OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64964532

State of Florida • DAYTONA BEACH, FL

1d • $31 - $32 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a highly responsible epidemiology position which will be under the direct supervision of the Health Manager. The OPS Biological Scientist IV position is an advanced professional position covering Flagler and Volusia Counties. This position is responsible for healthcare acquired infection control and prevention efforts and supports the guidance and protocols of the Department. This position consults with, and is a liaison to, high level officials in agencies and political jurisdictions. Specific duties and responsibilities are performed and accomplished independently with only limited supervision by the immediate supervisor. Position is full-time but temporary, currently funded through June 2027.

Requirements

• Must be willing to physically come in the office to perform the duties & responsibilities of the positions
• Must have current authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
• Must have a valid, unrestricted Driver’s License
• Must have a master's degree or higher in healthcare, public health, nursing, or related fields with a minimum of 4 years of experience, or licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Florida, with 5 years of experience
• Must have previous experience with conducting infection control assessments (ICAR) and an understanding of National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance module
• Ability to coordinate infection control assessments

Nice To Haves

• Experience with DOH Epidemiology computer programs (i.e. – Merlin, Essence, HMS, FLSHOTS, Epigateway, ILInet, STARS, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Coordinate infection control assessments.
• Coordinate laboratory support for testing and typing of HAI-related specimens and isolates.
• Provide appropriate containment and transmission guidance for novel or targeted multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).
• Utilize Florida’s surveillance system, Merlin, to track outbreaks and investigations.
• Serve as subject matter experts on CDC guidance.
• Provide specific data to support and identify trends of targeted organism(s) at a local level.
• Work with facilities such as, long term care facilities, dialysis facilities, dental, outpatient care facilities, rehab centers, and additional group settings as needed and identified to improve prevention activities, outbreak detection, and reporting.
• Provide quarterly trainings to county health departments on infection prevention and control to increase their capacity to serve as a resource when responding to MDROs and HAI outbreaks.
• Participate in MDRO/HAI outbreak investigations as needed.
• Analyze Merlin data to identify opportunities for improving emerging threat detection and making recommendations for health care facilities that have the greatest need for improvement based on surveillance data.
• Consult Project First Line Educators to provide onsite education and training in response to identified infection control gaps. Minimum 80% facility participation during training/education events.
• Submit completed reports into RED Cap as instructed and saved into the appropriate HAI SharePoint folder.
• Provide written reports with recommendations within 72 hours of the completed assessment to the facility.
• Conduct follow up assessment (onsite or telephone) within four weeks of completed report to evaluate for implementation of recommendations.
• Provide additional support for regional trainings in collaboration with Project First Line Educators in each region for LTCF on infection prevention and control. Goal of 60% facility participation in each region.
• Using NHSN and Merlin data to assist with response and mitigation efforts.
• Work with identified CHD LTCF liaisons to assess areas of concern and priorities for outreach.
• Assist with regional outbreak response trainings/drills (e.g., acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long term acute care hospitals, BPHL, CHDs, coalition groups).
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Completes timesheet, EARS, and mandatory training in a timely and accurate manner.
• Performs other related duties, including Emergency Duty.

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

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