Lead Investigator-Complex Investigations, Bureau of Tuberculosis Control

Position Summary: The BTBC Office of Epidemiology reviews and assesses TB exposures in residential and non-residential congregate settings; conducts investigations in these settings to identify, notify and evaluate contacts and assess transmission; analyzes genomic and epidemiologic information to detect, investigate and respond to TB outbreaks; and conducts data analysis and research to describe the epidemiology of TB in NYC and to inform TB prevention and control policy.

We are seeking a Lead Investigator-Complex Investigations to join our team in the Office of Epidemiology. As an integral part of the team, this person will conduct and lead TB case review, data analysis, contact investigation, care coordination, and transmission assessment in residential and non-residential congregate settings across NYC. Under general direction, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, this individual will develop and operationalize tailored public health interventions in partnership with Health Department colleagues, other City Agencies, community health care providers, community-based organizations and other groups to interrupt complex chains of transmission and will also help to implement TB detection and prevention activities in communities with high risk of TB and in response to emergent needs. The ideal candidate will be organized, have strong epidemiologic and data skills and attention to detail, enjoy and have experience working with and serving the public, have familiarity with the healthcare system, and be able to work both independently

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

Review and analyze data in the Health Department's TB surveillance and case management system.

Work closely with the BTBC Expanded TB Contact Investigation and TB Case Management teams to review information for highly suspected and confirmed cases and support timely, data driven, and effective individual- and cohort-level TB care and response activities.

Lead investigation of and response to TB exposures in schools, worksites, religious institutions, congregate housing sites, and other settings in close partnership with external entities.

Develop and implement coordinated, multi-faceted, data-driven and culturally competent public health interventions to prevent and interrupt TB transmission, increase awareness of TB and TB risk, and address barriers to care in high risk-communities and in response to outbreaks.

Develop and maintain relationships with City agency colleagues, community-based organizations, social service providers, healthcare providers, media liaisons, elected officials, and other partners.

Work with BTBC epidemiology staff to evaluate public health interventions.

Conduct research.

Other duties as required.

Preferred Skills:

Knowledge of infectious disease epidemiology

Experience working and communicating with patients and/or the public.

Experience working and communicating with clinicians or other health care or social service providers.

Experience conducting epidemiologic investigation.

Knowledge of core epidemiology principles.

Basic knowledge of infection control practices.

Experience with data review and analysis.

Experience with structured interviews, medical terminology, and conducting medical chart reviews.

Good written and oral communication skills.

Excellent organizational skills

Ability to work in a team environment

Working knowledge of Microsoft suite(MS word, Excel etc.)

Why you should work for us:

• Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
• Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:

o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.

o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund.

o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.

o a tax-deferred savings program and

o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.

• Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
• Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.

CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744

Minimum Qualifications

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A masters degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.

To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:

1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or

2. A masters degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or

3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a masters degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

NOTE:

Probationary Period

Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individuals sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.