BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - SES - 64084705

State of Florida • Riviera Beach, FL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is a Biological Scientist III – SES position responsible countywide within the Tuberculosis Control Program. It is responsible for the management of Tuberculosis field activities and Contact Investigation. Work is performed under the supervision of the Public Health Services Manager F-SES TB Program Manager. This position requires independent judgment, initiative, and the application of general knowledge of business practices and skills in applying instructions to accomplish various job functions. This position spends the majority of the time engaged in supervisory responsibilities, including communicating with, motivating, training, and evaluating employees, as well as planning and directing their work. The incumbent has the authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline subordinate employees or effectively recommend such action. The incumbent will also be required to develop performance expectations, meet with staff regularly to discuss performance, complete performance reviews, maintain vacation and work schedules, ensuring proper coverage, and complete timesheets. The role promotes a high standard of tuberculosis detection, prevention, and treatment by training, monitoring, and evaluating assigned employees.

This position is designated as a sensitive position and is required to maintain confidential information in accordance with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County Health Department (CHD) Information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures. This position may view, update, and/or release information in the performance of public health investigations as required by Statute, Administrative Rule, or Departmental Policy. Access to Health Management System (HMS) TB module for management and reporting purposes is required. This position maintains State and Local Confidentiality/Security Policies as related to TB surveillance data and Information in accordance with Florida Statute 392, Florida Administrative Code 10D-3, and Health Department Guidelines.

Serves as a backup and support to the Biological Scientist Ill-SES in the STD Program. Responsible for reviewing the Field Record and Interview Records of subordinate staff in the Surveillance Tools and Reporting System (STARS), ensuring completeness and timely reporting of cases. Participates in the planning and orientation of new staff regarding TB Program’s Policies and Procedures. Advises and counsels staff about advanced education and provides staff improvement and development opportunities. Ensures employees are trained and proficient in the use of, including but not limited to, TB Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) tracking, and other appropriate modules. Addresses any issues with clients such as but not limited to dissatisfaction and/or staff complaints.

Responsible for managing workloads, assignments, deadlines, work objectives, and time utilization with employees. Maintains accurate data for Directly Observed Therapy/ Directly Observed Preventive Therapy (DOT/DOPT) weekly schedules and contact investigation monthly schedules in reTRACK. Supports and instructs staff in problem-solving techniques and evaluates alternative solutions to case management problems.

Responsible for overseeing TB contact investigations, cluster investigations, Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), and all related field activities through coordination with multidisciplinary teams. Ensures that all TB contact and cluster investigations meet program and bureau objectives and that every component of the contact investigation file is fully completed for each case.

Directs the delivery of DOT services, testing for Latent TB Infection (LTBI), client and community interviews, site visits, environmental assessments, data collection and management, epidemiological analysis, and medical record review. Oversees the maintenance and regular updating of the DOT and master schedules for all DOT staff.

Responsible for collecting, compiling, and analyzing TB contact investigation data, and for generating and presenting reports to ensure that all TB cases, TB suspects, and contacts to suspects or confirmed cases are fully investigated and reported in accordance with applicable laws. Oversees and reviews staff assignments and work products, providing guidance and support to ensure timely and accurate completion of all responsibilities.

Serves as the primary liaison to community partners and leads community presentations and outreach projects. Supervises staff and provides technical guidance on TB disease prevention and control. Collects and analyzes program data, prepares reports, and delivers findings to support program objectives. Utilizes team-based approaches and quality improvement tools to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement performance improvements. Prepares and maintains timely reports and performs data entry in the Health Management System (HMS). Supports the developmental needs of subordinate staff and keeps the program manager informed of all significant developments.

Assists staff with field activities, including Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), Directly Observed Preventive Therapy (DOPT), transporting clients to medical evaluations or CHD appointments, collecting and submitting specimens, and performing skin or blood testing as needed. Responsible for scheduling and ensuring proper use of State Vehicles assigned to the TB Program. Maintains State Vehicle Maintenance records and monthly mileage logs.

Compiles and generates program reports as needed and at the request of the STD Program Manager. Conducts staff meetings on a regular schedule and identifies training and developmental needs of subordinate staff by monitoring and evaluating employee performance. Keeps the program manager informed of all staff-related developments. Trains staff members and volunteers, ensures completion of mandatory trainings, and ensures staff remain compliant with all required training. Attends training courses as assigned.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with medical offices, social service agencies, public officials, and individuals impacted by or requiring services from the STD control program.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data (epidemiology & environmental assessment).
• Knowledge of standard precautions to prevent transmission of infections, as well as airborne isolation procedures.
• Ability to conduct fact-finding interviews.
• Ability to conduct health investigations.
• Ability to analyze data.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, organize and coordinate and accomplish work priorities independently.
• Ability to prepare records and reports.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to identify community resources.
• Ability to prepare and conduct training programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Knowledge of computers and basic software applications.
• Ability to supervise.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.
• Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural.
• The incumbent in this position may be required to use vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the state or county to conduct official state business.

Responsibilities

• Management of Tuberculosis field activities and Contact Investigation.
• Supervisory responsibilities including communicating with, motivating, training, and evaluating employees.
• Planning and directing employees' work.
• Developing performance expectations, completing performance reviews, and maintaining schedules.
• Promoting a high standard of tuberculosis detection, prevention, and treatment.
• Maintaining confidential information in accordance with FDOH policies.
• Reviewing Field Record and Interview Records of subordinate staff.
• Ensuring completeness and timely reporting of cases.
• Participating in the planning and orientation of new staff.
• Advising and counseling staff about advanced education and development opportunities.
• Ensuring employees are trained and proficient in TB Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) tracking and other modules.
• Addressing client issues and staff complaints.
• Managing workloads, assignments, deadlines, work objectives, and time utilization.
• Maintaining accurate data for DOT/DOPT weekly schedules and contact investigation monthly schedules.
• Supporting and instructing staff in problem-solving techniques.
• Overseeing TB contact investigations, cluster investigations, DOT, and related field activities.
• Ensuring all TB contact and cluster investigations meet program objectives.
• Directing the delivery of DOT services, LTBI testing, client interviews, site visits, environmental assessments, data collection and management, epidemiological analysis, and medical record review.
• Overseeing the maintenance and updating of DOT and master schedules.
• Collecting, compiling, and analyzing TB contact investigation data.
• Generating and presenting reports on TB cases, suspects, and contacts.
• Overseeing and reviewing staff assignments and work products.
• Serving as the primary liaison to community partners.
• Leading community presentations and outreach projects.
• Providing technical guidance on TB disease prevention and control.
• Collecting and analyzing program data, preparing reports, and delivering findings.
• Utilizing team-based approaches and quality improvement tools.
• Preparing and maintaining timely reports and performing data entry in HMS.
• Assisting staff with field activities, including DOT, DOPT, transporting clients, collecting specimens, and performing testing.
• Scheduling and ensuring proper use of State Vehicles assigned to the TB Program.
• Maintaining State Vehicle Maintenance records and monthly mileage logs.
• Compiling and generating program reports as needed.
• Conducting staff meetings and identifying training needs.
• Training staff members and volunteers and ensuring compliance with mandatory trainings.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with community partners.
• Performing 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: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed