Research Scientist 2 - Chronic Disease Syndromic Surveillance Evaluator

Job Details

Working Title: Chronic Disease Syndromic Surveillance Evaluator
Job Class: Research Scientist 2
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 80403
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 10/04/2024
• Closing Date: 10/18/2024
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health
• Division: Health Promotion and Chronic Disease
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• End Date: 07/31/2026
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

As a member of the Center for Health Promotion, this position exists to plan, design, implement, analyze, and report on the assessment and evaluation of chronic disease syndromic surveillance data in Minnesota. The incumbent will work under the direction of the Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Unit Supervisor and the Center for Health Promotion (CHP) Director, supporting chronic disease programs housed in CHP, including cardiovascular health, stroke, diabetes, asthma, oral health, and Alzheimer's/dementia. This position provides expertise in assessment and analysis methodologies for both quantitative and qualitative data to inform the development and value of chronic disease surveillance systems in Minnesota. These data include hospitalizations and emergency department visits for time-critical conditions such as heart attack and stroke, other chronic conditions, and the presence of social determinants of health (SDoH) indicators in electronic health records. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for conducting qualitative investigations with health system electronic health record leaders to understand institutional practices and incentives that inform the completeness of syndromic surveillance data collection to inform the development of chronic disease programs that can address health equity gaps in the prevention, management, and treatment of chronic conditions. In a role that largely addresses the qualitative assessment of syndromic surveillance data, its collection, and the integration of SDoH data collection into health systems practices, this position will work in partnership with the complementary Chronic Disease Syndromic Surveillance Epidemiologist.

Responsibilities Include:

• Collect, aggregate, compile, and assess the validity of existing social determinants of health data to assess the level of SDoH data present within and outside of public health surveillance systems.
• Interpret, analyze, and report on syndromic surveillance for SDoH in Minnesota,
• Collaborate with Chronic Disease Syndromic Surveillance Epidemiologist to design and implement algorithms to detect social determinants of health indicators through syndromic surveillance methodologies.
• Evaluate adoption of SDoH data collection within syndromic surveillance systems in Minnesota.

This position is eligible for telework applicants who reside in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota. Position locations will be determined by the top candidate and will be based out of one of the following MDH district office locations: St. Paul, St. Cloud, Duluth, Rochester, Marshall, Mankato, Bemidji, or Fergus Falls. Reimbursement for authorized business travel expenses is provided according to bargaining unit guidelines.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Three (3) years of experience in healthcare, public health, nursing, social work, anthropology, sociology or related field conducting analytical research. Experience must include the following:

• Use of SAS, R, Atlas-Ti, InVivo, or related computer programs.
• Use of data visualization software such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, or related software.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• Ability to perform research and evaluate the public health literature of social determinants of health and their interaction with chronic conditions.
• Ability to work successfully on diverse teams and employ health equity approaches to work.
• Ability to incorporate qualitative and quantitative evaluation methodologies into the design of syndromic surveillance queries, analyze syndromic surveillance data, compile and publish summaries of syndromic surveillance results, and report results using data visualization tools.
• Human relations skills sufficient to achieve effective working relationships within the agency and externally.
• Organizational skills sufficient to manage and prioritize multiple items that may have competing deadlines.

A related associate degree may be substituted for six (6) months of experience. A related bachelor's degree may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. A related master's degree may be sub

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in sociology, environmental health, or health services research, including relevant coursework in evaluation, epidemiology, social science research, or economics.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills sufficient for communicating with community groups, advisory groups, academic institutions, and provider organizations.
• Experience working with diverse populations such as low-income, rural residents, racial/ethnic minorities, adolescents, older adults, people with Limited English Proficiency, people with disabilities or mental illness, and LGBTQ communities.

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully pass a background and reference check.
• This employment does not require a valid driver's license, but it does demand occasional travel which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.
• Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us or 651-201-4842 .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us .

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity, and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.