Case Investigator-Contact Tracing Remote

STATEMENT OF THE JOB:   

This is a grant-funded professional services and scientific work position: rapid response and investigation of reportable infectious diseases including potential bioterrorism events, public health threats, and emergencies; and  participation in routine and outbreak infectious disease monitoring and response activities as a member of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Team. Work is performed under administrative direction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct individual case follow-up on all infectious diseases of public health significance Investigation of clusters or outbreaks of infectious disease

• Assess respective region for health care partners including but not limited to: infection control providers, hospitals, labs, public health nurses, Sanitarians, infectious disease physicians, school nurses, colleges. Attend appropriate meetings in the region and outside the region to educate on disease reporting, and relay infectious disease information.
• Coordinate the collection of certain clinical and/or environmental samples in outbreak situations or other public health emergency.

• Participate in outbreak investigations, conduct epidemiologic analyses, and initiate public health interventions. This includes participating in or leading outbreak investigations as needed with the Infectious Disease Program.
• Assist with coordination of statewide surveillance for reportable infectious conditions and provide disease consultation to medical providers and members of the public.
• Participate in the After-Hours-On-Call rotation schedule.
• Participate in exercises and planning efforts led by Public Health and Emergency Preparedness and respond to appropriate emergencies under Public Health and Emergency Prepredness direction.
• Participate in surge response activities affecting other programs in Maine CDC.
• Additional duties as reasonably assigned.

SPECIAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Ability to provide own transportation (fully-insured vehicle), provide proof of a valid driver’s license, and compliance with Maine law regarding vehicle insurance.
• Work on federally funded projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES: None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:   

• Principles and practices of epidemiology and public health surveillance
• Statistics and statistical software
• Outbreak response activities
• Health data collection
• Infectious diseases, including risk and transmission
• Medical terminology
• Word processing software, email and internet use, spreadsheets or analysis programs

Ability to:   

• Analyze infectious disease data
• Draw logical inferences from data analysis
• Pay attention to detail
• Organize, disseminate, and report public health information
• Work as a team leader and team member
• Communicate with local and federal partners
• Work independently, including being a “self starter”
• Facilitate groups
• Speak publicly
• Possess an attitude that fosters a respectful, non-threatening workplace environment

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health or related fields (Nursing, biology, community health etc.), and 4 years of relevant experience in public health
• Communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Preferred:

• Master’s Degree in Public health or related field, with coursework in relevant fields and 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Speak and write in multiple langages

License/Certifications:

• Valid motor vehicle driver’s license.