We are excited in your interest to join DC Health (The District of Columbia Department of Health), a nationally accredited public health department (https://phaboard.org/) Where our Vision is for Washington, D.C. to be the healthiest city in America.? We believe that all people - no matter their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, education level, age, language, religion, ability, or geographic location - should have the opportunity to live healthy lives.?
DC Health is focused on providing the essential public health services (10 Essential Public Health Services) necessary to protect and promote the health of all people in all communities and remove systemic and structural barriers that have resulted in health inequities through the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (PH Core Competencies.)????
Bring your professional career to Washington, D.C., the most dynamic and diverse city in the country. Join us as you are appreciated, developed, and rewarded and play a vital role in DC Health achieving our Strategic Priorities and Values:?
Job Summary
This position is located in the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health), Center for Policy, Planning and Evaluation (CPPE). The Supervisory Epidemiologist (State Epidemiologist) is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, administering, and supervising a comprehensive Epidemiology and Health Risk Assessment program, which involves federal, state, county, and municipal functions as well as overseeing the evaluation and monitoring of DC Health program activities.
They are expected to champion health equity, cultivate community partnerships, and employ strategic planning methodologies to conduct health assessments at both the population and subpopulation levels. The programs this position oversees are busy and high profile with major Public Health Emergency Preparedness responsibilities and routine responsibilities to conduct surveillance for and investigate outbreaks of illness for reportable infectious diseases and conditions. The Deputy State Epidemiologist will work under the general supervision of the State Epidemiologist and serves in their capacity when the State Epidemiologist is unavailable.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
The Deputy State Epidemiologist is responsible for developing, implementing, and supervising various surveillance systems such as the Wastewater Surveillance System for health risk assessments and syndromic surveillance, as well as nationally notifiable disease surveillance for a portfolio of epidemiological investigations. They lead investigations into communicable disease outbreaks, collaborating with the Health Emergency Preparedness Response Administration and other relevant governmental entities for their portfolio. Prompt notification to the State Epidemiologist regarding any threats to public health is essential. The role demands a seasoned public health professional with a comprehensive understanding of health principles, practices, and epidemiological processes. Proficiency in methodologies related to the design and implementation of surveillance systems, as well as the analysis and interpretation of programmatic and statistical data, is crucial. Effective supervision of staff and programs to achieve the objectives of DC Health is paramount. Additionally, the Deputy State Epidemiologist must possess strong written communication skills to develop protocols and procedures for managing disease investigations effectively.
Furthermore, the Deputy State Epidemiologist will conduct epidemiological inquiries, reviews case reports, and takes decisive actions to diagnose, prevent, or control the spread of communicable diseases such as legionella, dengue, and foodborne illnesses within the community. This may involve implementing appropriate quarantine and isolation measures for affected individuals. Oversight of assignments, personnel administration, and resolution of employee management issues are integral aspects of their role. They also collaborate with other DC Health offices to manage public information and collaborate with external entities like the Department of Energy and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for comprehensive investigations.
Qualifications and Education
Bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education(external link) at the time the degree was obtained.
Applicants must possess at least one (1) year?of specialized experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the positions.?The specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade (14) level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, and has?equipped the applicant?with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform?the duties of the position.?
A Master's level degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Statistics from an accredited college/university is strongly preferred.
A minimum of 5 years epidemiological management experience in the field (health care facility or state/local health department) conducting outbreak investigations strongly preferred.
Expert skill in effective communication to organize ideas and present findings in a logical manner with supporting, as well as adverse, criteria for specific issues, and to prepare related materials. Extensive skill in oral and written communication.??Extensive ability to evaluating the day-to-day functioning of a program and initiating changes to make it more effective.?
Ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with other DC Health officials, federal and state agencies, the public, peers, and management staff.
Working Conditions/Environment
Work is performed in an office setting.
Other Significant Facts
Employment Sponsorship: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa currently.?
Agency Wide Consideration: Qualified individuals that submit applications for this vacancy may be considered for other current open vacancies for which they qualify within DC Health.?
Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday - 8:15 to 4:45 pm
Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service "At-Will" - Positions in the Management Supervisory Service (MSS) serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
Pay Plan, Series, and Grade:?MS-0601-15
Collective Bargaining Agreement:?This position is not in the collective bargaining unit.
Position Designation: Please be advised that this position has been identified and designated as a Security Sensitive position?subject to a mandatory Pre-employment Biennial Criminal Background Check, Pre-employment Consumer Credit Check and Traffic Record Check (as applicable/biennial).
Pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations; in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying security sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests:
(a) Criminal background check.
(b) Traffic record check (as applicable).
(c) Consumer credit check (as applicable).
(d) Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and
(e) Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.
Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency.
Employees occupying positions designated as Emergency are required to:
Provide advice, recommendations, and/or specific functional support necessary for the continuity of operations during a declared emergency.
Remain at their duty station, or alternate work location (approved by their supervisor), if activated, when a situation or condition occurs and results in early dismissal for nonessential/non-emergency employees.
Report to their duty station, when activated, on time and as scheduled when a situation or condition occurs during non-work hours, and results in the late arrival or closing of District government offices for non-essential/non-emergency employees.
Telework during a declared emergency, instead of remaining or reporting to his or her duty station, if directed by the agency head (or designee), supervisor or manager.
Carry or wear their official District government ID card during the period of the declared emergency, if not teleworking.
Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory Service or Educational Services at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.? All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
We are excited in your interest to join DC Health (The District of Columbia Department of Health), a nationally accredited public health department (https://phaboard.org/) Where our Vision is for Washington, D.C. to be the healthiest city in America. We believe that all people - no matter their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, education level, age, language, religion, ability, or geographic location - should have the opportunity to live healthy lives.
DC Health is focused on providing the essential public health services (10 Essential Public Health Services) necessary to protect and promote the health of all people in all communities and remove systemic and structural barriers that have resulted in health inequities through the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (PH Core Competencies.)
Bring your professional career to Washington, D.C., the most dynamic and diverse city in the country. Join us as you are appreciated, developed, and rewarded and play a vital role in DC Health achieving our Strategic Priorities and Values:
Strategic Priorities
Values
Promote a culture of health and wellness
Servant Leadership and Teamwo...rk
Address the social determinants of health
Transparency, Integrity and Accountability
Strengthen public-private partnerships
Strategic Thinking, Creativity and Innovation
Close the chasm between clinical medicine and public health
Health Equity applied to all that we do
Implement data driven and outcome-oriented approaches to program and policy development
Know our brand and be informed ambassadors
We look forward to reviewing your candidacy, be well and good luck!