Community Epidemiologist-Ingham County Human Resources

Job Description

Job Title: Community Epidemiologist

Company: Ingham County Human Resources

Location: Lansing, MI

Pay: $74729.48 per year

AI Pay Analysis: To analyze the hourly rate of $74,729.48 per year for a Community Epidemiologist role in Lansing, MI, we first convert the annual salary to an hourly rate, which is approximately $35.89 (assuming a standard 40-hour work week across 52 weeks). In comparison, according to industry data, salaries for epidemiologists can vary widely based on experience, education, and location, with many community epidemiologists earning between $60,000 and $90,000 annually in similar markets. Given that Lansing’s cost of living is generally lower than national averages, this rate appears competitive within the local context and aligns well with national standards, especially for entry to mid-level positions in the field.

Job description:

This position offers the possibility of a hybrid work schedule, involving both remote and in-person workdays; however, it is not entirely remote.

In collaboration with the Senior Community Epidemiologist, the incumbent will conduct active epidemiologic surveillance and inferential studies while providing technical expertise. This role entails assessing the community’s health status concerning public health services and identifying areas of unmet needs. Responsibilities include planning and guiding analytical studies, reviewing vital records and health statistics, and preparing comprehensive technical reports, proposals, articles, and presentations to communicate findings pertinent to existing or anticipated health issues within the County. Furthermore, the position supports health leaders and community organizations in community-based research initiatives aimed at enhancing the health and quality of life of the County’s residents.

Essential Functions:

• Employ suitable quantitative analysis methods and statistical software to analyze demographic, geographic, cultural, and other variables associated with communicable and chronic diseases, as well as exposure sources and disease transmission, while modeling future disease occurrences. Adaptation of epidemiologic principles to address local public health issues will require significant creativity and independence.
• Disseminate findings from public health surveillance and advanced analyses through the publication of internal and public reports, as well as presentations at various events. Create and tailor materials for diverse audiences, employing a range of effective data visualization techniques such as mapping and dashboards.
• Identify health disparities and inequities impacting minority groups and disproportionately affected populations as part of surveillance efforts.
• Utilize various methods (e.g., SQL, census data requests) to extract complex datasets from scientifically appropriate sources and clean data using epidemiologic and biostatistical techniques prior to analysis and dissemination.
• Provide scientific guidance and technical support to internal and community partners regarding public health surveillance and epidemiologic data evaluation, while adhering to the cultural, social, political, ethical, and legal considerations pertinent to data collection and dissemination.
• Collaborate in planning and guiding a multi-agency, multi-organizational quantitative initiative aimed at assessing the population’s health within the capital area region and Ingham County, and contribute to other aspects of community health assessment and improvement plans as assigned.
• Engage in the development of public health surveillance systems, data linkages, databases, and other health informatics initiatives to enhance public health practice.
• Assist with emergency preparedness activities, including planning, outbreak investigation, and post-event recovery efforts.
• Provide consultative services to internal and community partners concerning surveys and primary data collection methods throughout the project lifecycle, encompassing design, development, operations, data management, analysis, visualization, and dissemination.
• Offer analytical support for the implementation, evaluation, and quality assurance of evidence-based programs and strategies aimed at improving the health and quality of life for residents and visitors of Ingham County.
• Contribute epidemiological expertise and data consultation in the planning and writing of grant applications for various funding opportunities, and manage grant implementation and coordination for epidemiology-relevant grants.
• Serve as an epidemiologic resource on internal and external committees as directed by the Senior Community Epidemiologist.
• Under the guidance of the Senior Community Epidemiologist, oversee public health and nursing student interns, including selection and supervision, and serve as a proctor for student practicums as required.

Other Functions:

• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Adhere to departmental standards concerning HIPAA and other privacy matters.
• During public health emergencies, the employee may be tasked with responsibilities similar to those outlined in their job description.

Employment Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Epidemiology or Biostatistics from an accredited public health school or program, accompanied by a minimum of three years of experience in designing, analyzing, and interpreting research findings with programming and database management is required.

Other Requirements:

• Advanced proficiency in statistical programming (e.g., R, SQL, SAS).
• Knowledge of current principles and practices related to epidemiology and public health.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex ideas to diverse audiences across various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate effective working relationships and demonstrate sound judgment and resourcefulness in interactions with staff, community organizations, the public, and stakeholders.
• Strong quantitative reasoning and data analysis skills, with the ability to handle large datasets effectively.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in applied epidemiology within local or state public health departments.
• Demonstrated decision-making capabilities and problem-solving skills, with a focus on detail orientation and sustained concentration. The ability to execute job functions with a degree of independence as required.

The candidate will exhibit effective communication skills by engaging and collaborating with individuals from various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring clarity and understanding in all interactions.

Physical Requirements:

• This role involves sitting, walking, standing, bending, and lifting or carrying objects typical of an office environment.
• The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients in both face-to-face and phone interactions.
• Proficiency in operating a PC or laptop, including inputting and retrieving information from a computer.

Working Conditions:

• The role is situated in a conventional office environment, characterized by uniform temperatures, conversational noise, and standard office activities.

This position includes benefits and is subject to the ICEA COUNTY PROFESSIONAL GROUP Collective Bargaining Agreement. Ingham County provides a comprehensive benefits package to support career growth and development.

Job Posting Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2025 05:08:39 GMT

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