OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64952467

State of Florida • Saint Petersburg, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is pending reclassification to OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV. The role involves performing investigation, data entry, and follow-up for the prevention and control of communicable diseases, including reportable diseases, foodborne and waterborne illnesses, general infectious diseases, and influenza. It also includes daily surveillance, data analysis, and management using various databases. The position requires following up on Electronic Laboratory Reports (ELR) and faxed reports, confirming diagnoses, determining the source and spread of infections, recommending control measures, coordinating treatment, collecting specimens, monitoring clients, maintaining records, and providing communicable disease alerts. Collaboration with infection control practitioners and preparation of surveillance reports and data summaries are also key responsibilities. The role is expected to provide technical expertise to community residents, visitors, and leaders.

Requirements

• Knowledge of methods of data collection and analysis
• Knowledge of public health policies and public health laws to include but not limited to information security and HIPAA.
• Skilled in computer software programs to facilitate job duties such as Microsoft Office Suite, Epi Info, SAS and/or SPSS.
• Skilled in extracting and preparing data and information into logical format for presentation in reports, documents, and other written materials that suit the needs of a variety of users.
• Ability to access and extract information from multiple databases.
• Ability to design and conduct evaluation activities and statistical surveys.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internally and in the community.
• Ability to work independently using critical thinking and logic.
• Ability to use problem solving techniques.
• Valid Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelors Degree
• Currently pursuing an MPH or MSPH
• One (1) year of experience with epidemiology, communicable disease programs, and/or public health surveillance
• Experience reviewing laboratory results or medical records
• Experience with public speaking and/or education outreach activities

Responsibilities

• Perform investigation, data entry, and follow-up for the prevention and control of communicable diseases including, but not limited to, reportable diseases, foodborne and waterborne illnesses, general infectious diseases, and influenza (seasonal and pandemic).
• Perform daily surveillance, data analysis, and management using ESSENCE, Merlin data systems, Epi Gateway, and other databases as needed.
• Follow up on all Electronic Laboratory Reports (ELR) and faxed reports as assigned to include but not limited to collecting basic demographics and clinical information on suspected cases.
• Confirm diagnosis and determine probable source of infection, mode of transmission, extent of spread. Recommend appropriate control measures.
• Coordinate therapeutic or prophylactic treatment as needed.
• Collect and transmit appropriate laboratory specimens for diagnostic study.
• Monitor clients and susceptible clients during potentially infectious period or period of probable onset for proper follow-up on control measures.
• Maintains adequate records of essential information relevant to the communicable disease investigation.
• Provides communicable disease alerts as necessary to contain the spread of communicable diseases.
• Collaborates with infection control practitioners in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities for the identification, investigation, and control of infectious diseases.
• Prepares surveillance reports, data summaries, and other written documentation for publication, presentation, or dissemination. Create graphs and charts to illustrate data.
• Conduct studies and investigations related to outbreaks of public health significance.
• Provide technical expertise to residents, visitors and professional level leaders within the community on a regular basis.

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