Texas Refugee Medical Screening Epidemiologist

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in migration by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life. For over 100 years, we have shaped history with the belief that immigrants strengthen our communities, economy and social fabric through freedom, hard work, and family unity. To learn more about our work, please go to our official website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW

The Epidemiologist will coordinate all data-related activities within the Refugee Medical Screening (RMS) program, utilizing sound epidemiological methods and principles to ensure the accuracy and completeness of programmatic data. Responsibilities include the planning, coordination, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, and reporting of outcomes from domestic health screenings. The RMS program administers and coordinates the domestic health assessment program for eligible newcomers, following guidance issued by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RMS is one of several Texas-based Refugee Health Services (RHS) programs administered by USCRI. The RHS programs utilize a comprehensive, statewide approach for supporting and streamlining activities that promote health and wellness for various refugee populations, including refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, Special Immigrant Visa holders, Humanitarian Parolees, and Victims of Trafficking.

This position is fully in-person and based in USCRI’s Austin, Texas field office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate all data-related activities for the Refugee Medical Screening Program, using sound epidemiologic methods and principles to analyze and interpret refugee health data, programmatic and clinical outcomes, present summarized data in appropriate formats, and develop data-driven recommendations as needed;
• Provide epidemiological technical expertise and support to internal and external partners, creating procedures for ensuring accurate and complete programmatic data in accordance with standard epidemiologic methodologies;
• Create, enhance, and maintain the statewide refugee health data collection system and data-related documentation on the Electronic System for the Health Assessment of Refugees (eSHARE), including a user guide, data dictionary, and Business Related Documentation (BRD);
• Evaluate the quality, completeness, and timeliness of the data obtained from contracted medical screening clinics using standard surveillance and investigative tools to ensure clients receive appropriate services and that contracted RMS clinics comply with established guidelines;
• Independently conduct data analysis, interpretation, summarization, and distribution of information internally and to contracted medical screening clinics and other partners through presentations and reports;
• Utilize information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) in the assessment and analysis of statewide medical screening outcomes;
• Formally compile programmatic data for required internal and external reports, including those shared with USCRI leadership and the Office of Refugee Resettlement;
• Participate in remote assessment and monitoring activities and on-site monitoring visits to assess and evaluate effectiveness and adherence to established health screening protocols/processes, and to ensure compliance with data-related objectives;
• Provide technical assistance to contracted medical screening clinics on the development and implementation of data-related quality improvement strategies;
• Participate in meetings and collaborate with federal, state, and local governmental agencies, such as the Office of Refugee Resettlement, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local health departments;
• During disease outbreaks or largescale health initiatives among refugee populations, assist in working with federal, state, and local health agencies and jurisdictions, as well as resettlement partners; and
• Disseminate public health related information and materials as needed.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job duties indicated are not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a closely related public health field;
• Three years of experience as an Epidemiologist preferred;
• Knowledge of the maintenance of surveillance systems with the ability to provide guidance and direction to staff assisting with the collection, entry, editing, analysis and interpretation of data;
• Proficiency in standard statistical and database management software (such as Microsoft Access, SPSS, SAS, R);
• Experience in utilizing Microsoft Access preferred;
• Experience utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Electronic Disease Notification system (EDN) preferred;
• Knowledge of and experience in the practices and principles of epidemiology and the ability to assess the prevalence of a condition of public health importance in target populations or sub-groups, such as a particular disease or levels of immunization, using sound epidemiologic and biostatistical methods;
• Experience in the principles of the epidemiology of refugee health-related issues including a general understanding of infectious diseases and chronic conditions, modes of disease transmission, cross cultural aspects of health care delivery, the relationship between local and state public health agencies, an interest in refugee health, and strategies for intervention and prevention;
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully, orally and in writing, sufficient to effectively receive and relay medical and technical information;
• Experience in the creation and editing of programmatic reports, workplans, spreadsheets, resource documents, logs, and other written materials;
• Fluency in English with excellent written and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate with a diverse range of individuals;
• Strong attention to detail; must be highly flexible, and able to prioritize and keep multiple assignments moving forward;
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills; ability to work as a team member and independently, with a high level of self-motivation and ability to meet goals and deadlines in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment;
• Organized self-starter and ability to identify needs independently and manage multiple and diverse tasks and projects;
• Demonstrated problem-solving and follow-through ability;
• Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information, and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace;
• Must have dedication to the human rights of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and displaced people; and
• Reliable transportation, valid US driver’s license, and active insurance policy.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Satisfactory completion of USCRI’s Orientation and Training; and
• Complete additional training as identified by supervisor or Human Resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity;

• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands;
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying;

• Quantitative/mathematical ability (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, standard measurements); and
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Position is 100% in-person/office-based in Austin, TX;
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required;
• Travel within the State of Texas required;
• Position requires approximately 15% flexible travel;
• Please submit a resume with cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your application;
• References will be required at time of the final interview; and
• No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer.