*IMPORTANT NOTE – Temporary Salary Reduction:  From July 1, 2011 to June 29, 2013 a 3% temporary salary reduction is in effect for most state positions.  Salary reduction IS reflected in the salary listed above.  For more specific information, visit http://www.dop.wa.gov/CompClass/TempSalaryReduction/Pages/default.aspx.

There is one opening for an Epidemiologist 2 in the Division of Disease Control and Health Statistics, Center for Health Statistics.  To learn more about the Center for Health Statistics, visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/CHS/chs-data/main.htm.

Agency Profile

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works with federal, state, and local partners to help people in Washington stay healthy and safe.  Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide education to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies.  DOH recognizes that employees are our most valuable resource.  We trust them to be innovative, challenge existing processes, and make the best decisions.  We strive to hire, develop, and retain a competent and diverse workforce.  To learn more about DOH, visit http://www.doh.wa.gov. 

Primary Duties 
 
This position will independently conduct epidemiological data management and analyses, and decision making about the data.
 
These duties will be accomplished through the following tasks:

• Producing large data files (often in excess of 650,000 records) for dissemination to epidemiologists and other data users at the federal, state and local levels so they can conduct surveillance, planning, research, and evaluation activities.
  • Data system responsibility involves primarily the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the hospital in-patient discharge data system (Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System) but may also include vital records such as the marriage, divorce, birth and death systems.
  • Involves project managing work across several sections in the Center and IT.
  • Designing and providing technical assistance and trainings.
  • Effectively writing and communicating.
  • Proposing, conducting and supervising epidemiological data management, and analyses.
  • Probabilistic data linkage in Link Plus.
• Developing, maintaining and implementing data sharing policies and practices to share public and confidential data files in a manner that keeps the agency in compliance with state (WAC and RCW) and federal laws including, but not limited to, HIPAA regulations and human subjects research.

Required Qualifications
NOTE: Experience may have been gained concurrently.

• A Master’s degree or higher in Epidemiology, Statistics, Public Health, or a closely allied field.

• Two (2) or more years (full-time equivalency) experience in complex survey design and protocol, and quantitative (e.g. numerical) epidemiological data management, analyses and decision-making in a medical research, public health, or related setting.

• Two (2) or more years (full-time equivalency) experience using SAS statistical software to include DATA step programming and macros, which MUST include at least one (1) year (full-time equivalency) of experience within the past 3 years.

• Ability to develop competency in BRFSS “dual-frame sample” survey design and methodology within the first six months of employment.

Desired Qualifications
NOTE: Experience may have been gained concurrently.

• A PhD in Epidemiology, Statistics, Public Health, or closely allied field. 

• One (1) or more years (full-time equivalency) of experience using probabilistic software such as Link Plus.

• One (1) or more years (full-time equivalency) of experience using Visual Basic, STATA, SPSS, or other statistical software packages.

• One (1) or more years (full-time equivalency) of experience collecting individual-level health data and producing large data files for dissemination to other epidemiologists for analyses.

• Demonstrated experience designing and providing technical assistance and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing to a diverse group of data users.

Conditions of Employment 

• Willing and able to work indoors, at a desk/workstation the majority of a work day, in an open office environment with possible conversation and other noise distractions, with or without an accommodation.

• Willing and able to occasionally work in excess of 40 hours per week and/or adjust normally scheduled hours to meet program needs and critical deadlines.

• Willing and able to work in an office environment that involves daily exposure to paper, dust, ink, solvents, and other products associated with paper records, with or without an accommodation. 

• Willing and able to occasionally travel within and outside Washington State, which may include overnight stays.

Note:  This position is covered by an “Agency Shop” provision.  Therefore, as a condition of employment, the incumbent of this position must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are placed into pay status.

The Washington State Department of Health is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants wishing assistance or alternative formats in the process should contact Linda Riggle at (360) 236-4226, Linda.Riggle@doh.wa.gov, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6388.

Application Process

Individuals interested in applying for this position should select the "Apply" button and submit the following: 

1. A current and detailed applicant profile.  
2. Three (3) or more professional references (to be included in your applicant profile).  Please include at least one supervisor, peer, and if you’ve supervised other staff, a subordinate.
3. Responses to the Supplemental Questions.

NOTE:  Applicant review begins October 29, 2012.  The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.

 Supplemental Information:

*Important information regarding the Application Process and the Supplemental Questions:

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process and Supplemental Questions in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration. 

NOTE:  Education and experience selected, listed and/or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the detailed applicant profile submitted.