HAI Epidemiologist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: HAI Epidemiologist
Job Title: Epidemiologist III
Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: HAI Quality Assurance

Posting Number: 4563
Closing Date: 10/04/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75
Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework:

Travel: Up to 30%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: EL PASO

Job Location Address: 401 FRANKLIN AVE

Other Locations:

MOS Codes:

230X,43EX,43HX,4E0X1,61G,HM,SEI12

Brief Job Description:

Under supervision of the Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI)/ Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) Epidemiology Manager, serves as subject matter expert and performs senior-level epidemiological work related to the reporting, prevention and control of HAIs and antimicrobial resistance (AR) for designated Public Health Region (PHR). Works in collaboration with other epidemiologists of the Healthcare Safety Unit and assigned PHR. Initiates, plans, conducts, and oversees epidemiological surveillance and investigations of HAI/AR. Conducts infection control assessments in healthcare facilities to evaluate their infection prevention and control (IPC) programs, and provide recommendations on how to mitigate identified gaps. Designs processes for the collection, management, evaluation, and dissemination of data. Develops educational materials and trainings for healthcare facilities and public health departments regarding infectious diseases, IPC recommendations and healthcare outbreak management. Prepares presentations and technical reports on IPC topics and HAI/AR investigations. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders at the local, regional, and state level on IPC initiatives. Consults with hospital administrators, physicians, state and national organizations and others on the epidemiology of HAI/AR. Responds to public inquiries regarding HAI/AR. Develops recommendations to Manager on budget, grants, contracts, staffing needs, policies and procedures as needed. HAI Epidemiologist will be deployable to other PHRs within the state to assist, as needed.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Epidemiologic investigations and facility assessments (45%)

Initiates, plans, conducts and oversees epidemiological surveillance projects, infection control assessments, and investigations of HAI/AR infections in healthcare facilities. Investigations could include infectious disease outbreaks, medical product or device contamination, infection control breaches, transplant or tranfusion related infections, bloodborne pathogen exposures, and outbreaks related to healthcare facility environment. Coordinates investigations with healthcare facilities, local and regional health departments, CDC, and other internal and external stakeholders. Reviews medical records and abstracts relevant information. Coordinates provision of epidemiological and laboratory resources to support investigations. Provides epidemiologic consultation to infection preventionists, public health department epidemiologists, medical professionals, and other stakeholders. Communicates investigation findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders. Develops, reviews and updates HAI and AR investigation guidelines and resources. Provides assistance to other epidemiologists within the state, as needed.

Leadership and education (35%)

Helps achieve the HAI Investigations Groups' goals and objectives. Serves as HAI/AR subject matter expert for designated Public Health Region (PHR). Mentors and trains local and regional health department epidemiologists, infection preventionists, interns, fellows and other HAI Epidemiologists. Assists with the HAI Investigations Group grants, including writing work plans, making recommendations for budgets, carrying out and tracking activities, and reporting milestones and performance measures. Manages projects and helps prioritize tasks to ensure their timely completion. Hosts and attends meetings with internal and external stakeholders to provide updates about IPC topics and HAI/AR investigations. Develops and provides educational materials and trainings for healthcare facilities, public health departments, general public and other partners. Develops recommendations to Manager on contracts, staffing needs, policies and procedures. Participates in the interviews and selection process for other team members.

Communication (15%)

Prepares and disseminates information to internal and external stakeholders regarding IPC topics and HAI/AR reporting, prevention, and control, including health advisories. Prepares abstracts for manuscript submission or presentation at professional organization meetings and conferences. As requested by DSHS leadership, responds to legislative requests and inquiries from the DSHS Press Office.

Other Duties as Assigned (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 Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics

Knowledge of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and other infectious diseases

Knowledge of infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies

Knowledge of healthcare risk management and quality improvement

Knowledge of disease surveillance of HAIs and antimicrobial resistance (AR)

Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to notifiable conditions and HAI

Skill in:

Skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Skills in using National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)

Skills in preparing written reports

Skills in creating effective technical documents

Skills in managing large databases

Ability to:

Ability to conduct epidemiological surveillance

Ability to collect, analyze and interpret data

Ability to make recommendations based on data analysis results

Ability to assess compliance with IPC standards

Ability to make recommendations based on IPC assessment findings

Ability to present statistical and technical data

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Ability to work with public health and healthcare professionals

Ability to inform and educate stakeholders on IPC strategies

Ability to use computers to organize and maintain records and files

Ability to interpret laboratory findings and medical records

Ability to interpret state laws and rules of the State of Texas

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certification in Infection Control (CIC) strongly preferred

If not CIC-certified, must obtain the associate - Infection and Control (a-IPC) certification within 6 months of hire, and CIC certification within 15 months of hire

Initial Screening Criteria:

Master's degree (MPH, MS, MSN), Doctorate degree (PhD., DSc., DNP., DrPH., ScD., DMSc.), or professional certification or licensure (RN, MT[ASCP], PA, MBBS, MD, DO)

AND

At least 3 years of relevant experience (e.g., infection prevention and control, infectious disease epidemiology, public health epidemiology surveillance, data analysis, or microbiology)

Additional Information:

N/A

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form