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Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
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Location
About the job
Job summary
National Location (Mildenhall): £30,473 - £37,215
Outer London Location (Harlow or Cambridge): £32,469 - £39,532
The Data Surveillance Scientist (DSS) works as part of a dynamic analytical community and supports the HPT to deliver an effective HP function by providing information and administrative leadership for the HP intelligence function, including surveillance, prevention, Health Protection risk assessment, investigation and control of communicable disease and environmental hazards, screening programmes and health monitoring.
This includes developing and maintaining effective Health Protection (including non-communicable disease) surveillance databases and supporting the use of HPZone (a national UKHSA web-based incident management system.
As part of a dynamic analytical community, the postholder will work collaboratively with, and may rotate working with the Knowledge and Intelligence (K&I) function of the Health Improvement Directorate, the regional Health Protection function and the National Infection Services Field Services team to jointly enhance services and develop hubs of excellence in analytical services.
Location
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at one of one of the East of England Regional offices: Mildenhall, Harlow, or Forvie Cambridge. For certain roles, some additional flexibility may be possible, which will be agreed upon with the hiring manager based on individual requirements and business needs.
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Job description
Your main responsibilities will include:
Public Health Intelligence, Surveillance and Data Analysis
- Support the development, operation and improvement of the enhanced surveillance system
- Provide advice and support on data analysis, presentation and interpretation to the Health Protection team
- Present and demonstrate the use of data science tools and methodologies
- Analyse the main communicable disease surveillance data and Health Protection programme and outcome indicators (process / coverage).
- Work closely with analytical and HP colleagues to help identify analytical requirements and shape the development of statistical analysis approaches
Outbreak Support and Epidemiological Investigations
- Support information and data management in cases of outbreak or epidemiological investigation.
- Provide first line advice on information governance aspects of outbreak management and response escalating for senior input as appropriate.
Audit, Quality and Governance
- Responsible for the validation and regular audit of surveillance systems to ensure compliance with Information Governance Guidelines and contribute to initiatives to improve the quality of data and surveillance.
- Support the associate Caldicott Guardian
Software and Statistical skills
- Support application of a range of common statistical tests and algorithms including time trend analysis and to support exceedance investigations
- Use common statistical/database/mapping/web tools such as Stata, R, ArcGIS, network analysis, SQL and SharePoint in routine reports, surveillance activities and the development of solutions
Collaborative Working
- Maintain constructive relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Work closely with Field Service colleagues and other regional information specialists to form a cross-regional professional association of information support staff.
Research and Development
- Undertake literature reviews, evaluative research surveys, audits and other research as required
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Person specification
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of no more than 750 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the essential criteria (for full details of all essential criteria please refer to the attached job description):
Essential
Qualifications
- Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area
Knowledge and Experience
- Experience and understanding of evaluating and measuring the performance of health services.
- Experience in communications and stakeholder management
Skills and Capabilities
- Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
- Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence.
- Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis
- Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
- Skills for project management
- Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of advice and support
- Skills for manipulating information.
- Intermediate keyboard skills
- Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change
- Commitment to continuing professional development
- Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals.
Desirable
Knowledge and Experience
- Knowledge of project management and/or health information systems development
- Previous experience in similar role in public sector
- Knowledge of UKHSA role in outbreaks/incidents
Skills and Capabilities
- Proficient and/or expert in the use of some of the following: spreadsheets, databases, GIS, statistical software (e.g. R, Stata, SAS, SPSS) Experience of maintaining code using R or an alternative statistical package.
- Experience in utilising Power BI
- Evidence of success in efficient and effective project and programme management
- Used to working in a busy environment
Benefits
Working for the UKHSA
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Range of health and wellbeing support
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices , 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More , Help with Costs , GOV.UK
Things you need to know
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the full list of essential criteria as detailed in the attached job description – please do provide evidence of how you meet this. Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).
You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW
This competition will involve an interview by video.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.
You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history. This will be scored at sift stage.
This vacancy is being assessed using the Civil Service Competency Framework. During the interview we will assess your Behaviours/Strengths/Ability/ Experience/Technical skills.
For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 1st April 2024– unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Interviews: TBD
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
Security clearance level requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard. People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.
For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Please Note
This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&C’s are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.
Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
Complaint process:
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
