Entry Level Behavioral Science Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

This position serves as an entry-level professional epidemiologist responsible for carrying out a range of investigative and analytical epidemiological activities related to the surveillance, detection, and prevention of diseases. Specifically, this position requires a general knowledge of theories, practices and procedures within the discipline, competence in performing structured work assignments, and the ability to use existing prescribed guidelines or policies to analyze and resolve problems. In addition, the candidate should have an understanding of quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation methods. The role involves working as a team or project member, under the direction of higher-level staff. This position provides technical assistance in epidemiology and data analytics within the Division of Prevention Services and supports agency-wide efforts related to improving the health status of maternal and child health populations (ie. pregnant women, infants, children, adolescents, and children/youth with special healthcare needs), specifically maternal health. This level of epidemiological work includes:
-- Conducting routine epidemiological functions comprising surveillance, data collection, data analysis using epidemiological methods, and assistance with epidemiological investigations;
-- Conducting epidemiological investigations used in preventing and controlling specific communicable and chronic diseases, injuries, and other health conditions and applies findings to direct public health programs and recommend interventions and/or control measures;
-- Conducting literature reviews;
-- Assisting with preparing reports from analyses of surveillance data, literature reviews, and other information using behavioral science, demographic and epidemiological analytic techniques, and program evaluation;
-- Providing scientific and clinical guidance and technical assistance to various public, private, and nonprofit health and health-related state and local agencies and organizations;
-- Serving as a scientific consultant for a public health program or project;
-- Participating in internal and external committees and workgroups related to areas of expertise;
-- Participating in after-hours activities including partner meetings, investigations, outbreak and emergency responses, as needed; and-- Participating in writing grants and other funding proposals. May provide administrative leadership and technical guidance to lower-level professional, technical, and administrative support staff, as assigned. Employee will be expected to make independent decisions and judgments based on their educational and professional experience and training; this position maintains and shares information and data of a very confidential nature.

Responsibilities include:
Conducts routine epidemiological functions comprising surveillance, data collection, data analysis using epidemiological methods, and assistance with epidemiological investigations.
Assist with preparing reports from analyses of surveillance data, literature reviews, and other information using behavioral science, demographic and epidemiological analytic techniques, and program evaluation;
Develops and provides scientific and clinical advice and technical assistance to various public, private, and nonprofit health and health-related state and local agencies and organizations.
Providing scientific guidance and technical assistance to various public, private, and nonprofit health and health-related state and local agencies and organizations;
Conducts literature reviews.
Participates in after-hours activities including partner meetings, investigation, outbreak and emergency response as needed. Participates in writing grants and other funding proposals.
Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:
Contemporary principles and practices of epidemiology.
Research methods, procedures, and techniques used in identifying and evaluating disease characteristics.
Contemporary medical methods and practices used in the control of a variety of diseases.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), state and local privacy laws.
Public health surveillance, computerized database management, data analysis, program evaluation, literature search, effective verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills.
Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.
Life course approach to health.
Maternal and child health.
Skilled in:
Research methods, procedures and techniques used in identifying and evaluating the health of populations, their characteristics, contemporary medical methods and practices, proper principles and procedures when conducting health or determinants surveillance and epidemiological investigations.
Compilation and the evaluation of technical epidemiological data.
Interpersonal relations, as applied to contacts with representatives of other governmental agencies and the public.
Database management - Statistical analysis software esp. SAS.
Data visualization software (i.e. PowerBI)
Ability to:
Use critical thinking to determine whether a public health problem exists, articulate need for further investigation or other public health action on statutes, rules, policy, and potential health impact.
Collaborate with others.
Investigate acute and chronic conditions.
Analyze and interpret data from surveillance and investigations and recommend evidence-based interventions and control measures in response to findings.
Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.
Work independently and in team settings.
Excellent ability to multitask and prioritize.
Effective communication skills (oral, written, and visual).

Bachelors in public health or a science-related field and 3 years of exp. in applied public health epidemiology. Masters of public health in Epidemiology may substitute for 2 years of exp. Preference given to degrees from an accredited University and/or School of Public Health. Ideal candidate will have exp. using statistical software, working with the different levels of US health care system and public health system, and working with electronic public health surveillance database.

Driver's License

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
10 paid holidays per year
Wellness program and plans
Life insurance
Short/long-term disability insurance
Defined retirement plan
Award winning infant at work program
Credit union membership
Transit subsidy
ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will contribute to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27-week wait period for contributions to begin.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/ Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing steven.santiago@azdhs.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.