BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 64068133

State of Florida•Orlando, FL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Summary: This is a highly responsible public health position dedicated to the prevention and control of Tuberculosis (TB). The position serves as a Disease lntervention Specialist (DlS) working with experienced DIS to learn to work with infectious patients from diverse populations. The incumbent performs field work calling for dependability, discretion, maturity, and sound judgment under the guidance of the DIS Supervisor. Field work includes epidemiological investigations, patient care, education, counseling, and referral services. Appropriate guidance, instruction and training on work methods, procedures, and techniques are provided. This position works under the under the supervision of the DIS Supervisor. The incumbent adheres to established Department of Health (DOH) policies and procedures, all activities are performed observing federal, state, and County Health Department (CHD) procedures, statutes, technical assistance guidelines, rules and regulations. The DIS will receive training and guidance and learn how to establish and maintain good rapport with staff and clients; evidenced by exhibiting approachability, teamwork, a positive attitude, and flexibility. The DIS demonstrates DOH values-innovation, collaboration, accountability, responsiveness, and excellence. In full: The DIS assists with the coordination of patient care. Will assure patient adherence by learning to employing strategies to remove barriers (e.g., incentives, enablers, or referral to community resources). Locates individuals who are delinquent, non-compliant, or lost to medical supervision to ensure treatment is completed as prescribed. Participates in case management meetings and notifies supervisor and case managers of potential problems with the treatment plan or patient adherence/compliance. When appropriate; will conduct source case investigations, under the guidance of the DIS Supervisor, to determine origin of TB lnfection or TB Disease in contacts. Meets with supervisor daily to ensure knowledge of status of assigned duties. Conducts field visits to perform directly observed therapy of medication. lnterviews, counsels, and educates all clients diagnosed with TB, suspected of having TB, and contacts to TB cases and TB suspects. Maintains confidentiality of information. Ensures completion of directly observed therapy within appropriate time frames. Will learn to assure patient adherence with a treatment plan by routine home visits for sputum collection, phlebotomy, patient counseling, and transportation of patients to the clinic for appointments. Elicits and investigates contacts of cases for contact investigation, under the guidance of the DIS Supervisor and Lead DlS, in all arenas (including households, schools, workplaces, hospitals, etc.) and if needed, administers Preventive Directly Observed Therapy. Serves as a member of the field services team and supports team building, and open communication. Exhibits appropriate prioritization of assigned work and manages schedule independently. (Work hours may vary depending on your schedule) Maintains open communication with supervisors, nursing and provider staff. Will be trained to assist the LTBI Nurse with tracking and managing all LTBI clients to ensure they come in for services and go into the field to locate them if they do not. The DIS documents activities on appropriate forms and completes data entry of activities into electronic records and data management systems (PRISM). Documentation includes patient and contact activities, Cl screenings, medication tracking log, time, travel, maintenance of schedules and patient list, and other assigned forms or data entry. All documentation is completed accurately and within departmental timeframes. Participates in the collection of data for surveillance purposes. Works with private physicians, hospitals, clinics, laboratory personnel, public and private health related agencies, community agencies, institutions, and individuals in association with services related to TB prevention and control and consistent with programmatic objectives and key indicators. Will be trained to administer and measure tuberculin skin tests (TST). Draws blood for IGRA for clients in the field (training will be provided if necessary) and adheres to clinician's orders for blood draws on clients. Participates in clinical or community screening activities, community education, and/or targeted outreach programs by assisting in the identification, planning, implementation, and administration of TSTs or performing venipuncture techniques. These activities may occur before, during, or after normal working hours including weekends and holidays. Provides technical assistance not considered part of routine duties, including, but not limited to epidemiological assistance to other CHDs or program areas, public health awareness and emergency response situations. Travels, attends meetings, and training sessions, as approved. Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Knowledge of public health essential services, practices and techniques related to the control and detection of Communicable Diseases.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to elicit information as appropriate for the needs of the audience
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work activities.
Knowledge of varied social, economic, cultural and lifestyle characteristics in the community.
Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Ability to accurately document pertinent information on DOT forms reports.
Ability to actively listen to others.
Ability to teach and demonstrate preventive health care
Skilled in collecting, evaluating and analyzing data relating to Medical Unit functions, such as client records.
Ability to work independently and manage time
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Knowledge of office procedures.
Performs TB skin tests and draws blood.
Obtain venipuncture training and obtain certification in Tuberculin Skin Testing.
Obtain Tuberculin Skin Test certification and complete venipuncture training within 6 months of hire.
Travel is a large part of this position and the ability to travel in your own personal vehicle is necessary.
Currently have a valid FL driver’s license OR a valid driver’s license from another state (you will be required to get a FL driver’s license within 30 days of hire) and access to a personal vehicle that you can drive in lieu of a county vehicle.
Able to bend, kneel, use fine motor skills, lift, and carry a maximum of 25 pounds. Physically able to complete these tasks daily
Willing and able to work in in an Infectious Disease Clinic (including working with HIV, TB, and/or STD infected clients.
Required to work during or beyond normal work hours or days in event of an emergency. Emergency duty required of the incumbent working in special needs or Red Cross Shelters, or to perform other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual and fluent (speaking, reading, and writing) English/Spanish or Creole preferred

Responsibilities

The DIS assists with the coordination of patient care.
Will assure patient adherence by learning to employing strategies to remove barriers (e.g., incentives, enablers, or referral to community resources).
Locates individuals who are delinquent, non-compliant, or lost to medical supervision to ensure treatment is completed as prescribed.
Participates in case management meetings and notifies supervisor and case managers of potential problems with the treatment plan or patient adherence/compliance.
When appropriate; will conduct source case investigations, under the guidance of the DIS Supervisor, to determine origin of TB lnfection or TB Disease in contacts.
Meets with supervisor daily to ensure knowledge of status of assigned duties.
Conducts field visits to perform directly observed therapy of medication.
lnterviews, counsels, and educates all clients diagnosed with TB, suspected of having TB, and contacts to TB cases and TB suspects.
Maintains confidentiality of information.
Ensures completion of directly observed therapy within appropriate time frames.
Will learn to assure patient adherence with a treatment plan by routine home visits for sputum collection, phlebotomy, patient counseling, and transportation of patients to the clinic for appointments.
Elicits and investigates contacts of cases for contact investigation, under the guidance of the DIS Supervisor and Lead DlS, in all arenas (including households, schools, workplaces, hospitals, etc.) and if needed, administers Preventive Directly Observed Therapy.
Serves as a member of the field services team and supports team building, and open communication.
Exhibits appropriate prioritization of assigned work and manages schedule independently.
Maintains open communication with supervisors, nursing and provider staff.
Will be trained to assist the LTBI Nurse with tracking and managing all LTBI clients to ensure they come in for services and go into the field to locate them if they do not.
The DIS documents activities on appropriate forms and completes data entry of activities into electronic records and data management systems (PRISM).
Documentation includes patient and contact activities, Cl screenings, medication tracking log, time, travel, maintenance of schedules and patient list, and other assigned forms or data entry.
All documentation is completed accurately and within departmental timeframes.
Participates in the collection of data for surveillance purposes.
Works with private physicians, hospitals, clinics, laboratory personnel, public and private health related agencies, community agencies, institutions, and individuals in association with services related to TB prevention and control and consistent with programmatic objectives and key indicators.
Will be trained to administer and measure tuberculin skin tests (TST).
Draws blood for IGRA for clients in the field (training will be provided if necessary) and adheres to clinician's orders for blood draws on clients.
Participates in clinical or community screening activities, community education, and/or targeted outreach programs by assisting in the identification, planning, implementation, and administration of TSTs or performing venipuncture techniques.
These activities may occur before, during, or after normal working hours including weekends and holidays.
Provides technical assistance not considered part of routine duties, including, but not limited to epidemiological assistance to other CHDs or program areas, public health awareness and emergency response situations.
Travels, attends meetings, and training sessions, as approved.
Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
Flexible Spending Accounts;
Tuition waivers;

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