OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 64853508 1

State of Florida

9d • $25 • Onsite

About The Position

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. If you are looking to establish a successful career in Public Health, you have come to the right place. Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout Florida. We hope you decide to join our team! Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.
Join an amazing company culture that values employee growth and development at the Florida Department of Health. Professional development is highly encouraged and supported within our organization through opportunities for mentorships and educational and skills training. From the moment you are hired, you can begin to grow as a professional and a leader, through strategic planning, internal committees, and project engagement. There are also many opportunities for continuing education at no cost to the employee. If you are looking to further your education through a college degree, the Florida Department of Health can help with our tuition reimbursement program. We offer an inspiring and encouraging atmosphere to support you while you work with us.
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.

Title of Position:
The OPS-FOCUS Patient Navigator/Disease Intervention Specialist is dedicated to addressing multiple public health epidemics. This position provides critical support to individuals diagnosed with HIV, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and those affected by the opioid epidemic, primarily through the hospital's Emergency Room (ER) department. The Navigator focuses on conducting linkage to care, ensuring that positive patients have access to necessary healthcare services, and facilitating the coordination of initial appointments. They will provide counseling, testing, and linkage services while collaborating with hospitals and community resources to optimize patient access to care.

Requirements

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal English.
• Proficiency in basic computer operations and software applications such as Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MS Teams).
• Ability to operate commonly used office equipment such as computers, printers, fax machines and paper shredder.
• Ability to successfully complete venipuncture, HIV/AIDS 500/501, STARS, Hepatitis C, and DISTA training within six months of employment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Haitian Creole (preferred).
• Valid Florida driver’s license or able to get one within 30 days of hire.
• At least one year of client/patients interviewing experience to obtain relevant information.
• At least two years of client/patient customer service experience
• Reliable transportation (i.e., automobile) and willing to use your own vehicle to perform field activities and transport of patients and/or specimens (blood/urine) when necessary.
• Willing to draw/handle patients’ urine, blood and/or sputum specimens potentially infected with communicable disease such as Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, TB, Hepatitis C, Mpox, COVID, HIV/AIDS or other emerging diseases.

Nice To Haves

• High School Diploma or at least 60 semester credits from an accredited college towards a Bachelor of Science degree.
• Phlebotomy training or certification
• Bilingual in English, Spanish and/or Haitian Creole

Responsibilities

• Contact infected individuals to inform, educate, and conduct interviews regarding the diseases they have acquired, gathering pertinent information, and documenting all interactions.
• Conduct linkage to care for newly diagnosed and re-engaging patients, ensuring referrals to supportive and medical services, particularly through the Florida Department of Health (FDOH).
• Provide targeted outreach to patients who are lost to care through mailing and phone calls to facilitate their return to healthcare services.
• Assess and address barriers to care, including transportation issues, mental health challenges, and substance use, working collaboratively with patients to mitigate these obstacles.
• Follow up on outstanding patient results to ensure timely care and treatment.
• Complete all necessary patient documentation accurately in STARS and MERLIN and perform data entry for patient care.
• Collaborate with Emergency Department staff to facilitate patient testing and maintain program continuity.
• Maintain relationships with referral sources and community-based services to enhance patient access to resources.
• Exhibit unconditional positive regard towards patients, focusing on exceptional customer service in all interactions.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, HIPAA regulations, and business agreements between FDOH and Emergency Department Staff.
• Support linkage to care services for positive patients resulting from increased HIV, HCV, and Syphilis tests.
• Develop and implement linkage to care pathways for patients with HIV, HCV, and Syphilis in collaboration with hospitals, community partners, and the FDOH.
• Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Benefits

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED