PUBLIC HEALTH EPIDEMIOLOGIST
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To analyze and document the impact of various chronic and infectious disease processes on the population of the state and/or communities, as well as on other specific subpopulations at risk; to monitor and analyze the incidence, prevalence and determinants of disease such as environment, genetics, lifestyle and access to medical care; to identify effective health promotion and disease prevention strategies; to design and/or implement health promotion and disease prevention interventions; and to do related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the administrative supervision of a superior with latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgement; assignments are made in broad outline and work is reviewed upon completion for results attained and conformance to established policies, objectives, provisions of law, rules and regulations.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Usually none.
Requirements
To analyze and document the impact of various chronic and infectious disease processes on the population of the state and/or communities, as well as on other specific subpopulations at risk. To monitor and analyze the incidence, prevalence and determinants of disease such as environment, genetics, lifestyle and access to medical care. To identify effective health promotion and disease prevention strategies. To design and/or implement health promotion and disease prevention interventions. To develop specific hypotheses which may lead to the better understanding of the etiology of disease entities, which affect the population of the state. To analyze and interpret data relating to the health status of the state's population. To conduct investigations which will expand the epidemiologic data base so that more precise and meaningful information will become available. To describe the diseases and determinants of disease in a population. To identify major health status problems of a population. To use data to identify strategies for reducing the adverse effects of major health problems in a population. To develop strategies and activities that define the most effective means of intervening in major health problems in a population. To establish procedures and standards for the evaluation of health-related programs within the state; such evaluation may include analysis of the costs and benefits of such programs and overall program efficiency and effectiveness. To provide analytic and evaluation assistance to other state agencies, community partners, and stakeholders. To do related work as required.
Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of descriptive and analytical epidemiologic techniques, research and evaluation methodologies, and biostatistics as described in national standards such as the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists' Applied Epidemiology Competencies; strong written and oral communication and presentation skills; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners; and related capacities and abilities. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education: Possession of a Master of Public Health, a Master of Science in Epidemiology, or a master's degree in a related health field with specialization in the area of epidemiology.
This position is based in the Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (OPCRH) at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and serves a dual purpose, balancing epidemiological research with program coordination responsibilities. Funded by a federal grant from SAMHSA's
Promoting the Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care (PIPBHC) program, this role is pivotal in advancing statewide efforts to integrate primary care and behavioral health services, particularly for underserved populations.
As an epidemiologist, the selected candidate will conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment to identify gaps in access to integrated care and evaluate service delivery for special populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, Latinx communities, and those experiencing housing instability. A key focus will be analyzing the health workforce and assessing geographic disparities using tools such as ARC GIS, the Shortage Designation Management System, and data repositories such as the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System to provide actionable, data-driven recommendations that enhance healthcare access. Experience with ARC GIS, data cleaning, and data matching is preferred.
In the program coordination capacity, the candidate will support the operations of the Advisory Committee on the Integration of Primary Care and Behavioral Health. This includes engaging stakeholders, coordinating and facilitating committee meetings, and ensuring alignment with grant deliverables. The role also involves building partnerships with state agencies, community organizations, and federal partners to drive initiatives that promote integrated care.
This position requires strong skills in data analysis, project management, and stakeholder collaboration, along with a commitment to improving health outcomes and advancing healthcare access for all Rhode Islanders.
