Epidemiologist II - APDE



Epidemiologist II - APDE

Salary

$41.75 - $52.92 Hourly

Location

Seattle, WA

Job Type

Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)

Job Number

2021ML13373

Department

DPH - Public Health

Opening Date

05/03/2021

Closing Date

10/27/2021 11:09 AM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

D1 : WSCCCE L21HD-DPH

Summary

Public Health- Seattle & King County values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.

Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Assessment, Policy Development & Evaluation Unit is seeking a Term-Limited Temporarily (TLT) Epidemiologist II to:

  • Conduct quantitative analyses using population health datasets, particularly focused on chronic disease, social determinants of health and maternal child health, 
  • Identify key findings from these data analyses and highlight those findings in data visualizations and narrative.   
This position will be based in the Assessment, Policy Development and Evaluation (APDE) unit of Public Health-Seattle & King County.  APDE is a nationally recognized leader in community health assessment, providing health assessment data and analysis to inform planning, policies, and actions, and develop innovative interventions to improve the health of King County residents. More information about the work of the APDE unit can be found at http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/data.aspx.

Applicants from this job posting may be used to recruit for additional positions in this classification for a period of up to a year.  This positions is open continuous, with the first review of applicants to be completed on 05/17/2021

Term-Limited Temporary positions are "at-will" positions but are eligible for benefits. This TLT is currently anticipated to last for one (1) year, with the possibility of extension. However, funding sources for this work remain uncertain and dependent upon decisions actively being made at both the federal and local levels. As a result, the end date of this position may be adjusted based on those decisions.  The County and the Department continue to work to secure long term funding sources.  

This vacancy can also be filled as a Special Duty opportunity.

For Special Duty Assignment interest, you must be a Career Service, Career Service Exempt or other regular (non-temporary) employees in King County who have completed their initial County probation. You must have supervisor approval prior to taking a Special Duty Assignment.
  
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
 
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
 
Applicants should be committed to working with diverse populations throughout King County to provide excellent customer service to a broad range of cultures, in accordance with the King County Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and the King County Strategic Plan.


Who May Apply: 

 This full-time Term-Limited Temporary position is open to all qualified applicants.
  
Work Location: 

 Chinook Building | 401 5th Ave; Seattle, WA 98104
 
The work associated with this position will be performed remotely, at least through July 5, 2021 in compliance with King County’s telecommuting mandate. It is possible that the work will be primarily performed remotely on an ongoing basis after July 5, 2021.  Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.  Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.  There will be situations where the employee is required to report to a County worksite.  Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer.
 
To support employees during this time King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.

Work Schedule: 

This position works Monday, - Friday, 8:00 a.m-5:00 pm.  


Job Duties

  • Prepare and conduct analyses using large datasets to guide and support public health priorities (e.g. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Healthy Youth Survey, Medicaid, Medicare, electronic health records, birth certificate, death certificate, hospitalization, Census, public health program data, etc.).
  • Identify key findings, interpret results, and develop/maintain data visualizations that highlight meaningful data to inform needs assessments and evaluations.
  • Design and oversee data collection and analysis, including development of data collection instruments, analytic plan, database, protocols, training, quality control, and technical supervision of project team. 
  • Prepare information to clearly communicate findings, developing presentations, reports, websites, data visualizations to technical and non-technical audiences and stakeholders.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

  • Demonstrated knowledge of population-based public health practices and principles
  • Knowledge and experience conducting quantitative analyses, using datasets, spreadsheets, charts, maps, visualizations, and databases
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare and present sound data and conclusions in reports, non-technical papers, and presentations 
  • Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Skill in managing multiple projects, working independently and as part of a team, and working with non-technical audiences and stakeholders. 
  • Strong demonstrated knowledge and commitment to equity and social justice principles and practices, including knowledge about the characteristics of populations that impact health and well-being.
OR: 
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the work.

Desired Qualifications

The most competitive applicants will possess:

  • 3+ years of experience working with quantitative public health datasets, such as Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Healthy Youth Survey, Medicaid, Medicare, electronic health records, birth certificate, death certificate, hospitalization, Census/American Community Survey, or public health program data
  • 3+ years of experience manipulating, visualizing, and analysing data using one or more sophisticated statistical software (e.g. SQL, Stata, R, Python, Tableau and/or GIS packages). 
  • Background and experience in public health informatics, epidemiology, biostatistics, health services, health economics, or public policy
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting analyses using line-level datasets from the education sector, housing sector, or claims data 
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct projects within timeline and budget; contribute to major funding proposals and grants

Supplemental Information

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. 
 
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. 
 
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
 
As of October 18, 2021, most* King County employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by October 18th.   People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.  Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs.  Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

This directive applies to employees in the Executive branch*, the Assessor’s Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Executive Office.  

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
 
To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
 
Application process:

Applications will be reviewed after the job posting closes. The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
 
  1.  NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line or paper application
  2. Supplemental questionnaire responses    
 
You may attach multiple documents if you wish:

  • Attach multiple documents/files in the resume attachment section.
    OR
  • Copy and paste one or more documents into the text resume section of the application. 
 
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the standard information in the application. Providing information only in a resume will not be considered a complete application.
 
Your application materials must validate your answers to the supplemental questions. If your answers cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the process.
 
The selected candidate will be required to pass a thorough background investigation. An offer of employment will be contingent on passing a pre-employment physical exam and must maintain security clearance.
 
Supplemental Information:
 
This selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, testing and interviewing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to http://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs/applying.aspx 
 
Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
 
Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
 
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
 
Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
 
Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.
 
If you need a disability accommodation in the application or testing process, please call the contact number listed on the job announcement.
 
Applicants from this job posting may be used to fill temporary or other positions in this classification for a period of up to a year.
   
Union affiliation:

 This position is Union represented by Local 21HD
 
Contact:
 
For more information about the application process please contact Mark Lacy at Mlacy@kingcounty.gov.
  

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.  Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite gyms and activity centers
  • Employee giving program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.  If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.  Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
 
NOTE:  Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
 
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01
Which public health and health care/claims datasets have you worked with and what is your level of familiarity with them? Please provide a list, and for each, a brief example of how you used it.
02
Do you have demonstrated knowledge of and experience in the following? (Check all that apply)
  • Public health principles and practices
  • Database development
  • Public health reporting, information system standards, public health data
  • Automated software applications
  • Project management
  • Data visualization tools
  • Evaluation
03
Please describe your knowledge in each of these areas checked in Question 2, the number of years of experience, how it was obtained, your responsibilities in these projects, and provide examples of how you've applied this knowledge.
04
Please describe your experience conducting epidemiological analysis, conclusions drawn, and how the data were prepared and presented. Include information about dissemination, the positions held where you gained this experience, and your specific responsibilities in these projects.
05
Please list the software and computer languages you have used to conduct analyses, develop visualizations, or make maps. For each software/language you list, please specify the length of time you've used them, your level of expertise (novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, expert), and give one example of how you've used it.
06
A primary focus of Public Health – Seattle & King County is the elimination of health inequities. Drawing from your own experience, how could community health assessment (using both quantitative and qualitative methods and research) be applied to achieving this goal?
07
Please provide one or two example statistical programs you have written. Please do not write new programs or modify existing programs. If you have concerns about sharing an example, please contact the Human Resources contact above. The program can be in SAS, R, Stata; it should demonstrate your skills and experience in data cleaning, dataset merging, data manipulation (creating, recoding, applying formats), conducting analyses and creating output for reports/visualization/dissemination.
08
Are you applying to this position as an eligible Current or Previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
  • Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County AND I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. AND The position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
  • No.
09
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404