OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 64853073

State of Florida

1d • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Biological Scientist II is a professional level position in the Epidemiology Department at Department of Health -Collier (DOH-Collier). The position requires knowledge of epidemiological methods used for the prevention and control of communicable diseases, working under the direct supervision of the Health Services Manager-SES in the Epidemiology and Health Assessment Program. The employee is responsible for independently implementing and conducting general communicable disease surveillance, investigations and the investigation of unusual conditions or occurrences. These activities will be coordinated with Environmental Health, Adult Health Clinic, Medical Records and other program areas as needed. This position is at risk for exposure to Respiratory pathogens (Low Risk Level) under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Contributes to the organization’s culture of performance excellence by actively seeking to improve personal and organizational performance through measurement, analysis, knowledge management, and processes improvements and participation in performance management committees, councils, and/or workgroups. Continuously demonstrates the Department’s ICARE values.

Requirements

• Knowledge of epidemiological principles, practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of communicable disease control activities and protocols.
• Ability to review medical records to identify medical evidence to establish a case report.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computer systems.
• Experience and ability to communicate effectively with peers, community partners, and outside agencies.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Experience and ability to manage time effectively and independently.
• Required Disaster Training: ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 or to be completed within 90 days of employment.
• N-95 Mask-Ability and willingness to wear an N-95 respirator
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
• Information Custodian: This position is responsible for maintaining information for the following data sets in accordance with state and federal statutes, rules regulations and Department of Health policy as it relates to information custodian: Epidemiology communicable disease records.
• Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural.
• High School diploma or an equivalent GED.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

• Conducts epidemiological investigations of reportable diseases and unusual health occurrences, and identifies all contacts, provides intervention and preventive strategies, educates clients and their contacts, and provides prophylactic medications as appropriate under investigation guidelines. Ensures that all reportable conditions are investigated according to local and State protocols.
• Requests medical records from healthcare providers and reviews records to gather necessary information for case investigation and reporting.
• Assists in outbreak investigations and coordinates with Environmental Health, Adult Health Clinic, Immunization and School Health and other program areas as needed.
• Responds to inquiries from individuals, healthcare personnel, and hospitals regarding information on diseases and epidemiology. On request, speaks to groups on communicable disease surveillance/investigation related topics.
• Performs other duties as required.

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