HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 64081799

State of Florida • Port Saint Lucie, FL

9d • $42,000 - $44,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This position will conduct case-based surveillance activities and epidemiologic investigations. This position reports to the Epidemiology Program Supervisor and will be expected to ensure coverage during times of heightened response efforts, outbreaks, and increase resources in preparedness and disaster team response capabilities. Skills needed for this position include an understanding of disease surveillance systems, epidemiologic investigation techniques, and the ability to apply disease control methods to individuals and the community. The position will utilize Merlin and other disease-based data management and reporting systems to facilitate the reporting and analysis of reportable diseases in the community. The incumbent must promote and display exceptional customer service and communicate professionally (orally and written) with internal and external partners. This position acts as the designated person for specific functions associated with the administration of the Epidemiology Program under the direction of the Epidemiology Program Supervisor.

Requirements

• Knowledge of disease control methods.
• Ability to understand disease surveillance systems.
• Ability to understand epidemiologic investigation techniques and use epidemiologic resources (Red Book, CCDM, GSI) to perform investigations.
• Ability to communicate in oral and written formats to internal and external partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Current Driver’s License
• Must conduct interviews in-person and/or via telephone
• Must respond to public health outbreaks within the community
• All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in public health or biological science and 2 or more years’ experience working in epidemiology
• Masters of Public Health (MPH) or a masters’ in a science-related field

Responsibilities

• Conduct case-based surveillance activities and epidemiologic investigations.
• Ensure coverage during times of heightened response efforts, outbreaks, and increase resources in preparedness and disaster team response capabilities.
• Utilize Merlin and other disease-based data management and reporting systems to facilitate the reporting and analysis of reportable diseases in the community.
• Promote and display exceptional customer service and communicate professionally (orally and written) with internal and external partners.
• Act as the designated person for specific functions associated with the administration of the Epidemiology Program under the direction of the Epidemiology Program Supervisor.
• Enter data into state computer information management systems including but not limited to Merlin, Health Management System, and local databases for assigned case investigations.
• Ensure all Florida notifiable infectious disease reports are submitted in accordance with Florida Administrative Code using Merlin.
• Ensure the appropriate case definitions are utilized for disease reporting.
• Maintain data integrity by ensuring individual disease/case reports entered into Merlin are timely, accurate and complete.
• Communicate with local hospitals, physicians, clinics, laboratories, and other appropriate facilities to follow up on cases of communicable diseases and document all interactions.
• Interview clients using existing communicable disease questionnaires, case report forms, and guides to surveillance investigations as required.
• Make recommendations on disease control measures using established guidelines.
• Assist the Epidemiology Program staff in determining the need for further investigation, creating appropriate outbreak case definitions, and disease outbreak investigations.
• Assist to identify the source of the outbreak.
• Work with an outbreak team that may include other divisions/departments to develop recommendations for disease control strategies and implementation.
• Assist in completion of outbreak summaries and other assigned reports for supervisory review.
• Be assigned as needed to special epidemiologic studies to investigate health issues in the community.
• Monitor multiple surveillance and epidemiologic information systems including but not limited to Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE), EpiCom, and national, state, and regional program calls/webinars.
• Use surveillance information and data obtained from epidemiologic investigations to identify an increase in disease or for the potential disease in the community.
• Notify program supervisor of any items of concern.
• Assist program supervisor in rapidly disseminating vital information to medical providers and the community in the case of a suspected public health event or other emergency.
• Perform data analysis and the creation of qualitative and quantitative reports including but not limited to chronic disease, and other communicable diseases such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB), as requested by Administration or as assigned by the Epidemiology Program Supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate level of medical and office supplies used to provide communicable disease control services.
• Track inventory, order program office supplies, and prepare documents for the purchase of supplies or services from approved vendors through the state approved electronic system (state procurement system).
• Work with Epidemiology Nurse and Program Staff to maintain vaccine inventory and order vaccines for the Epidemiology Program.
• Access the Everbridge emergency communication system at a level higher than most County Health Department employees.
• Enter and delete new County Health Department employees in Everbridge.
• Act as back-up to the preparedness office for Everbridge drills and for sending Everbridge alerts in emergency situations.
• Be required to work in the St. Lucie County Special Needs Shelter and/or provide post-disaster community assessment, surveillance, and response.
• Respond after hours to health alerts, disease reports and/or incidents as directed by supervisor.
• Perform other related work as required by the needs of the organization or assigned by the Epidemiology Program Supervisor.

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