OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64906042

State of Florida • Fort Lauderdale, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an OPS (Other Personal Services) position working in the Overdose Data to Action: Limiting Overdose through Collaborative Actions in Localities (OD2A) program at the Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH Broward). This program is grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The position operates under the direct supervision of the OD2A Program Manager within the Division of Community Health. The position requires utilization of complex epidemiologic analytic techniques and involves collection of information regarding individual case reports as well as participation in outbreak investigations. Through this position, DOH Broward will enhance the timeliness of morbidity and mortality data by conducting drug overdose surveillance using Florida’s syndromic surveillance system (SyS), the Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE). ESSENCE is a bio surveillance system that collects emergency department chief complaint data from participating hospitals and urgent care centers to support detection and continuous monitoring of community health incidents, including the opioid epidemic. Additionally, this position serves as a custodian of the communicable disease database and paper reports, maintains the integrity of epidemiological data, and supports organization and upkeep of the epidemiology work area.

Requirements

• Possess a valid driver's license, free of major infractions and access to an automobile to be utilized for work purposes and willing to drive to multiple sites as required by program needs.
• Bachelor's degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university.
• Professional experience conducting data analysis.
• Professional experience writing data reports.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university.
• One (1) or more years of experience conducting epidemiological case investigations.
• One (1) or more years of experience using ESSENCE.

Responsibilities

• Investigate every opioid related chief complaint and spikes reported through ESSENCE.
• Initiate case investigations for reported diseases as directed, including field investigations and appropriate notifications.
• Contribute to the development and dissemination of local opioid related reports to public health partners.
• Prepare and deliver engaging oral and written presentations to health department staff and community partners.
• Lead ESSENCE for the OD2A program and provide technical assistance to Broward County’s 16 acute care hospitals and 4 freestanding emergency departments participating in ESSENCE enhancements.
• Develop GIS mapping based on surveillance data to support epidemiological analysis.
• Maintain and update active Tableau dashboards.
• Serve as the lead ESSENCE and GIS user for the epidemiology section, supporting internal and external partners.
• Participate in teleconferences, EpiCom, and other meetings to share local, regional, and state information.
• Ensure effective health information management across multiple hospitals.
• Maintain experience with HIPAA and privacy/security of medical records.
• Maintain catalog medical records as required.
• Collaborate with community healthcare providers to ensure compliance with communicable disease reporting requirements.
• Create and revise data collection instruments as needed.
• Conduct data quality assurance for initiatives across the program.

Benefits

• Health benefits will be offered for full-time employment.
• OPS employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan.
• 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: Mid Level