EPIDEMIOLOGY MANAGER 53153y

11/1/91 A

This is the third class in the Epidemiology series, which is composed of positions that coordinate, administer and manage statewide epidemiology program(s). Positions in this class manage a department within an Epidemiology division. Duties include supervising program activities, serving as subject matter experts, and developing and implementing regulations. This class is distinguished from the Epidemiologist by the latter's responsibility to manage either a segment of a statewide epidemiology program or all regional epidemiology programs.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty requiring the independent management and technical supervision of statewide epidemiology programs. The work typically involves planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating statewide epidemiology programs; and coordinating local, district, and regional program performance. Supervises statewide disease surveillance and investigation activities. Evaluates the relevance, design, thoroughness, and statistical validity of investigations. Reviews reports; ensures that disease control measures recommended by Epidemiologists are appropriate and practicable. Monitors the implementation of disease control measures by local authorities. Reviews the effectiveness of the state's disease surveillance system and recommends changes. Determines the need for and arranges continuing education programs. Reviews and analyzes surveillance and investigation data to identify unusual situations or the potential for disease outbreak. Investigates potential and confirmed epidemics and ensures that appropriate control measures are instituted. Provides technical assistance and consultation to hospital infection control personnel regarding the prevention, investigation, and control of hospital-associated diseases. Supervises the maintenance of statewide disease registries. Prepares the overall program budget and reviews budgets prepared by subunits.

Supervision Given: Supervises Epidemiologist(s) and other technical personnel.

Supervision Received: Receives administrative directions from a Medical Program Director or other higher level position.

Scope: Positions in this class manage statewide epidemiology programs.

Impact of Actions: Work has a significant impact on the effectiveness of programs responsible for the timely intervention and control of communicable disease, resulting in reduced health care costs and community risks.

Personal Contacts: Frequent external contact with media and hospital personnel and the general public to exchange or provide information. Frequent internal and external contact with local, district, and regional health departments to implement control measures.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the cause, modes of transmission, treatment, and prevention of communicable and non-communicable disease; of methods of investigating disease outbreaks; and of the federal and state laws, regulations, and policies regarding the reporting and control of diseases. Considerable knowledge of biostatistics; of computer data analysis and data management techniques.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to develop program goals and objectives and evaluate program effectiveness; to train, supervise, and evaluate others; to establish and maintain effective working relationships; to communicate effectively orally and in writing with health care professionals and the general public; and to collect and organize statistical data.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with advanced course work in public health, epidemiology, or biostatistics.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience as an Epidemiologist with additional experience in supervision or management.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class specification is the result of a Classification Review/Specification Update program study and replaces the Epidemiologist Senior class, effective November 1991.