Job Announcement

The Fairfax County Health Department is the largest public health department in Virginia, serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds throughout Fairfax County, as well as the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church and the towns of Herndon, Vienna and Clifton. With more than 100 years of leadership in the field, we are committed to protecting, promoting and improving the health and quality of life for all in our community.

As part of the Division of Epidemiology and Population Health, this full-time entry-level Epidemiologist I position's primary functions are to assist in the prevention and control of communicable diseases in the Fairfax Health District. Duties will include, but are not limited to, interpret laboratory results, conduct outreach to healthcare providers to obtain additional patient information, collection and entry of reportable disease case data, provide accurate public health education to clients and link to community resources, conduct surveillance to identify clusters or outbreaks. Under the guidance of division leadership, this position will also analyze data to better understand epidemiologic trends in the Fairfax District, write reports and provide verbal epidemiologic presentations, and conduct healthcare and community outreach. This position's primary subject area will be zoonotic diseases (including rabies) and chronic hepatitis.

Illustrative Duties

Analyze and evaluate epidemiological data;
Design, maintain and monitor quality of databases;
Communicate with and make presentations and reports to health care providers, community organizations and the public on study results;
Prepare information for newsletters, publications and reports;
Conduct disease surveillance activities;
Assist in interpreting epidemiological data for planning and policy development;
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of epidemiology, biostatistics or closely related public health field with emphasis on epidemiology;
Knowledge of epidemiological and bio- statistical principles and methods;
Knowledge of a medical or related scientific discipline;
Knowledge of spreadsheets and database systems;
Knowledge of epidemic and outbreak characteristics;
Epidemiological knowledge of communicable diseases, chronic conditions and other public health issues;
Knowledge of the demography and characteristics of populations;
Knowledge of medical and epidemiological terminology;
Knowledge of applied research methods and techniques;
Knowledge of public health intervention techniques and principles;
Knowledge of word processing, statistical software and database management;
Ability to communicate effectively; both orally and in writing;
Analytical ability interpretative ability;
Ability to translate medical information into a clear and concise form for non-technical audiences;
Ability to follow research protocols without compromising confidentiality of information;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
Ability to work with the public.

Employment Standards

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Master's degree in public health (MPH) or a master of science (MS) with graduate work in epidemiology and/or biostatistics.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license
CPR - Required within 60 days
AED - Required within 60 days

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The preferred candidate will have knowledge of public health principles and practices of communicable diseases, including zoonotic diseases (including rabies) and chronic hepatitis control and prevention. Ability to work independently and communicate effectively using written, verbal, and electronic methods. Ideal candidate must be results driven, detail-oriented, and demonstrate effective and customer-oriented communication skills. Experience in electronic documentation standards and ability to fully document interactions with clients and other agencies. Ability to think quickly and apply public health knowledge to complex situations to be able to provide clients with appropriate public health recommendations and education. Data analysis and database management using statistical software is a plus.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a child protective services, a sanction screening and driving records check to the satisfaction of the employer.

CERTIFICATIONS:
Driver's license
AED - Required within 60 days
CPR - Required within 60 days

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Job is generally sedentary in nature; however, job entails walking, standing, sitting, climbing stairs, reaching and bending. Employee may be required to lift or carry up to 15 lbs. occasionally. Uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel. Visual acuity is required to read data on a computer monitor. 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. Ability to drive a vehicle. 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.

It is the policy of Fairfax County Government to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability 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 . EEO/AA/TTY.