BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 64006443

State of Florida • Saint Petersburg, FL

1d • $39,849 - $45,826 • Onsite

About The Position

This is an internal opportunity only. Only current DOH employees will be considered. The Biological Scientist II will focus on Immunization and Hepatitis Outreach. This role provides public health education, awareness, and intervention activities for individuals exposed to or at risk of Hepatitis infection. It involves participating in clinical, community, and impromptu screening activities by providing pre-test counseling for Hepatitis C and conducting Hepatitis screening tests to identified high-risk clients. The position also includes locating and providing follow-up counseling and/or referrals to individuals infected with Hepatitis. Additionally, the role involves providing information on the prevention, transmission, surveillance, and control of infectious diseases to various groups, offering resources for hepatitis and other vaccine-preventable diseases, and responding to community inquiries about Hepatitis via phone. The incumbent will also participate in training programs and educational conferences to stay informed on public health issues. The role requires conducting investigations for hepatitis and other reportable diseases, ensuring timely follow-up with healthcare providers, and performing case management activities. This includes investigation, interviews, data entry, and follow-up for the prevention and control of hepatitis and other communicable diseases. Resources will be provided in accordance with current policies to individuals infected with or at risk for hepatitis to gather partner and suspect information. Daily surveillance, data analysis, and management using Merlin, FL Shots, and other communicable disease databases are essential. The position requires attending team and division meetings, completing required training hours, and accurately tracking time and attendance. Collaboration with Disease Control and Health Protection Programs for community outreach, training, education, and preparedness for outbreaks, bioterrorism incidents, and special events is also a key function. The role provides back-up to other division members at an operational level, including Direct Observe Therapy (DOT), and performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and surveillance, and the skills and abilities to put them into practice
• Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook to analyze and manage epidemiological data
• Skilled in written and oral English communication; Advanced presentation and public-speaking skills including the ability to explain and teach complex epidemiologic concepts to diverse audiences
• Skilled in laboratory testing to ensure specimens are handled properly
• Skilled in organizational management with a strong capacity to adapt and adjust to changing priorities
• Skilled in time management; Anticipates, prioritizes and organizes work to meet deadlines while multi-tasking
• Skilled in interpersonal communication, as a member of a team, in addition to the ability to work autonomously
• Ability to perform phlebotomy in both the lab and field setting while maintaining aseptic technique
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and work well with others in a multi-disciplinary setting
• Florida Drivers’ License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience working in community outreach
• Trained in Phlebotomy

Responsibilities

• Provides public health education, awareness, and intervention activities for individuals exposed to or at risk of Hepatitis infection.
• Participates in clinical, community, and impromptu screening activities by providing pre-test counseling for Hepatitis C and conducting Hepatitis screening tests to identified high risk clients.
• Locates and provides follow up counseling, and/or referrals to individuals infected with Hepatitis.
• Provides information on the prevention, transmission, surveillance and control of infectious diseases to community, clients, or health care professional groups.
• Provides resources for hepatitis vaccines and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Receives and appropriately answers phone calls related to Hepatitis questions from the community.
• Participates in training programs and educational conferences to keep informed of public health issues.
• Conducts investigation for hepatitis and other reportable diseases and ensures timely follow-up with healthcare providers.
• Performs case management activities as directed in the process of discovering and/or identifying individuals infected with hepatitis.
• Performs investigation, interviews, data entry, and follow-up for the prevention and control of hepatitis and other communicable diseases.
• Provides resources in accordance with current policies to a wide variety of individuals infected with or at risk for hepatitis to elicit partner and suspect information.
• Performs daily surveillance, data analysis, and management using Merlin, FL Shots and other communicable disease databases as needed.
• Attends Hepatitis team meetings and Division meetings as indicated.
• Completes training hours in accordance with the FDOH-Pinellas Training Policy.
• Accurately tracks, records, and reports time and attendance in accordance with FDOH-Pinellas / Division policies and procedures.
• Works with Disease Control and Health Protection Programs in community outreach, training, education, and preparation for outbreaks, possible bioterrorism incidents and special events that require enhanced epidemiological and/or surveillance systems.
• Provides back up to other members of Division at an operations level, including Direct Observe Therapy (DOT).
• Perform 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

What This Job Offers

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