Communicable Disease Epidemiology Intern

About the Department

Under the supervision of the Communicable Disease Manager and Senior Epidemiologist in the Communicable Disease Program, a successful intern will be trained in and conduct case investigations of reportable diseases within the community. The intern will gain hands-on experience with real-world public health surveillance, working under the guidance of experienced epidemiologists to apply investigative protocols and contribute to the local response to infectious diseases.

In addition to daily investigation duties, the intern may complete a focused project analyzing trends in communicable diseases, with the opportunity to present findings to public health stakeholders and submit the project as an abstract to a conference and/or for publication. The intern will also contribute to outbreak response efforts as needed. Success in this position is measured by the intern’s accuracy and timeliness in case investigation, surveillance reporting, active engagement in outbreak investigations, and the completion of a meaningful project that demonstrates critical thinking and contributes to public health knowledge or practice.

Benefits:

• Gain practical experience in public health epidemiology.
• Opportunity to work with experienced professionals in the field.
• Flexible hours and a supportive work environment.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $25/hour. 

Position Duties

1. Receive training in communicable disease case investigations and professionalism
   • Attend onboarding sessions and complete required trainings on reportable diseases, data systems, investigation protocols, and workplace conduct
   • Demonstrate understanding of investigation workflows by shadowing experienced epidemiologists and asking relevant questions
   • Review case definitions, clinical symptoms, and laboratory criteria for commonly reported diseases
2. Apply training to conduct case interviews, data entry, and perform professionally in the work environment
   • Conduct supervised case interviews 
   • Accurately enter case details into the communicable disease surveillance system within assigned timelines
   • Interpret basic laboratory and clinical data to complete case classification
   • Communicate updates and findings to supervisors 
   • Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and maturity in the workplace, communicate gaps and needs to supervisors, and have fun.
3. Participate in communicable disease outbreak investigations
   • Support the outbreak response team by helping conduct interviews, contact tracing, and data collection
   • Assist with data entry and organization of outbreak-related information using standardized tools
   • Attend outbreak coordination meetings and provide verbal or written updates as requested
   • Follow appropriate safety protocols and maintain confidentiality in high-stress or sensitive environments
4. Conduct an epidemiological study (optional and encouraged)
   • Define a clear research question based on local communicable disease trends or surveillance gaps
   • Extract and clean relevant data sets from surveillance systems with guidance from staff epidemiologists
   • Analyze findings using basic epidemiological methods (e.g., trend analysis, descriptive statistics)
   • Present results to internal stakeholders through a summary report and/or presentation, highlighting implications for public health action
   • Submit an abstract to a conference and/or submit for publication under the supervision and support of Adams County Health Department and your university or college.
     

HIPAA Statement
 Maintain sensitive & confidential client information according to the HIPAA policy confidentiality requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completed at least one year of graduate education in Public Health Epidemiology, Environmental Health, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of public health issues and concepts.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Conduct yourself with professionalism and curiosity.

Ability to:

• Understand the needs of diverse populations within Adams County
• Work with Epidemiology supervision and guidelines
• Provide helpful, accurate, clear, simple, and direct information 
• Exhibit excellent working etiquette.  
• Develop and maintains effective working relationships with all staff and partners.

Equipment used:

• Standard office equipment includes but is not limited to, laptop computers, tablets and associated hardware and software, telephones, copiers/scanners, and audiovisual equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish or other primary language spoken in Adams County.

Providing essential public services and safety to county residents.