HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 64058995

State of Florida • Tampa, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for the health and safety of all citizens and visitors to the state. As a public health agency, the Florida Department of Health must monitor the health status of Floridians, diagnose, and investigate health problems, and mobilize local communities to address health-related issues. The Florida Department of Health develops policies and plans that support health goals, enforce laws and regulations that protect the health of all residents and visitors, and link people to needed health care services. The Florida Department of Health also provides specialized assistance to pregnant women, infants, and children with special health care needs, regulates health care practitioners, and provides medical disability determinations.

The Epidemiology Program is responsible for surveillance and disease control activities of over 50 reportable diseases or conditions in Hillsborough County. The incumbent in this position performs investigation of cases of reportable illnesses, provides direct client education and assists with data input and analysis. This position requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Requirements

• One year of Customer service experience in a fast-paced environment
• Experience entering electronic lab results into a database
• One year of experience in a health department/medical office/clinic environment
• Experience conducting case investigations and patient interviews

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Natural Science or Social Work preferred
• Two years of experience in a health department/medical office/clinic environment

Responsibilities

• Conducts investigations of assigned cases of reportable diseases or conditions according to the applicable case handling guidelines of the Epidemiology Program and the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Epidemiology text The County Health Department Epidemiology Guide to Disease Surveillance and Investigations (Guide).
• Contacts physician offices, laboratories, hospitals and clients for information to complete an epidemiology report.
• Performs record reviews on hospital records when needed.
• Provides basic information on reporting to physician offices or clinics when appropriate.
• Conducts investigations of reportable diseases to determine the source of infection and prevent the spread of illness.
• Interviews patients by telephone, or when necessary, conducts field visits for interviews. Provides disease information to the client on the condition being investigated and educates the client on necessary preventive measures.
• Elicits contacts appropriate for testing and/or immunization and provides education.
• Performs collection of specimens in the field when necessary.
• Contacts appropriate daycare, school, food service or health care agency to determine if other cases of the illness exist in that setting and to provide education to those agencies.
• Coordinates with environmental health, disease control programs, health centers and other CHD staff. Case investigations will begin according to the time frame stated in the Guide or the week of receipt and investigations will generally be completed and documented within one month of receipt in the Epidemiology office.
• Advises Epidemiologist of outbreak situations.
• Conducts surveillance for disease trends.
• Assists or leads investigations of outbreaks and disease control activities.
• Assists with departmental projects. Presents information concerning the epidemiology program, disease reporting and intervention, and assists in training of staff and students.
• Participates in Health Fairs.
• Attends meetings, seminars, workshops and training as required.
• Performs input of completed reportable and non-reportable disease cases in the Merlin or other databases.
• Performs other data input as needed. Input will be accurate and timely.
• Performs 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 for State Universities/Community Colleges.
• Professional development is highly encouraged and supported within our organization through opportunities for mentorships and educational and skills training.
• Continuing education at no cost to the employee.
• Tuition reimbursement program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED