Michigan Public Health Institute - MPHI



Michigan Public Health Institute

Position Description

Title: Infectious Disease Outbreak Epidemiologist

Employee Name: To Be Determined (TBD)

Supervisor: Surveillance of Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section (SIDE), Communicable Disease Division, Bureau of Epidemiology and Population Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Purpose: The mission of the Bureau of Epidemiology and Population Health, MDHHS, is to promote and protect the health, wellness, and safety of all Michigan residents. Support is needed to assist local and state public health investigators in their response to infectious disease outbreaks, e.g., the hepatitis A outbreak that Michigan has been experiencing since August 2016. The ID Outbreak Epidemiologist will work alongside central MDHHS subject matter experts and with existing local health department staff in communicable disease, immunization, communication outreach, and emergency preparedness staff to coordinate outbreak response activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Epidemiology

1. Monitor statewide surveillance and laboratory systems daily for outbreak cases and for trends in disease activity

2. Coordinate outbreak response with the local health departments, state subject matter experts, and other partners to ensure appropriate and timely follow-up of cases and contacts

3. Assist with conducting interviews with case patients

4. Liaise with other federal, state, and local partners on disease activity

5. Provide subject matter expertise in the form of epidemiologic consultation and support to local health departments and providers as needed

6. Conduct data analyses for weekly reports and other data requests

7. Participate in state-level preparedness activities to respond to any public health emergency; contribute to the updating of emergency operations and all hazards plans

8. Report/update on a regular basis to Supervisor

9. Maintain a positive, credible, professional relationship with all parties relevant to MPHI and MDHHS projects, and represent the best interest of MPHI and MDHHS at all times

Communications

1. Prepare outbreak data summaries as requested

2. Provide outbreak updates for national and statewide teleconference calls, meetings, and conferences

3. Identify and contact local clinical laboratories on a weekly basis to ensure that reportable disease cases have been reported to public health and that clinical specimens have been sent to the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories

4. Liaise with community and partners as point person for disease-related issues in the community

Qualifications / Requirements:

Education: Masters degree with a major in epidemiology or in public health with a minimum of 12 combined graduate level term hours or 8 semester hours in epidemiology and biostatistics.

Experience: Two years working as an epidemiologist or equivalent preferred.

Important Skills and Characteristics: Knowledge of infectious disease epidemiology. Proficient in working with large data sets, Microsoft Office applications, such as Access, Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and is familiar with email/internet browser software. Works well in team situations, is self-motivated, meets deadlines, and handles multiple tasks at one time with minimal supervision. Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to present scientific and technical information to audiences.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: Standard office environment. Valid motor vehicle operator’s license may be required to perform duties of the position.

Responsibility for the work of others

No assigned responsibility.

Required Communication

Contact Person/Group Frequency Purpose_________

1. Unit Manager Daily Position oversight

2. Section Manager Daily Position oversight

3. ID Epidemiologists As needed Guidance

4. Other state, federal, and local agencies As needed Coordinate disease investigations

“For purposes of employment standards, this classification is “Exempt” from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.”

Signature________________________________________ Date_________________

Employee Signature

Signature_________________________________________Date_________________

Supervisor or Program Director

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To Be Completed By Human Resources

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