Office of Child Fatality Prevention Epidemiologist
The purpose of this position is to direct the development of population-based epidemiological analyses and investigations of data related to child deaths utilizing the National Fatality Review Case Reporting System (NFR-CRS) in order to make data-driven recommendations for programs and policies to prevent child deaths. Investigations are designed to identify, analyze and report public health issues and problems, resulting in improved monitoring of health status and its correlation, identification of trends, provision of data and information about corrective actions or programs to alleviate adverse health effects, and proposal of practices or polices based on such data and information that will promote and protect public health. The position plays a key role in evaluating program performance and priorities of the Office of Child Fatality Prevention as well as improving data collection and data use, obtaining funding to conduct such activities, and fostering active collaboration with other partner organizations.
(80%) Design and conduct epidemiologic analyses on child fatality data to develop data-driven and evidence-based prevention recommendations.
- The primary purpose of this position is to direct vision and conduct data analysis to ensure data-informed efforts to prevent child fatalities.
- In coordination with the Database Specialist, the Child Fatality Epidemiologist manages all data collection activities at the state and local level, such as, cleaning data; conducting qualitative and quantitative data analysis; assuring quality and completeness of data collection; developing de-identified, aggregate reports; responding to request for data from the NCF-CRS (in accordance with state and federal law and privacy consideration); and working with the OCFP Director to develop reports, presentations, public education and other communication that summarize findings and highlight data-driven recommendations for health programs and policies.
- The position plays a key role in evaluating program performance and priorities, as well as maintaining collaboration with the State Center for Health Statistics, other epidemiologists, other state agencies and organizations focused on reducing child fatalities.
- Responsible, along with the data manager, for setting up and managing a centralized data and information system capable of gathering, analyzing, and reporting aggregate information from child death review teams so that this data can be used to inform both local, state, and national recommendations to prevent child deaths. This includes an overall evaluation plan, oversight, and quality assurance efforts for the data collection systems.
- Design and conduct surveillance activities utilizing data from the National Fatality Review Child Death Reporting System that both the State and local teams will use to review child deaths in accordance with NC General Statute. This includes identifying other data sources and linking data for the purposes of carrying out surveillance activities and informing data-driven and evidence-based initiatives and recommendations to reduce child fatalities.
- Summarize complex data, presentation of data in a visually-appealing way, and incorporating disclaimers around data for reports and communications for a variety of audiences, including but not limited to partner organizations, the general public, the NC General Assembly, etc.
(15%) Serve as member of the Office Child Fatality Prevention and is part of the team that coordinates the work of the statewide Child Fatality Prevention System
- Particular focus on data collection methods, surveillance, data analysis, recommendations to inform child fatality prevention efforts, and tracking on the status of implementation of recommendations to inform the overall status of the Child Fatality Prevention System.
- May include oral presentations on the data and findings to a variety of partners.
(5%) Other Duties as Assigned
About the NC Division of Public Health:
The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.
About the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS):
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.
Compensation and Benefits:
The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for benefits: https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits.
For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/
Requirements
Qualified applicants must possess, and application must clearly reflect work experience that demonstrates the following:
- Demonstrated experience with the scientific methodology of epidemiology, including study design, statistical sampling methods, data collection methods, data analysis, and interpretation of epidemiologic study results and scientific literature.
- Experienced using data or statistical programs for appropriate analysis, such as Excel, SAS, SPSS, or other.
- Demonstrated experience with presenting data clearly to both their colleagues and to the general public.
Management Preferences:
Strong background in epidemiological research and public health data analysis.
Proficient in statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, R, or STATA.
Excellent written and oral communication skills to present findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams such as public health officials, researchers, and legislators.
Qualifications
Qualified applicants must possess, and application must clearly reflect work experience that demonstrates the following:
Master's degree in Epidemiology or closely related health field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of related experience;
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
DHHS CONTACT INFORMATION
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.
DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.
It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive information. Information should be provided in the appropriate areas to include the beginning and ending dates of jobs worked, education with the date graduated, all work experience, and certificates / licenses. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. Answers to Supplemental Questions must refer to education or work experience listed on this application to receive credit. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
- Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
- Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. If a former member of the NC National Guard, who served for at least 6 years and was discharged under honorable conditions, they must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22.
- If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an unofficial transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.
- Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.
Applications for positions requiring specific coursework must be accompanied by a copy of the applicant's transcript. Applicants with degrees not conferred at a United States college or university must attach verification that their degree is equivalent to a similar degree from a U.S. institution. The Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members. Transcripts, degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.
NOTE: Applicants will receive communication via email only for updates on the status of their application or any questions on their application. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov..
To check the status of an application, please log in to your NC Government Job Opportunities account and click "Application Status".
For technical issues with your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 877-204-4442. If you have a technical issue with your Government Jobs account, please call their Help Line at 1-855-524-5627.
Connect with Local, State, and Territorial Health Departments
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