device for our Multifactor Authentication process. 

• Understands the organizational mission 
• Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust 
• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others 

• Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission 
• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group 
• Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs 

• Ability to adapt to change 

• Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect 
• Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner 
• Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses 
• Uses sound judgment 
• Self-motivated 
• Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

Experience:

• Experience in tuberculosis elimination and case contact investigation activities.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: 

• This is a full -time position, funded through Special Revenue. 
• Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 
• Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including weekends. 
• Able to travel within Harris County as needed. 

• This job operates in a office environment and community setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopier, filling cabinets and fax machines. 

• This role requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to twenty (20) pounds and bending & standing per periods at a time.  

• Harris County Public Health: Office of Epidemiology, Surveillance & Emerging Diseases - 1111 Fannin St. Houston, Texas 77002