Epidemiologist (HAI/AR) - Hybrid

SUMMARY

The HealthcareAssociated Infections (HAI) Program in the Center for Health Care Quality California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is responsible for the prevention containment surveillance and reporting of HAIs and healthcareassociated antimicrobial resistance (AR) in California healthcare facilities. With support from federal funding the HAI Program employs infection preventionists public health educators epidemiologists and other staff to develop strategies and perform activities for the prevention of and response to HAIs and AR.

Under the general supervision of the HAI/AR Supervisor on the Prevention and Epidemiologic Response Team the Epidemiologist (HAI/AR) will be responsible for providing epidemiologic consultation and technical assistance in response to healthcareassociated conditions reportable under Title 17. The Epidemiologist (HAI/AR) will provide guidance on the public health investigation and response to healthcareassociated invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS) infection particularly in skilled nursing facilities. In addition this position will support epidemiologic investigation and response for other reportable HAIs including AR conditions and outbreaks. The Epidemiologist (HAI/AR) will be responsible for outbreak data collection and management and conduct analyses using public health surveillance data to identify prevention and response opportunities. The Epidemiologist (HAI/AR) will coordinate laboratory and epidemiology aspects of HAI/AR outbreak investigations and will work directly with local public health healthcare facilities and public health and clinical laboratories as indicated to support investigations.

This is a grantfunded fulltime benefited position. This position is expected to last through July 2027.

Salary range: $80484 to $113064 annually depending on experience/qualifications.

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume with the application.

If hired for this position applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation). The applicant will need to have the qualifying exemption.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Investigates and responds to reports of healthcareassociated iGAS cases and outbreaks or other Title 17 reportable condition cases and outbreaks in coordination with the HAI/AR Supervisor or medical epidemiologist. Responds to local health departments and healthcare facilities regarding prevention and response recommendations. Collects and documents case history and all necessary followup information during investigations. Coordinates support from HAI Program medical epidemiologists and infection preventionists during investigations including organizing calls and onsite infection prevention and control assessments. Participates in HAI Program Epidemiology Prevention and Response Team or Outbreak Investigations meetings by providing updates about new and ongoing investigations.

• Coordinates laboratory and epidemiology aspects of HAI/AR case and outbreak investigations including working with Surveillance and Analytics Team epidemiologists to identify cases. Develops and provides HAI/AR education as indicated. Facilitates processes for sharing HAI/AR case outbreak and lab data among laboratory and epidemiology personnel.
• Contributes to development and updating of HAI/AR investigation guidance documents and health advisories for local health department healthcare facility and other external partners.
• Performs epidemiologic analyses of HAI/AR case and outbreak data in collaboration with other HAI Program epidemiologists. Interprets data writes summary reports presents findings and prepares information for scientific publication and presentation at professional meetings and conferences.
• Develops progress reports. Tracks summarizes and reports HAI/AR case and outbreak performance metrics. Participates in the development and writing of applications and supporting documents for external funding.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to document and keep track of extensive detail from case investigations and provide written accounts and progress summaries.
• Demonstrated ability to apply epidemiologic methods to evaluate use and communicate HAI surveillance data.
• Competent with computer and application skills including Microsoft Word Excel Outlook Access and PowerPoint.
• Experience with SAS or R preferred.
• Ability to create presentations using PowerPoint required and experience presenting information to public health practitioners healthcare workers and consumers preferred.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE

• Master or Doctoratelevel degree in Public Health Epidemiology Preventive Medicine or related field.
• At least 12 years of prior public health experience as an epidemiologist or in a related position.
• Experience collecting analyzing and presenting data.
• Knowledge of healthcareassociated infections infectious diseases or microbiology required.

OTHER SKILLS KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and abilities
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of the team comprised of individuals across different agencies disciplines and locations
• Ability to work with diverse professionals and to train and educate healthcare providers
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Able to organize and manage multiple priorities and projects
• Taskoriented takes initiative and follows through to complete assignments

PHYSICAL DEMAND

• Stand: Occasionally
• Walk: Occasionally
• Sit: Frequently
• Handling / Fingering: Frequently
• Reach Outward: Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
• Climb Crawl Kneel Bend: Occasionally
• Lift / Carry: Occasionally Up to 30 lbs.
• Push/Pull: Occasionally Up to 30 lbs.
• See: Constantly
• Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

KEY

• Not Applicable Not required for essential functions
• Occasionally (0 2 hrs./day)
• Frequently (2 5 hrs./day)
• Constantly (5 hrs./day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position will be based in Richmond or Sacramento (Richmond preferred). Our organization follows the states current policy of a hybrid working environment with anticipation of inperson work four days a week and telework one day a week starting in July 2025. Supervisor/leadership will determine work schedule.

If teleworking must have functioning internet access at remote location.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to age (40 and over) national origin or ancestry race color religion sex gender sexual orientation pregnancy or perceived pregnancy reproductive health decision making physical or mental disability medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer) AIDS or HIV genetic information or characteristics veteran status or military service.