We are excited in your interest to join DC Health (The District of Columbia Department of Health), a nationally accredited public health department (https://phaboard.org/) Where our Vision is for Washington, D.C. to be the healthiest city in America. We believe that all people - no matter their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, education level, age, language, religion, ability, or geographic location - should have the opportunity to live healthy lives.
DC Health is focused on providing the essential public health services (10 Essential Public Health Services) necessary to protect and promote the health of all people in all communities and remove systemic and structural barriers that have resulted in health inequities through the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (PH Core Competencies.)
Job Summary
Bring your professional career to Washington, D.C., the most dynamic and diverse city in the country. Join us as you are appreciated, developed, and rewarded and play a vital role in DC Health achieving our Strategic Priorities and Values:
The Program Manager for the Sentinel and Syndromic Surveillance Program is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing surveillance activities designed to detect emerging health threats and unusual patterns that may indicate outbreaks. This position ensures timely collection, analysis, and dissemination of surveillance data to enhance situational awareness and inform public health decision-making. The Program Manager oversees monitoring across sentinel sites, including healthcare facilities, schools, wastewater systems, and other data systems, to capture community-level health trends and coordinates the integration of advanced analytics, including forecasting, for actionable response. The Program Manager works under the general supervision of the Deputy State Epidemiologist and supervises staff to ensure data quality standards and products. They collaborate with internal and external partners to strengthen the Agency’s capacity for rapid response to evolving threats and sentinel events. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise in surveillance systems, and the ability to translate complex data into clear recommendations for interventions and response efforts.
Major Duties And Responsibilities
The position plans, organizes, and supervises the operation of program activities in alignment with the agency’s mission and goals. It develops new programs to support the agency’s strategic direction, advises and consults with administration and division managers, and collaborates with staff to identify and resolve problems or conflicts. The role makes or recommends final decisions regarding policy, operations, and administrative procedures, and establishes and manages long‑ and short‑term program goals. It also develops, analyzes, and evaluates new or modified program and management policies, regulations, goals, and objectives.
Additionally, the position develops, implements, and maintains complex procedures, administrative monitoring practices, and controls to ensure smooth and effective program operations. It coordinates work activities to prevent delays, improve services, and support departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities. The role identifies and implements improvements, determines resource allocation, and establishes appropriate levels of service to ensure effective program performance.
Qualifications And Education
Applicants must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the positions. The specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade (13) level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
A Master's level degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Statistics from an accredited college/university is required and epidemiological experience in the field (health care facility or state/local health department) conducting data analytics strongly preferred.
Licenses and Certification
None required
Working Conditions/Environment
Work is performed in an office setting.
Other Significant Facts
Employment Sponsorship: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa currently.
Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday - 8:15 to 4:45 pm
Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service "At-Will" - Positions in the Management Supervisory Service (MSS) serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: MS-0340-14
Collective Bargaining Agreement: This position is not in the collective bargaining unit.
Position Designation: Please be advised that this position has been identified and designated as a Security Sensitive position subject to a mandatory Pre-employment Biennial Criminal Background Check, Pre-employment Consumer Credit Check and Traffic Record Check (as applicable/biennial).
Pursuant To Section 410 Of Chapter 4 Of The D.C. Personnel Regulations; In Addition To The General Suitability Screening, Individuals Applying For Or Occupying Security Sensitive Positions Are Subject To The Following Checks And Tests
- Criminal background check.
- Traffic record check (as applicable).
- Consumer credit check (as applicable).
- Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and
- Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.
Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency.
Employees Occupying Positions Designated As Emergency Are Required To
- Provide advice, recommendations, and/or specific functional support necessary for the continuity of operations during a declared emergency.
- Remain at their duty station, or alternate work location (approved by their supervisor), if activated, when a situation or condition occurs and results in early dismissal for nonessential/non-emergency employees.
- Report to their duty station, when activated, on time and as scheduled when a situation or condition occurs during non-work hours, and results in the late arrival or closing of District government offices for non-essential/non-emergency employees.
- Telework during a declared emergency, instead of remaining or reporting to his or her duty station, if directed by the agency head (or designee), supervisor or manager.
- Carry or wear their official District government ID card during the period of the declared emergency, if not teleworking.
Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory Service or Educational Services at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
US
