Make a difference. 
Our Public Health Informatics Specialist (Epidemiologist 2) will:

• Support priority capacity for application development and design for the COVID-19 response and beyond by serving in the Systems Development group within Systems Support.
• Be an Advocate and Partner– ensure that all Washington residents benefit from advances in technology that can improve the state's ability to detect emergent public health threats and respond rapidly and at scale.
• Be Innovative – design and build critical data systems and capabilities, supporting users, and leading process improvements and system enhancements for state led surveillance applications.
• Inspire Others – coordinate with private and public sector partners including local health jurisdictions, tribes, vendors, and contractors to expand surveillance capacity within the state.

 
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in collaborative cross-agency efforts needed to ensure the successful design, development, implementation, and adoption of new, cutting-edge technologies to address current and anticipated future needs.
• Work with end users, community partners, and developers to ensure data collection, management and analysis tools are developed according to user needs. 
• Conduct business analysis of program operations and workflows and assists with the development of scope and specifications for system design.
• Work closely with interested parties to assess, manage, and communicate changes that are direct and indirect results of public health informatics activities.
• Aid in the development of testing plans and test cases and performs testing to validate the correct and appropriate function of public health data systems, databases, and other technical assets and processes.

 
Our Public Health Informatics Specialist (Epidemiologist 2) will build and maintain effective partnerships with private industry, local health jurisdictions, and tribal nations to expand surveillance capacity within the state and work with local and tribal partners to encourage the adoption of statewide informatics infrastructure, improve the common operating picture during outbreaks and increase data quality and consistency across the state.
 
The incumbent may be located anywhere within the State of Washington or border cities for this remote position.  Out of state residences may be considered, upon request and approval.
 
This is a full-time project Epidemiologist 2 position anticipated to last through July 31st, 2024.  
 
Work that matters.
Public health promotes and protects the health of the people of the state of Washington, in the communities where they live, learn, work and play.
 
The agency realizes that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begins with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices.

 
View Celebrating Public Health.
 
Join a great team and lead us into the future.
Division Of Disease Control and Health Statistics (DCHS) resides within the Office of Health and Science (OHS) and collaborates to strengthen our public health systems and the workforce responding to public health emergencies. The System Development group within the Systems Support Unit facilitates ongoing surveillance system design, development, and integration tasks with a focus on developing a suite of data collection and management applications and capabilities to support the COVID-19 response and future emergency events, outbreaks, and public health priorities.
 
Visit our external site to learn more.
 
 
About us.
The Department of Health (DOH) works with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state. We are committed to our cornerstone values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement (EIE) to reenergize our commitment to health for all — creating policies and conditions so everyone can live their healthiest lives. We cannot embark on this journey alone. We must collaborate with communities, community-based organizations, local public health entities, governmental partners, health care providers and systems, the private sector, Tribal Nations, and many, many more. Infusing our agency’s values into how we transform our services, go about our activities, and strengthen our core work, is critical to the bright and robust future ahead.  

Learn more about our Transformational Plan. 
 
 
      Why DOH?  We offer….

• One of the most competitive benefits package in the nation that is designed to meet the needs of you and your family. Beyond the traditional benefits such as Health, Life Insurance, Retirement, and related benefits, we offer Flex Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Assistance, Deferred Compensation and so much more.
• A commitment to work/life balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for many positions.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion that fosters an inclusive environment. 
• Employees earn between 14 and 25 days of paid vacation per year depending on the length of employment. 
• A wellness program that offers education, access to healthy food, and fitness classes.
• An Infant at Work Program based on the long-term health values of breastfeeding newborns and infant-parent bonding.  
• Employee resource groups that provide forums for employees to gather and share ideas about matters that affect their personal and professional lives and support career development.   
• DOH is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF). See https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and year of birth.
 
Union Representation
This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.  
 
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions
All employees engaging in work for the Department of Health must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before their hire date. The Office of Human Resources will verify proof of vaccination after an employment offer has been extended. 
 
Please reach out to Human Resources at HR@doh.wa.gov if you need information on a medical or religious accommodation.
 
 
     With or without an accommodation, I am willing and able to:
 

• Work a full-time 40-hour work week but must be willing to occasionally adjust work-schedule to meet business needs, which may include evenings and weekends.  A flexible work schedule will be considered upon request and supervisor approval.
• Participate in emergency response exercises and emergency events/high-priority assignments, as assigned.

 
If you have questions, need alternative formats, or other assistance please contact Kristina Cox at (360) 485-5249, kristina.cox@doh.wa.gov, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1.
 
Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).
 
 

Our Ideal Candidate. 
Has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. They demonstrate resilience and outward behaviors even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative. 
 
Required Qualifications.
A Master's degree in epidemiology, or a Master's degree in public health or a closely allied field including 12 graduate quarter hours or equivalent (500 level or above) in epidemiology and 12 graduate quarter hours or equivalent in biostatistics.
 
AND
 
One (1) or more years of experience working in a public health agency or a similar setting.
 
   
Application Process
Intrigued? Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:
 

• A cover letter (without any personal pictures), describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
• A current resume (without any personal pictures).
• Three (3) or more professional references, to be listed in your profile under the references section which includes at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have supervised or led.

About Washington State Department of Health

Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide information to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. To accomplish all of these, we collaborate with many partners every day. We help ensure a safer and healthier Washington by: Working to improve health through disease and injury prevention, immunization, and newborn screening Providing health and safety information, education and training so people can make healthy choices Promoting a health and wellness system where we live, learn, work, play and worship Addressing environmental health hazards associated with drinking water, food, air quality and pesticide exposure Protecting you and your family by licensing healthcare professionals, investigating disease outbreaks and preparing for emergencies

Connections working at Washington State Department of Health