POSITION
The Epidemiologist / Bioterrorism Preparedness Coordinator performs a dual role interacting with both the City and the community at large investigating the determinants/distribution of disease, along with planning and coordinating disaster response/crisis management. This individual acts under the direction of the Public Health Administrator and/or their designee.ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Monitor the incidence and prevalence of disease and other health-determining factors in the jurisdiction, and oversee surveillance activities.
• Gather, document, and analyze the impact of various chronic and infectious disease processes, determinants of health, and other factors that impact the jurisdiction.
• Coordinate and provide epidemiological investigative activities related to communicable and chronic diseases, food and waterborne illness and other public health problems using established scientific and technical methods and practices.
• Participate as a member of the Department's epidemiological team in the event of a suspected or confirmed chemical, biological, communicable disease, or other event.
• Review existing health programs and develop plans for expansion, modification, or elimination based on effectiveness, efficacy, and changing health needs of the population based on epidemiologic principles.
• Conduct outbreak and other investigations by assisting with onsite reviews of facilities and procedures, interviewing patients, contacts, and providers, and collecting data from local agencies or other entities.
• Develop, review, and implement questionnaires and/or forms to be used during outbreak investigations.
• Apply principles of ethical and legal practice related to data collection, dissemination, and use in the course of surveillance and data analysis or distribution.
• Identify and implement effective health promotion and disease prevention strategies.
• Provide input at case conferences, evaluations, planning committees, and outreach activities within the Department and with partner agencies.
• Provide direct and integrated services / interactions within the Community Health Clinic setting, including but not limited to the Needle Exchange Program and STD/HIV Clinic and its related programs such as HIV Partner Services.
• Generate reports and descriptive analyses based on health and disease trends, factors impacting health, and other related data.
• Provide oversight, guidance, and assist with the Racine County Medical Reserve Corps.
• Collaborate and interact with partner agencies, including but not limited to Fire, Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, Health Care, and other Local Health Department partners, for planning, exercises, training, and other preparedness activities.
• Ensure the Department's preparedness plans are updated regularly and reflect the latest in best practices and State Requirements.
• Develop and implement regular emergency preparedness trainings for Department personnel; maintain personnel training records.
• Collaborate with local, state, regional, and national partners to enhance emergency preparedness, response capabilities, and resiliency.
• Locate, submit, and manage assigned grants and / or contracts, ensure that objectives and deliverables are met, and reports are completed on time / resubmitted as appropriate.
• Provide quality control for data management processes, including the management of confidential data.
• Function as a Public Information Officer for the Department; convey information effectively to the media and the public.
• Perform community-focused educational activities related to the control of communicable diseases and improvement of community preparedness.
• Conduct investigations / describe populations using language, materials, and approaches tailored to specific populations including race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, age, gender, religion, disability, and sexual orientation.
• Develop, manage, and maintain computer databases or other systems for surveillance, investigation, and assessment of disease and illness.
• Manage the Department website, including the Dashboard; ensure that additions, revisions, and corrections are made as necessary and in a timely manner.
• Have working knowledge of the Division's budget.
• Collaborate effectively with agency administration to provide services for community emergency intervention.
• Maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record.

ASSOCIATED DUTIES

• Perform other duties as assigned or required.
• Act as a first responder in a natural disaster or any public health, chemical, biological, nuclear, or radiological event.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Qualified applicants will possess a Master's degree or higher in Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field from an accredited college or university, with an emphasis on courses in epidemiology and statistics. Applicants must also possess a minimum of two (2) years of employment in the field of public health with demonstrated expertise in all requisite areas.

Preference will be shown to candidates who demonstrate the following:

• Two (or more) years of relevant epidemiology and / or bioterrorism preparedness experience.
• Three (3) years work experience with a governmental public health agency.
• Bilingual proficiency (Spanish / English).
• Experience working with various racial and ethnic groups.
• Enhanced familiarity / experience with statistical theory / methods.
• Experience in public speaking with the ability to present data and other program materials in Microsoft PowerPoint.

The following core knowledge, skills, and abilities are required / if applicable of all personnel:

• A valid Wisconsin driver's license and reliable motor vehicle with mandatory levels of insurance coverage.
• Current CPR/AED/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain such certification within six months of hire. Certifications must be maintained for the duration of employment.
• Working knowledge of community systems / ability to initiate referrals to community health care providers, social service, and advocacy agencies, and the ability to effectively refer clients as needed.
• Knowledge of HIPAA compliance standards and all aspects of client privacy practices.
• Knowledge / experience evaluating health trends and risk factors of target populations.
• Ability to establish professional relationships with clients, peers, supervisors, and community organization members.
• Personal initiative combined with the ability to work independently and interdependently.
• Substantial working knowledge of and experience with latest Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Publisher), desktop publishing, and the Internet, combined with the ability to pass all required skills tests.
• Previous experience working with large / specialized databases and preparing data for analysis.
• Ability to analyze data and / or manipulate data in Microsoft Excel and / or applicable databases using established criteria to determine significance and assess outcomes. Must be able to compare, count, measure, copy, compute, tabulate, and categorize data combined with the ability to pass all required skills tests
• Ability to effectively acquire and utilize scientific / client data obtained from a variety of sources including patient records, lab reports, physician orders, maps, flow charts, and statistical reports.
• Ability to comprehend, utilize, and implement information from a variety of sources including personnel policies, employee performance evaluations, time study sheets, policy documents, nursing procedure manuals, scientific medical textbooks, and computer software operating manuals.
• Proficient oral / written English language skills including proper spelling, punctuation and grammar with the ability to pass required skill tests.
• Effective oral and written communication skills at all levels of responsibility including clients and their families, physicians, local / state / and federal personnel, pharmacists, hospital, and jail personnel.
• Ability to assist in the development, submission, and implementation of successful grant proposals.
• Ability to interpret, regulate, and enforce state, local, and federal laws, regulations, and rules.
• Ability to effectively train and coordinate activities of interns and visiting students.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing, walking, sitting and stooping.
• Kneeling, crouching, climbing, balancing and bending/twisting.
• Reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling (up to 35 lbs.)
• Handling, grasping, fingering, filing, typing and writing.

ENVIRONMENTAL / WORKING CONDITIONS
Office and a wide variety of indoor / outdoor environments.

EQUIPMENT
Effective utilization and maintenance of computer workstations, associated equipment and software / database applications, copy center, fax machine, multi-line telephone system, cellular telephone, flashlight, digital / video camera, audio / visual and miscellaneous office / medical / inspection / laboratory equipment.

This job description is intended to identify essential duties and illustrates other types of duties that may be assigned. It should not be interpreted as describing all the duties that will be required of an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments that an individual is required to perform. In addition to the responsibilities and duties listed, it is expected that employees maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Job descriptions are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the City of Racine.

The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.