OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64906968

State of Florida • Fort Lauderdale, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The OPS Biological Scientist III serves as a Data Abstractor for the Florida Department of Health in Broward County’s Community Health–Opioid Prevention program. This full-time, in-office position is based at a facility in Broward County. The role supports overdose surveillance by reviewing and abstracting hospital medical records and EMS patient care reports, entering detailed clinical information into REDCap, and ensuring surveillance records are complete and accurate.

The position requests hospital records that are not available electronically and receives them by fax or mail. It abstracts medical encounters within two years of fatal overdoses for overdose fatality review and maintains appropriate handling of protected health information in accordance with HIPAA. The employee also supports GIS mapping products, participates in teleconferences and meetings to share regional and state information, and contributes to surveillance, investigation, reporting, and public health education activities.

This is an OPS (Other Personal Services) position. No paid time off is offered. Health benefits are available for full-time employment, subject to eligibility, and OPS employees may participate in a deferred compensation plan. Emergency duty may be required before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, health sciences, nursing, or a closely related field.
• Experience abstracting or reviewing medical records or EMS reports.
• Experience entering data into structured databases.
• Experience maintaining confidentiality and handling protected health information in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in public health, health sciences, or a related field.
• Experience entering data into REDCap.
• Experience using ESSENCE and/or Biospatia.

Responsibilities

• Request hospital medical records that are not accessible electronically and receive them by fax or mail.
• Review and abstract hospital medical records and enter the data into REDCap.
• Abstract EMS patient care reports and enter the data into REDCap.
• Abstract medical encounters within two years of fatal overdoses for overdose fatality review.
• Ensure the completeness and accuracy of surveillance records.
• Handle medical records and protected health information in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
• Support investigations of opioid-related chief complaints and spikes identified through ESSENCE.
• Assist with initiating case investigations under the direction of surveillance supervisors.
• Contribute to developing and disseminating local opioid-related reports to public health partners.
• Assist in preparing and delivering oral and written presentations for health department employees and the community.
• Assist with ESSENCE surveillance activities and provide technical support to acute care and freestanding emergency departments.
• Support the development and maintenance of GIS mapping products based on surveillance data and community partners.
• Participate in teleconferences, EpiCom, and other meetings to share regional and state information.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to support compliance with communicable disease reporting rules.

Benefits

• No paid time off is offered for this OPS position.
• Health benefits are offered for full-time employment, subject to eligibility.
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory).
• Participation in state group insurance upon meeting eligibility requirements.
• Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed).
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed).
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary).
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level