OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64959392

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website. Requisition No: 845463 Agency: Department of Health Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64959392 Class Title: OPS Biological Scientist IV Position Number: 64959392 Base Salary: $25.00/hour at 40 hours per week Location: Florida Department of Health in Seminole County, 400 W. Airport Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773 Your Specific Responsibilities: The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County is looking for a self-motivated, independent, and hardworking individual to fill an OPS Biological Scientist IV position located in Sanford, FL. Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Enhances surveillance and communication between the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County and hospitals, walk-in clinics, private providers, laboratories, veterinarians, schools, and daycares serving Seminole County residents and visitors. Conducts epidemiological investigations of sporadic notifiable diseases and outbreaks of diseases of public health significance in the community. Completes data entry into the Florida Department of Health’s statewide disease reporting database as well as in local databases for local and statewide response activities. Requests medical records from healthcare facilities where cases were tested to abstract case demographic information, symptomology, risk factors for disease, sources of exposure, and close contacts. Conducts interviews via telephone or in person. Links cases with local resources. Provides education on disease transmission and prevention. Elevates complex or high-priority cases to leadership immediately. Updates all logs and databases routinely as established. Conducts data analysis and creates reports using internal, external, state, and private data. Maps data using geographic information system (GIS) for analyzing infectious and chronic disease clusters. Produces reports, publications, and newsletters regarding outbreaks, disease trends, and prevention messages. Completes required paperwork including case management records and statistical reports. Ensures timely follow-up of appropriate measures and notifications. Assists with employee/occupation health assessments for infectious disease risks. Monitors syndromic surveillance systems and reports significant findings. Assists the Manager/Supervisor in community response to communicable disease outbreaks. Prepares grant proposals and documentation for securing funds. Attends staff and committee meetings at the request of the Manager/Supervisor. Represents DOH-Seminole at community activities. Prepares and conducts presentations or trainings as needed. Adheres to local and statewide policies and procedures for data entry, information security, and case interviews. The employee will perform other duties as required including working beyond normal hours in emergencies, natural disasters, outbreak responses, or terrorist events. The employee will report to work in Sanford, FL to complete job duties. Remote work will not be considered. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of basic epidemiological principles and practices. Knowledge of data collection and analysis methods. Skill to conduct epidemiological case investigations. Skill to collect and analyze disease surveillance data. Ability to handle patient information confidentially. Skill in Microsoft Office Suite and statistical analysis software. Ability to conduct fact-finding research. Ability to enter data efficiently and with attention to detail. Ability to determine work priorities and complete assignments. Skill in oral and written communication. Ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff, and the community. Ability to prepare and deliver presentations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to work independently and solve problems. Ability to think critically about investigation findings. Ability to collect and evaluate data for recommendations. Ability to organize data for presentation in reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, or related field. Willingness to work beyond normal hours in emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience conducting epidemiological investigations at various health departments. Experience in infection prevention and control activities. Experience in database maintenance and scientific report writing.

Where You Will Work: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the following benefits are available: 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 (mandatory, if needed) Your responses to qualifying questions must be verifiable through documentation provided in the application process. This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening. Any misrepresentations will disqualify you from employment consideration. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation must notify the agency hiring authority in advance. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. #J-18808-Ljbffr