Job Announcement

Located in the largest jurisdiction in the National Capitol Region, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. We are committed to promoting population health, protecting public health and the environment, and achieving equity in health services and outcomes.

This position supports an expanding Population Health Section within the Division of Epidemiology and Population Health (DEPH). Established in 2018, the Population Health program has a primary focus on examining health and well-being at the population level, including underlying disparities across demographic and geographic groups; as well as a focus on understanding the mechanisms through which behavioral, structural, economic, social, and cultural factors interact in producing observed health related patterns over the life course. Key to the work of the Population Health program is the application of analytic information in the promotion and implementation of effective cross-sectoral strategies for optimizing health and well-being and reducing health inequities.

Holds primary responsibility for the planning and implementation of analytic and surveillance work related to substance use and mental health (e.g., suicide, depression, anxiety) related outcomes and determinants across populations. Develops subject matter expertise and contribute to the development, monitoring, evaluation, and quality improvement of evidence-based policies and programs to improve health outcomes and increase equity. Work will support the promotion of effective strategies for addressing prevention, care, treatment, and support needs within diverse communities.

Key capabilities for this position include:

• Knowledge and experience in the application of epidemiologic principles and methods in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data associated with monitoring and assessing population trends in health outcomes and determinants, and the impact of prevention, intervention, and health promotion strategies;
• Experience in the use of surveillance, administrative, survey, and/or census data in the characterization and evaluation of disease trends and risk factors;
• The ability to effectively translate and present analytic findings to inform data-driven programs and policies;
• Comfort in building and supporting collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders in the identification of community needs, and the development and implementation of strategies to promote optimal health and well-being and reducing health inequities;
• Ability to effectively coordinate and manage projects involving multiple staff with varying areas and levels of epidemiologic expertise;
• Proficiency in the utilization of one or more statistical (e.g., R, SAS, STATA, SPSS) software applications; and
• Experience supervising and supporting mid-level and junior epidemiology staff.

Key activities for this position include:

• Creates descriptive and inferential analyses identifying county-level population trends, patterns, and disparities in substance use, mental health, and underlying health determinants utilizing local, state, and national data sources.
• Identifies and acquires quantitative and qualitative data sources for information regarding local population characteristics, health determinants, and health outcomes, and the development of analytic datasets (e.g., data extraction, cleaning, coding, and matching).
• Implements quantitative and qualitative primary data collection efforts (e.g., surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews) to assess substance use and mental health related health determinants and outcomes across target populations.
• Contributes to the planning and implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities targeted toward assessing the impact of local policies, initiatives, and programs.
• Conducts systematic literature reviews on key issues related to the prevention, screening, treatment, and care of substance use and mental health related conditions.
• Produces infographics, reports, and presentations translating analytic findings for diverse audiences with varying levels of epidemiologic and public health expertise.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of internal and external data visualization dashboards.
• Provides oversight to opioid-related overdose spike detection efforts and assist in the coordination of associated communication and response activities.
• Uses analytic findings to identify local population health priorities and development of effective county programs and policies.
• Contributes to the development and monitoring of local strategic plans targeted toward addressing substance use and mental health related needs and reducing health inequities.
• Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with internal and external partners in identifying and promoting effective cross-sectoral strategies for addressing public health needs.
• Serves as the primary divisional representative on the Fairfax County Opioid and Substance Use (OSU) Task Force.
• Supports the development of internal division and departmental capacity through peer-to-peer technical assistance and training based on area of expertise.

Note: Health Department positions are designated as emergency responders in the event of a public health crisis. As a public health emergency responder, this position may be reassigned to provide support based on the emergency response service needs. The temporary reassignment may require employees to function in a role outside of the typical job duties. The emergency response may also require employees to work alternative work schedules to include weekend and evenings.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Advanced Degree in epidemiology Doctorate degree (PHD) plus two years of experience in epidemiology-related work, or master's degree in public health (MPH) or Master of Science (MS) with graduate work in epidemiology and/or biostatistics plus five years of experience in epidemiology-related work.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license.
AED- Required within 60 days
CPR- Required within 60 days

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Previous experience working at a local, state, or federal health agency.
Previous work experience in substance use, mental health, or health disparities.
Experience working collaboratively with organizational and community partners representing diverse areas of experience and expertise.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a check of the Child Protective Services Registry, a sanction screening, and a driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer. Tuberculosis test.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Job is generally sedentary in nature, however, job entails walking, standing, sitting, climbing stairs, reaching and bending; uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel. Visual acuity is required to read data on a computer monitor; ability to drive a vehicle. Incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment and computer. Position frequently communicates and must be able to exchange accurate information with others verbally and in writing. Employee may be required to lift up or carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally. Generally works in an office environment yet may occasionally be required to perform job duties outside of the typical office setting. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview, may include practical exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.

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