Health Care Facility Epidemiologist

Job Description

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a Health Care Facility Epidemiologist within the Bureau of Health Care Safety & Quality. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to use advanced epidemiological and statistical skills to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for nursing home residents and patients throughout Massachusetts. Working in partnership with state and federal agencies, the role blends data analysis with creative problem-solving to identify trends, address emerging public health challenges, and strengthen both health surveillance and quality improvement efforts. By linking diverse datasets and applying evidence-based methods, you will help guide regulatory decisions and support healthcare facilities in delivering exceptional care.

In this role, you will contribute directly to shaping public health policy and practice while expanding your expertise in new software, analytic techniques, and quality improvement strategies. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, offering meaningful projects that have a tangible impact on patient outcomes. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives on solving complex analytic challenges, values continuous learning, and is committed to using data to create lasting improvements in healthcare quality and safety.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Produce weekly database extracts and generate online reports for the Nursing Home Survey Performance Tool, ensuring data integrity during system updates and transitions.
• Conduct epidemiological and statistical analyses of state and federal databases to assess trends, rates, and prevalence of health-related issues.
• Provide recommendations and develop methodologies to support healthcare capacity strategies in long-term care settings.
• Manage and maintain federally required MDS/OASIS systems, serving as liaison with CMS to ensure operational functionality of reporting applications.
• Design and implement novel data analysis reports and tools to inform regulatory guidelines and enhance quality of care in Massachusetts health care facilities.
• Establish and maintain standards for data quality assurance and control across projects and datasets.
• Collaborate in preparing, reviewing, and executing statistical analysis plans to address key public health priorities.
• Prepare and present descriptive, statistical, and epidemiological reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform computer-based data analysis using SAS, Excel, and ArcGIS, and oversee data collection projects in REDCap.
• Deliver evidence-based analyses to guide the development of health care regulations and public health policies.

• Knowledge of epidemiology, biostatistics, and survey/study design, including research methods for large dataset analysis.
• Proficiency in analyzing epidemiologic, geospatial, and demographic data to draw conclusions and develop actionable recommendations.
• Skilled in statistical report writing and the preparation of charts, graphs, tables, and executive summaries.
• Experience developing and implementing quality improvement programs informed by data.
• Proficient with computer hardware and software, including statistical, spreadsheet, word processing, and informatics applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey precise instructions and information.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, gather qualitative and quantitative information, and ensure data integrity.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and standards governing assigned activities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Capacity to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in all aspects of work.

• Demonstrated adaptability in balancing multiple priorities, applying creative problem-solving, and meeting evolving program needs.
• Extensive experience in public health surveillance, research, and quantitative data analysis to inform policy development, with proficiency in SAS, Excel, and multiple diverse datasets.
• Skilled in creating impactful reports and dashboards using data visualization tools such as Tableau and Power BI.
• Proven ability to interpret epidemiological and geospatial data (ArcGIS or similar), draw evidence-based conclusions, and make sound analytical recommendations.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing licensed healthcare entities, with expertise in compliance-related analysis and data quality assurance, control, and auditing.