Job Announcement

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) 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.

The Health Department is looking for a Population Health Epidemiologist - Epidemiologist II to advance the population health agenda in an expanding Division of Epidemiology & Population Health. Areas for this position include chronic diseases and their associated risk factors, violence and injury, and health disparities. Key activities include:

• Assist with implementing the population health scope-of-work for FCHD, informed by the Fairfax County Community Health Improvement Plan, data on health burden and disparities, emerging threats, and county priorities. Current priority areas include obesity, nutrition and food insecurity, physical activity, and injury/violence.
• Conduct surveillance in priority areas to monitor health status, outcomes, and disparities among the Fairfax County population and present data in dashboards, reports and presentations to inform decision-making.
• Collect, manage, and analyze data from programs and studies; assess social determinants of health and underlying causes affecting health behaviors and outcomes. Monitor delivery and impact of interventions and contribute to quality improvement.
• Assist with designing and implementing evaluations of population health programs implemented by the Health Department and partners; formulate recommendations to improve program effectiveness.
• Assist with implementation of population health research, sharing results in presentations and publications.
• Collaborate with other programs within FCHD (including the Division of Community Health Development, the Health Services Division, the Office of Innovation, and the Health in All Policies Coordinator); with other Fairfax County agencies; and with community organizations.
• Contribute to investigation of communicable disease outbreaks and emergency response as needed.

Illustrative Duties

• Design and develop methodology or techniques for epidemiological studies and/or public health surveillance systems;
• Analyze and interpret epidemiological data;
• Provide technical supervision of assigned staff involved in data collection and management;
• Act as liaison with other agencies on collaborations for disease surveillance, control, prevention and health intervention activities;
• Design data management systems and oversee data collection methodology;
• Design and deliver training to enhance epidemiological work within the Health Department;
• Establish and maintain operations and quality assurance tools;
• Communicate with and make presentations and reports to health care providers, community organizations and the public on study results;
• Oversee study and program operations;
• Consult with health care planners and public health officials to assist in policy development, planning for future service needs, and the development of interventions based on research findings;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of epidemiology, biostatistics or closely related public health field with emphasis on epidemiology that is equivalent to a master's degree;
• Knowledge of epidemiological and biostatistical principles and methods;
• Knowledge of medical or related scientific disciplines;
• 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 characteristics of populations and demographic principles;
• Knowledge of applied research methods and techniques;
• Knowledge of public health intervention techniques and principles;
• Knowledge of survey instruments, data collection and computerized database systems;
• Basic knowledge of human resources management techniques and principles;
• Knowledge of computer programming;
• Ability to Communicate effectively (oral and written);
• Ability to analyze and interpret data;
• Ability to supervise staff;
• Ability to translate medical information in a clear and concise manner for non-technical audiences;
• Ability to follow research protocols without compromising confidentiality of information;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Ability to work with the public;
• Ability to develop and implement assignments with multiple dimensions.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in public health (MPH) or master of science (MS) with graduate work in epidemiology and/or biostatistics plus two years of experience in epidemiology-related work.

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

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The preferred candidate will have five or more years of experience performing epidemiology-related work, with at least one year of professional level work experience addressing population health issues (e.g., opioids/substance use; chronic disease prevention; obesity, nutrition, physical activity; mental health; suicide prevention; health disparities; social determinants of health). Experience in community-based programs and program management a plus. Must have strong data analysis skills. Ability to think quickly and apply public health knowledge to complex situations. Previous supervisory experience or demonstrated work experience monitoring and directing the work of others is preferred. Ideal candidate must be results driven, detail-oriented, and demonstrate clear and concise oral and written communication skills.

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. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

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.