BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 64006443

State of Florida • Saint Petersburg, FL

9d • $39,849 - $45,826 • Onsite

About The Position

The Biological Scientist II supports the Immunization and Hepatitis Outreach program at the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County. This is an internal posting open only to current Department of Health employees. The role provides public health education, screening, counseling, referrals, case management, and disease surveillance related to hepatitis and other communicable diseases. It also supports community outreach, training, outbreak preparedness, and operational coverage for other Division activities.

The position is based at 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg, Florida. The successful candidate must have or obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of employment. The role may require emergency duty before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days. A security background check and/or drug screening is required.

Requirements

• Florida driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Knowledge of epidemiology and surveillance principles and their practical application.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for analyzing and managing epidemiological data.
• Interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and oral English communication skills.
• Advanced presentation and public-speaking skills.
• Laboratory testing skills to ensure specimens are handled properly.
• Organizational management skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Time-management skills, including anticipating, prioritizing, and organizing work to meet deadlines while multitasking.
• Ability to work autonomously and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to perform phlebotomy in laboratory and field settings while maintaining aseptic technique.
• Ability to explain and teach complex epidemiologic concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience working in community outreach.
• Training in phlebotomy.

Responsibilities

• Provide public health education, awareness, and intervention activities for people exposed to or at risk of hepatitis infection.
• Participate in clinical, community, and impromptu screening activities; provide pre-test counseling for Hepatitis C and conduct hepatitis screening tests to identify high-risk clients.
• Locate individuals infected with hepatitis and provide follow-up counseling and/or referrals.
• Provide information about prevention, transmission, surveillance, and control of infectious diseases to community members, clients, and healthcare professional groups.
• Provide resources for hepatitis vaccines and other vaccine-preventable diseases, and answer community phone calls about hepatitis.
• Participate in training programs and educational conferences to stay informed about public health issues.
• Investigate hepatitis and other reportable diseases and ensure timely follow-up with healthcare providers.
• Perform case management as directed to discover or identify individuals infected with hepatitis.
• Conduct investigations, interviews, data entry, and follow-up to prevent and control hepatitis and other communicable diseases.
• Provide resources in accordance with current policies to people infected with or at risk for hepatitis to elicit partner and suspect information.
• Perform daily surveillance, data analysis, and data management using Merlin, FL Shots, and other communicable disease databases as needed.
• Attend Hepatitis team and Division meetings as indicated and complete required training hours under FDOH-Pinellas policy.
• Track, record, and report time and attendance according to FDOH-Pinellas and Division policies and procedures.
• Work with Disease Control and Health Protection Programs on community outreach, training, education, outbreak preparation, possible bioterrorism incidents, and special events requiring enhanced epidemiological or surveillance systems.
• Provide operational backup to other Division members, including Direct Observe Therapy (DOT).
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave.
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition waivers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed