EPIDEMIOLOGY CONSULTANT 53161

11/1/91 E

This is the first class in the Epidemiology Consultant series, which is composed of positions responsible for the coordination and administration of epidemiology program(s). Positions in this class coordinate a specific epidemiology program (Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Immunization, Tuberculosis) within a health region. Positions interpret program policies and procedures, train staff, monitor and review data collection/analysis for accuracy and consistency and serve as a program consultant. This class is distinguished from the Epidemiology Consultant Senior by the latter's responsibility for the daily operation of part of a statewide communicable disease program.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty. Positions interpret program policies and procedures, train staff, and monitor/review data collection for accuracy. Analyze statistics to evaluate program effectiveness and to recommend program changes to meet identified needs. Reviews policy manuals and instruction methods and recommends changes. Monitors and conducts formal evaluations of programs in local health departments. Plans and conducts in-service training for nurses and other health care providers. Instructs local health departments in records maintenance. Provides program information to health care providers and laboratory personnel to evaluate case reporting to recommend appropriate control and prevention methods. Recommends actions to improve disease reporting, control and prevention efforts. Positions in the Tuberculosis and Immunization programs will also investigate and report on newly diagnosed cases. Identifies, develops and implements training programs; provides technical/administrative guidance to staff members. Investigates reports of disease outbreaks. May administer and read tuberculosis tests, or administer vaccinations. Conducts education programs for schools, churches, and organizations. Organizes mass clinics and implements and evaluates clinic procedures. May provide information to media representatives.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives directions from an Epidemiology Program Manager or higher level position.

Scope: Coordinates an epidemiology program, such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Tuberculosis or Immunization, for an assigned region.

Impact of Actions: Work has a moderate impact on the methods used to report and monitor disease control and prevention activities, and the quality of educational programs provided to epidemiology staff and the public.

Personal Contacts: Frequent external contact with the general public, patients, health care providers, infection control personnel, operators of private businesses, and/or public school officials to resolve operational problems and to coordinate agency, public and private epidemiological activities. Occasional contact with media representatives to represent assigned program.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies regarding the reporting and control of diseases. Working knowledge of the cause, transmission, treatment, and prevention of communicable diseases. Some knowledge of biostatistics and laboratory testing.

Skills: Skill in venipuncture.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to produce written and statistical reports, to coordinate and supervise the work of others, and to communicate effectively orally and in writing with health professionals and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in public health or other health science.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in epidemiology, public health, or a related area.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills 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 some positions in the Epidemiologist Program Representative B and Epidemiologist Program Representative A classes, effective November 1991.