GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS CONSULTANT I - 64086088

State of Florida

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is highly skilled in the performance of epidemiological and administrative duties. Provides a broad range of services in the Epidemiology Program as a County Surveillance Specialist. This position may assist Public Information Officers.
Completes epidemiological investigations for required reportable communicable diseases and conditions and emerging infections in Orange County. Works with Epidemiology Program Manager to run reports for quality assurance activities. Assist with data management of communicable disease cases, including data entry into Merlin database, patient education and interview, and follow up with medical providers for cases of reportable diseases and conditions as identified in Florida Statutes 381.003, Rule 64D-3. Collaborates with partners for infectious disease responses.
Conducts general epidemiological interviews, investigations, and follow-up activities on cases as per Chapter 381 FS, including identification of sporadic cases and outbreaks and implementation of control measures. Follow up and investigates suspect and confirmed Reportable Diseases and Conditions per Chapter 381.0031 (1,2) FS. These are diseases and conditions which can impact the public health in the community. They are, but not limited to immunization preventable diseases, meningitis, encephalitis, hepatitis, parasitic diseases, zoonotic diseases, bioterrorism agents and toxins. Position makes hospital and health care facility visits, and potentially home visits, to complete epidemiological reports, observe conditions, educate, counsel, and recommend course of action on mode of disease transmission and prevention measures as necessary. Ensures clients receive emergency prophylactic treatment or immunizations as needed. Prepares records and reports as indicated including programmatic reports, monthly reports, and performance reports.
Works with the Epidemiology Program manager and team in the development and tracking of rabies clients and oversees MOA with Orange County Animal Control. Duties include maintaining files and tracking systems to ensure the completion of assignments, interviewing cases and case management as it relates to reportable diseases and conditions. Assists with program protocol development and implementation.
Creates reports using internal, external, state, and private data. Creates or updates appropriate operational plans and protocols for responding to emerging infectious diseases or conditions. Coordinates the preparation of grant proposals and other documentation required for securing funds for program needs. Participates in the writing and development of public health reports or articles for peer review or professional refereed journals.
Attends and/or facilitates meetings and attends conferences representing the department. Appears at public meetings, lectures to groups as requested. Participates in local, regional or statewide training and exercises directed to county health department staff and public health partners. Participates in quality improvement trainings and exercises as it relates to the county health department including clinical sites. Develops reports and performs other duties as necessary.
Participates in rotational on-call activities including utilization of radio/telephone contacting systems with the CHD and medical community and must respond within 15 minutes of initiation of call.
Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Current Florida Department of Health (DOH) employee.
• At least 1 year of professional work experience conducting infectious disease case and field investigations, and outbreak investigations, in a public health department.
• Emergency Duty.
• Knowledge of basic epidemiological principles and practices.
• Skill to conduct epidemiological investigative case follow up.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff and the community.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to document work products.
• Basic computer skills, and skill to use office equipment and epidemiology programs, including Windows, Outlook, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, EpiInfo
• Skill to complete assessments as part of the epidemiological investigation.
• Ability to prepare and complete reports.
• Skill to write in a technical format for journal and peer referred journals
• Ability to formulate policies and Procedures.
• Knowledge of public health emergency response needs and capabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to staff and the community.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate of an accredited college or university Bachelor’s degree program in Epidemiology, Public Health, or natural or physical science. (4 years of experience in infectious disease investigation in a public sector health department may be substituted in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.)
• Greater than 3 years of professional experience conducting acute infectious disease investigations, specifically “suspect immediately” and “immediately” reportable diseases per FAC 64D-3.029, in a public health department.

Responsibilities

• Completes epidemiological investigations for required reportable communicable diseases and conditions and emerging infections in Orange County.
• Works with Epidemiology Program Manager to run reports for quality assurance activities.
• Assist with data management of communicable disease cases, including data entry into Merlin database, patient education and interview, and follow up with medical providers for cases of reportable diseases and conditions as identified in Florida Statutes 381.003, Rule 64D-3.
• Collaborates with partners for infectious disease responses.
• Conducts general epidemiological interviews, investigations, and follow-up activities on cases as per Chapter 381 FS, including identification of sporadic cases and outbreaks and implementation of control measures.
• Follow up and investigates suspect and confirmed Reportable Diseases and Conditions per Chapter 381.0031 (1,2) FS.
• Position makes hospital and health care facility visits, and potentially home visits, to complete epidemiological reports, observe conditions, educate, counsel, and recommend course of action on mode of disease transmission and prevention measures as necessary.
• Ensures clients receive emergency prophylactic treatment or immunizations as needed.
• Prepares records and reports as indicated including programmatic reports, monthly reports, and performance reports.
• Works with the Epidemiology Program manager and team in the development and tracking of rabies clients and oversees MOA with Orange County Animal Control.
• Duties include maintaining files and tracking systems to ensure the completion of assignments, interviewing cases and case management as it relates to reportable diseases and conditions.
• Assists with program protocol development and implementation.
• Creates reports using internal, external, state, and private data.
• Creates or updates appropriate operational plans and protocols for responding to emerging infectious diseases or conditions.
• Coordinates the preparation of grant proposals and other documentation required for securing funds for program needs.
• Participates in the writing and development of public health reports or articles for peer review or professional refereed journals.
• Attends and/or facilitates meetings and attends conferences representing the department.
• Appears at public meetings, lectures to groups as requested.
• Participates in local, regional or statewide training and exercises directed to county health department staff and public health partners.
• Participates in quality improvement trainings and exercises as it relates to the county health department including clinical sites.
• Develops reports and performs other duties as necessary.
• Participates in rotational on-call activities including utilization of radio/telephone contacting systems with the CHD and medical community and must respond within 15 minutes of initiation of call.
• 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: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees