OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64948595

State of Florida • Orlando, FL

1d • Hybrid

About The 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.
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.

Requirements

• Must be able to work in the office and field.
• Willing to work in various weather conditions in the field (hot, cold, rain)
• Must have current authorization to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship.
• Able to attend and successfully complete Disease Intervention Specialist training within 60 days of hire.
• Minimum 1 year experience counseling and interviewing patients/clients in social services or clinical setting
• Physical ability to kneel, bend, lift, walk long distances and carry up to 25 pounds daily?
• Able to walk at least one mile per day (in total), negotiate stairs or other obstacles, and kneel/bend
• Willing to enter a jail and/or prison, or their home to perform job duties.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle in lieu of a county vehicle.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Proficiency in basic computer operations and software applications.
• 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.
• All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in English and one of the top three foreign languages spoken in Orange County, Florida (Spanish, Haitian-Creole, Portuguese)

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.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed