Job Information
City of New York Surveillance Case Investigator, Bureau of Immunization in New York, New York
Job Description
The mission of the Bureau of Immunization (BOI) is to prevent the occurrence and transmission of diseases through immunization. The Bureau promotes the immunization of children and adults against numerous vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). The VPD Surveillance Unit monitors and investigates reported suspect cases of VPDs including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, and invasive pneumococcal disease in children aged less than 5 years. The Unit is responsible for assuring the identification and investigation of cases and contacts, institution of control measures, and outbreak response. The international nature of New York City, and the ongoing risk of importations, creates challenges with identifying and controlling the spread of VPDs.
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
Conduct case investigations (surveillance and outbreak activities) of reported cases of vaccine preventable diseases.
Perform medical chart reviews using electronic databases and at medical facilities as necessary.
Conduct field investigations of reported cases of vaccine preventable diseases as necessary.
Locate and refer cases and their contacts to an appropriate diagnostic facility for examination, prophylaxis, and treatment.
Ensure timely and appropriate collection of specimens and testing.
Enter and manage data in surveillance database (Maven) and provide Maven training and support to fellow Public Health Advisors.
Perform medical chart reviews using electronic databases and at medical facilities as necessary.
Conduct field investigations of reported cases of vaccine preventable diseases as necessary.
Locate and refer cases and their contacts to an appropriate diagnostic facility for examination, prophylaxis, and treatment.
Conduct investigations of reported adverse vaccine reactions.
Assist, guide, and train Public Health Advisors, Level I in their investigations of reported cases of vaccine preventable diseases.
In the absence of the Supervising Public Health Advisor (SPHA), assume the responsibilities of the SPHA, including training, supervision, evaluation, and training of PHAs.
Perform other duties assigned in support of or related to achieving goals of the Immunization Program.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
Strong organizational and time management skills. - Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Good writing and verbal communication skills.
Ability to multi-task while performing tasks accurately and efficiently.
Experience with entering data into databases from questionnaires or other forms.
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.
Qualifications
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by twelve semester credits in health education, or in health, social or biological sciences; or
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, and six months of full-time satisfactory experience in a health promotion or disease intervention/prevention program, performing one or more of the following: interviewing, conducting field investigations, assessing health risks, making referrals, or collecting and analyzing epidemiological data; or
A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and four years of full-time satisfactory experience as described in "2" above; or
Education and/or experience equivalent to "1", "2" or "3" above. Undergraduate college credit can be substituted for experience on the basis of 30 semester credits from an accredited college for one year of full-time experience. However, all candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and either twelve semester credits as described in "1" above or six months of experience as described in "2" above.
Additional Requirements
A. To be assigned to Assignment Level II, candidates must have, in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements listed above, at least one year of experience as a Public Health Adviser, Assignment Level I, or at least one additional year of experience as described in Qualification Requirement "2" above.
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 individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
