BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 64063070

State of Florida • Riviera Beach, FL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a Biological Scientist II position responsible for conducting independent field work countywide in the control and prevention of Tuberculosis (TB) Program. Responsible for providing Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), Directly Observed Preventative Therapy (DOPT) in the TB Program and assisting with contact investigations in accordance with Florida Statute 392 and Florida Administrative Code 64D-3. This position will assist in the performance of disease control and preventative activities. Work is performed under the supervision of Biological Scientist III – SES. This position requires independent judgment, initiative, applying general knowledge of business practices and skill in applying instructions to accomplish various job functions. This position serves as a backup and support to the Biological Scientist II in the Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Program. This position is assigned to the Clinic and/or Field assignments for the STD Program. This position will perform venipuncture routinely and conduct confidential field investigations. Supports the unit, department and/or organization and works with others to accomplish the goals of the unit, department and/or organization. Makes a reasonable effort to adhere to established safety procedures and practices in the work area.
This position is designated as a sensitive position and is required to maintain confidential information in accordance with Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County Health Department (CHD) Information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures. This position requires to maintain State and local confidentiality/security policies 384.29, F.S. 384.30, F.S. 381.004, F.F. 960.003, Admin Rule-Chapter IOD-3, Admin Rule 64D-2.003, 64D-2.004, 62D-2.006, 64D-3.01 6, 64D-3.018. Internal Operating Policy: STD 14; Policy: Security 7.4 & Technical Assisting Guidelines STD and HIV/AIDS TAG: I, 7, II, 15, 16, 17. Other specific supplemental operating procedures related to STD and HIV/AIDS Technical Guidelines for Protection & Security of STD, HIV/AIDS related information, and Health Department guidelines, rules and regulations. Confidential Data Sets: Surveillance Tools and Reporting System (STARS), Health Management Systems (HMS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Utilize Electronic Medical Record (EMR) within HMS to view clinical visits, progress notes, past and present appointments, demographic information, lab results and treatment information.
Makes field visits to monitor therapy for Tuberculosis patients by providing Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and Directly Observed Preventive Therapy (DOPT), and Pill count according to the Florida Department of Health policy. Assess patient behaviors, collect and transport specimens such as sputa and blood. Observes patients for adverse reactions to TB medications. Provide patient and family education on Tuberculosis and TB Program processes of care. Document all activities in the DOT Logs and Health Management System (HMS) following established Department of Health policy. Monitors lab results in HMS and consults with Nurse Case manager (NCM) as needed. Determines compliance with treatment plan and reports any problems to the NCM and their immediate supervisor
Assists in the conduction of epidemiological investigations to identify contacts. Performs tuberculin testing and reading including phlebotomy for QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (IGRA) and completing risk assessments and follow up for completion of testing therapy. Participated in the case detection screening programs in populations and settings at high risk for TB transmission.
Assists in field investigation to locate lost or delinquent patients, determine reason for delinquency, identifies social needs and refers patients to other agencies as needed for services. Provides transportation in state vehicles for patients as needed as related to TB. Documents all patient related activities in HMS. Consult with private physicians; private and public laboratory personnel, and other health care providers to Stimulate case reporting, obtain information on treated cases or diagnostic determination. Secure permission to apply epidemiologic process to private patients, and provide current information on diagnosis and treatment.
Serves as a backup, in the STD Program, providing support for activities related to the detection, control, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and Hepatitis, within Palm Beach County. Coordinate and conduct timely personal interviews, and re-interviews with patients infected and/or affected by sexually transmitted disease (STD) for the purpose of Educating patients regarding their infections and appropriate medical care. Developed plans to identify and refer potentially exposed individuals to medical facilities for appropriate examination and treatment. Conduct interviews with individuals identified as potential sources of information for known cases. Perform field serologic screenings for individuals considered to be at risk for infections such as Syphilis, HIV, and other communicable diseases.
Perform timely field follow-up to locate and refer infected individuals, and their sexual and needle sharing partners to appropriate diagnostic facility for examination and treatment. Ensure all client records are maintained with the highest level of confidentiality and handled in accordance with program policy.
Document all investigative efforts, field and interview records, input data link and report TB and/or STD cases in a timely manner.
Attends department meetings, and completes all required training, and in services as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Course-work and relevant experience in epidemiological surveillance, containment and assessment principles as related to Tuberculosis.
• Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data.
• Knowledge of standard precautions to prevent transmission of infections.
• Ability to conduct fact finding interviews and health investigations.
• Ability to analyze collect, record and analyze data.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, organize and coordinate work activities independently to accomplish assignments.
• Ability to prepare records and reports.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Knowledge of computers and basic software applications.
• Knowledge and application of sound epidemiological surveillance, containment and assessment principles as related to Tuberculosis.
• Knowledge of Procedures, techniques and equipment used in laboratory testing.
• Must be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Able to facilitate clear and effective communication with colleagues, clients and health care professionals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent field work countywide in the control and prevention of Tuberculosis (TB) Program.
• Provide Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and Directly Observed Preventative Therapy (DOPT) in the TB Program.
• Assist with contact investigations in accordance with Florida Statute 392 and Florida Administrative Code 64D-3.
• Assist in the performance of disease control and preventative activities.
• Serve as a backup and support to the Biological Scientist II in the Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Program.
• Perform venipuncture routinely and conduct confidential field investigations.
• Support the unit, department and/or organization and work with others to accomplish goals.
• Make a reasonable effort to adhere to established safety procedures and practices.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County Health Department (CHD) Information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures.
• Maintain State and local confidentiality/security policies.
• Utilize Electronic Medical Record (EMR) within HMS to view clinical visits, progress notes, past and present appointments, demographic information, lab results and treatment information.
• Make field visits to monitor therapy for Tuberculosis patients by providing Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and Directly Observed Preventive Therapy (DOPT), and Pill count.
• Assess patient behaviors, collect and transport specimens such as sputa and blood.
• Observe patients for adverse reactions to TB medications.
• Provide patient and family education on Tuberculosis and TB Program processes of care.
• Document all activities in the DOT Logs and Health Management System (HMS).
• Monitor lab results in HMS and consult with Nurse Case manager (NCM) as needed.
• Determine compliance with treatment plan and report any problems to the NCM and their immediate supervisor.
• Assist in the conduction of epidemiological investigations to identify contacts.
• Perform tuberculin testing and reading including phlebotomy for QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (IGRA) and completing risk assessments and follow up for completion of testing therapy.
• Participate in case detection screening programs in populations and settings at high risk for TB transmission.
• Assist in field investigation to locate lost or delinquent patients, determine reason for delinquency, identify social needs and refer patients to other agencies as needed for services.
• Provide transportation in state vehicles for patients as needed as related to TB.
• Document all patient related activities in HMS.
• Consult with private physicians, private and public laboratory personnel, and other health care providers to stimulate case reporting, obtain information on treated cases or diagnostic determination.
• Secure permission to apply epidemiologic process to private patients, and provide current information on diagnosis and treatment.
• Provide support for activities related to the detection, control, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and Hepatitis, within Palm Beach County.
• Coordinate and conduct timely personal interviews, and re-interviews with patients infected and/or affected by sexually transmitted disease (STD) for the purpose of educating patients regarding their infections and appropriate medical care.
• Develop plans to identify and refer potentially exposed individuals to medical facilities for appropriate examination and treatment.
• Conduct interviews with individuals identified as potential sources of information for known cases.
• Perform field serologic screenings for individuals considered to be at risk for infections such as Syphilis, HIV, and other communicable diseases.
• Perform timely field follow-up to locate and refer infected individuals, and their sexual and needle sharing partners to appropriate diagnostic facility for examination and treatment.
• Ensure all client records are maintained with the highest level of confidentiality and handled in accordance with program policy.
• Document all investigative efforts, field and interview records, input data link and report TB and/or STD cases in a timely manner.
• Attend department meetings, and complete all required training, and in services as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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