OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 64802112

State of Florida•TALLAHASSEE, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The OPS Biological Scientist II works in the Florida Department of Health’s Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management, Public Health Research Section, supporting the Overdose Data to Action in States (OD2A-S) Program. The position reviews death certificates, medical examiner autopsy reports and postmortem toxicology findings, death investigation documents, and law enforcement reports. It enters information and narrative summaries into the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) database in a timely manner using established protocols. The role supports the drug overdose surveillance team in refining fatal overdose data processing and coordinating overdose data efforts. It participates in data validation and case correction, including manual narrative reviews; attends SUDORS workgroup meetings; keeps current with data-entry guidance and changes; and travels for on-site data abstraction and annual statewide OD2A meetings as needed. The position maintains working relationships with vital records and medical examiner offices, forensic centers, and law enforcement, and follows Department information security and confidentiality procedures. Responsibilities may change as program priorities evolve. This is an in-person position at the Department of Health Central Office Complex in Tallahassee, Florida. The role may require emergency duty before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years of professional experience; a master’s degree in Public Health or a closely related discipline may substitute for professional work experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Zoom.
Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Emotional resilience when handling potentially triggering data on a daily basis.
Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work efficiently and consistently deliver high-quality work under time constraints.
Experience navigating a variety of computer systems and software, ability to learn new systems quickly, and ability to comply with data security requirements to safeguard personally identifiable information.
Ability to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
Successful completion of required security background check and/or drug screening; participation in direct deposit.

Responsibilities

Review death certificates, medical examiner autopsy reports and postmortem toxicology findings, death investigation documents, and law enforcement reports.
Enter information and narrative summaries into the SUDORS database promptly and according to established protocols.
Support the drug overdose surveillance team in refining fatal overdose data processing and coordinating overdose data efforts.
Participate in data validation and case correction, including manual reviews of narrative fields.
Attend SUDORS workgroup meetings.
Maintain working knowledge of data-entry guidance, updates, and changes, and learn relevant new subject matter.
Travel as needed for on-site data abstraction and annual statewide OD2A meetings.
Maintain working relationships with vital records and medical examiner offices, forensic centers, and law enforcement.
Follow Department information security and confidentiality procedures and protocols.
Perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days, if required.