Chief State Epidemiologist (M.D. or D.O. Required)
Texas Department of State Health Services
Application
Details
Posted: 10-Jan-23
Location: Austin, Texas
Type: Full Time
Salary: $15,000 - $20,971 per mo.
Required Education:
Doctorate
Internal Number: 551288
Job Description: Physician III
Offering a $5,000.00 sign on bonus!! Terms and conditions apply.
The Chief State Epidemiologist (CSE) is a key leadership position for DSHS and functions within the executive team.
The CSE is responsible for leading the Office of the Chief State Epidemiologist (OCSE), which was established in Texas statute in 2021 and charged with providing data-driven expertise for public health activities and policies in Texas. The OCSE is comprised of over 80 staff and currently includes the Center for Health Statistics, as well as the Deputy State Epidemiologist, Data Governance Director, Senior Scientific Advisor, and their respective teams.
The CSE is required to be a physician licensed to practice medicine in the state of Texas, be board certified in a medical specialty, and have significant experience in public health. Beyond leading the OCSE, the CSE serves as the department expert on epidemiological matters. In addition, the CSE serves as a representative of DSHS and a point of contact for many stakeholders, including federal agencies, national organizations, and Texas-based health departments, healthcare providers, and health organizations.
The ideal candidate has a strong public health background, solid grasp of epidemiological methods and surveillance systems, comfort with public speaking, and demonstrated leadership experience. The individual in this position must be an expert collaborator adept at maintaining and fostering relationships with internal staff, representatives from other agencies, healthcare providers, and other external stakeholders.
Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions: 20%) Assists agency executive leadership in measuring the health status of the state through data analysis and review of health indicators. Performs special studies, develops reports and attends meetings.
(20%) Directs the daily operations of the OCSE. Develops, implements, monitors, and refines the strategic vision, goals, and objectives for OCSE in support of DSHS.
(20%) Advises the DSHS Commissioner and the executive team on issues of epidemiology, patterns of morbidity and mortality, and health risks in the Texas population.
(15%) Provides leadership in initiating, planning, developing, executing, and evaluating the department’s epidemiologic initiatives and publications.
(10%) Provides professional and scientific consultation regarding epidemiology and disease control, harmful exposure, and injury prevention to state agencies, health facilities, health service regions, local health authorities, local health departments, and other entities.
(10%) Represents DSHS in a variety of capacities including testifying at Texas Legislative hearings, serving as member or chairperson to designated DSHS committees, participating on various projects, and performing local or national public speaking engagements, as appropriate. Represents DSHS in meetings with federal agencies and national organizations.
(5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
Knowledge Skills Abilities: • Knowledge of principles and practices of public health and preventive medicine; familiarity with disease conditions and injury causing agents, including special knowledge of biological terrorism and the agents likely to be used. • Knowledge of principles and practices of modern medicine. • Knowledge of the structure and functions of local, regional, and state public health organizations. • Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to public health. • Knowledge of CDC operations and organization and of inter-state notification of communicable diseases policies and procedures. • Knowledge of disease and injury surveillance, reporting practices, and steps to take in an outbreak investigation. • Skill in communicating clearly orally and in writing. • Skill in employee management, including supervisory training, team building, and conflict management. • Skill in demonstrating strong leadership, team building, and interpersonal abilities. • Skill in establishing and maintaining professional relationships with internal and external customers. • Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations. • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing. • Skill in data analysis and problem solving. • Skill in using computers and related software applications. • Ability to understand and effectively interpret agency and program rules, policies, and the ability to navigate agency procedures and processes to reach desired outcomes. • Ability to coordinate activities among public, private, and professional groups. • Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely; address a variety of audiences effectively. • Ability to exercise judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. • Ability to listen and seek to understand the opinions/points of view of others. • Ability to exhibit cultural awareness and competency in dealing with diverse stakeholders. • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Additional Information: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Salary Note: The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
Ten Tips for Applying to DSHS Jobs:
1. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the State of Texas Application. 2. Review your preferences for travel, shift, location, etc. with the requirements on the job posting. 3.Describe how you meet each initial screening criterion. 4. Don't leave any field blank on the application. 5. Accurately reflect your work experience and dates of employment in the employment history section. 6. Sign your application. 7. Once you submit your application it cannot be changed and you cannot submit more than one application for a position. 8. Review and update your application for each new position. 9. Ensure you complete any required assessments. 10. You can check the status of your application anytime through the HHS Jobs Center.
Help is available through the HHS Employee Service Center. See the Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS link below for more information.
MOS Code: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities of this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the initial selection criteria for this position.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Registration or Licensure Requirements: • Board certified in a medical specialty.
• Licensed to practice medicine in the State of Texas.
• An advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field. (preferred)
Initial Selection Criteria: 1. Graduation from an accredited college of medicine with a degree as a medical or osteopathic doctor. 2. Board certification in a medical specialty. 3. An advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field is preferred. 4. Five years of experience working in public health, as an epidemiologist or in a related field. 5. Experience leading teams and managing people.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been restructured to sharpen our focus on public health. Our job is to promote and protect the health of people, and the communities where they live, learn, work, worship, and play. We understand no single entity working by itself can improve the health of all across Texas. We must all work together to create a better system that includes prevention, intervention, and effective partnerships. Our vision is 'A Healthy Texas' and our mission is to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Texans through good stewardship of public resources, and a focus on core public health functions.