• Job Description

  Req#: 4677915
  The Epidemiologist is a valuable member to our Prevention Services Team who under the supervision of the Crisis Epidemiologist, serves as an epidemiologic expert on Communicable Diseases (CD), with an emphasis on respiratory diseases, and other epidemiologic issues as appropriate and needed. Jointly with the Crisis and Medical Epidemiologist, monitors trends in diseases; establishes/implements CD surveillance systems at the county level; organizes investigation; contributes to establishing prevention measures and controls of individual cases and outbreaks. This position develops and maintains data dashboards and local surveillance of diseases and conditions. This position develops and shares reports of CD data with stakeholders and the public. This work includes writing reports. This position is responsible for developing partnerships with other Department programs, Lake County health care providers, and allied organizations. The Epidemiologist participates in relevant internal and external trainings.
  
  To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone who demonstrates:

  • Considerable knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of epidemiology.
  • Knowledge of communicable diseases, infection control, and public health services.

  Schedule: 40 hours per week
  
  

  • In the absence of the Crisis and Medical Epidemiologist, acting as the epidemiologic subject matter expert on CD and other public health issues.
  • Collaborating with the Crisis Epidemiologist to monitor disease trends, establish and implement communicable disease surveillance systems at the county level, and collect, analyze, interpret, and disseminate data on communicable diseases. This includes identifying the magnitude of health issues, trends, locations, and populations at risk.
  • Establishing and maintaining data files on various communicable diseases and public health issues, analyzing data using appropriate epidemiological and statistical methodologies.
  • Possessing knowledge of, and competently writing a statistical report, with appropriate data visualization methods and clarity, including the written sections.
  • Reviewing epidemiologic data and develop guidelines, protocols, and policy recommendations based on findings.
  • Leading or contributing to outbreak and cluster investigations as needed.
  • Building collaborative relationships with CD staff, other Lake County Health Department (LCHD) personnel, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Lake County physicians, hospital infection control practitioners, health facilities, schools and other human services organizations.
  • Developing and presenting epidemiologic reports and information to Health Department staff, health care providers and Lake County residents serving as a resource for CD in-service education and training.
  • Representing the agency in various internal and community groups, as well as professional organizations, on matters related to epidemiology and communicable diseases.
  • Participating in internal and external training sessions regarding epidemiology issues.
  • Developing and managing grants related to epidemiological issues.
  • Collaborating with the Crisis and Medical Epidemiologist, Public Health Emergency Response Coordinator, and other emergency management staff in planning, staffing and executing emergency preparedness efforts.
  • Working with the Crisis and Medical Epidemiologist and Communications Manager to prepare press releases, alerts, broadcast faxes, public education materials and reports related to CD.
  • Coordinating with other Health Department programs as needed, including but not limited to Immunizations, STI/HIV, TB, Behavioral Health, Physical Health, Tobacco Prevention, and Infection Control.
  • Maintaining confidentiality of privileged information and adhering to patient privacy laws.
  • Carrying the on-call pager one week every 7-10 weeks, responding to after-hours CD calls.
  • Developing and prepare abstracts, manuscripts, posters, and presentations and share those findings at local, state, or national conferences.
  • Collaborating and working with interns.
  • Other duties as assigned. May be required to work on non-CD/IZ related epidemiology (cancer epidemiology, etc.).

  • Requires a master’s degree in Epidemiology, master’s degree in public health with concentration in epidemiology, or bachelor’s degree in related field with formal Epidemiology training.
  • With a master’s degree, some years working experience in epidemiology and/or research is preferred.
  • With a bachelor’s degree, requires 3-5 years working experience in epidemiology and/or research.
  • Requires a valid Illinois driver's license and automobile insurance.

  As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community.

  Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found at https://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/health-department.

  Currently, you must reside in Illinois or Wisconsin to work for the Lake County Health Department. Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

  The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

• About the company

  Lake County is situated in the northeastern corner of the US state of Illinois along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Notice