BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 64063070

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Internal Agency Opportunity
Applicants accepted only from Department of Health employees (includes OPS, Career Service, SES or SMS employees).
Applicants will not be accepted from outside the department.

Specific Responsibilities:

This is a Biological Scientist II position responsible for conducting independent field work countywide in the control and prevention of Tuberculosis (TB) Program. Responsible for providing Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), Directly Observed Preventative Therapy (DOPT) in the TB Program and assisting with contact investigations in accordance with Florida Statute 392 and Florida Administrative Code 64D-3. This position will assist in the performance of disease control and preventative activities. Work is performed under the supervision of Biological Scientist III – SES. This position requires independent judgment, initiative, applying general knowledge of business practices and skill in applying instructions to accomplish various job functions. This position serves as a backup and support to the Biological Scientist II in the Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Program. This position is assigned to the Clinic and/or Field assignments for the STD Program. This position will perform venipuncture routinely and conduct confidential field investigations. Supports the unit, department and/or organization and works with others to accomplish the goals of the unit, department and/or organization. Makes a reasonable effort to adhere to established safety procedures and practices in the work area. 

This position is designated as a sensitive position and is required to maintain confidential information in accordance with Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County Health Department (CHD) Information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures. This position requires to maintain State and local confidentiality/security policies 384.29, F.S. 384.30, F.S. 381.004, F.F. 960.003, Admin Rule-Chapter IOD-3, Admin Rule 64D-2.003, 64D-2.004, 62D-2.006, 64D-3.01 6, 64D-3.018. Internal Operating Policy: STD 14; Policy: Security 7.4 & Technical Assisting Guidelines STD and HIV/AIDS TAG: I, 7, II, 15, 16, 17. Other specific supplemental operating procedures related to STD and HIV/AIDS Technical Guidelines for Protection & Security of STD, HIV/AIDS related information, and Health Department guidelines, rules and regulations. Confidential Data Sets: Surveillance Tools and Reporting System (STARS), Health Management Systems (HMS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Utilize Electronic Medical Record (EMR) within HMS to view clinical visits, progress notes, past and present appointments, demographic information, lab results and treatment information.

Makes field visits to monitor therapy for Tuberculosis patients by providing Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and Directly Observed Preventive Therapy (DOPT), and Pill count according to the Florida Department of Health policy. Assess patient behaviors, collect and transport specimens such as sputa and blood. Observes patients for adverse reactions to TB medications. Provide patient and family education on Tuberculosis and TB Program processes of care. Document all activities in the DOT Logs and Health Management System (HMS) following established Department of Health policy. Monitors lab results in HMS and consults with Nurse Case manager (NCM) as needed. Determines compliance with treatment plan and reports any problems to the NCM and their immediate supervisor

Assists in the conduction of epidemiological investigations to identify contacts. Performs tuberculin testing and reading including phlebotomy for QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (IGRA) and completing risk assessments and follow up for completion of testing therapy. Participated in the case detection screening programs in populations and settings at high risk for TB transmission.

Assists in field investigation to locate lost or delinquent patients, determine reason for delinquency, identifies social needs and refers patients to other agencies as needed for services. Provides transportation in state vehicles for patients as needed as related to TB. Documents all patient related activities in HMS. Consult with private physicians; private and public laboratory personnel, and other health care providers to Stimulate case reporting, obtain information on treated cases or diagnostic determination. Secure permission to apply epidemiologic process to private patients, and provide current information on diagnosis and treatment.

Serves as a backup, in the STD Program, providing support for activities related to the detection, control, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and Hepatitis, within Palm Beach County. Coordinate and conduct timely personal interviews, and re-interviews with patients infected and/or affected by sexually transmitted disease (STD) for the purpose of Educating patients regarding their infections and appropriate medical care. Developed plans to identify and refer potentially exposed individuals to medical facilities for appropriate examination and treatment. Conduct interviews with individuals identified as potential sources of information for known cases. Perform field serologic screenings for individuals considered to be at risk for infections such as Syphilis, HIV, and other communicable diseases.

Perform timely field follow-up to locate and refer infected individuals, and their sexual and needle sharing partners to appropriate diagnostic facility for examination and treatment. Ensure all client records are maintained with the highest level of confidentiality and handled in accordance with program policy.

Document all investigative efforts, field and interview records, input data link and report TB and/or STD cases in a timely manner. 

Attends department meetings, and completes all required training, and in services as assigned.

Perform other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:
•    Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data. 
•    Knowledge of standard precautions to prevent transmission of infections. 
•    Ability to conduct fact finding interviews and health investigations. 
•    Ability to analyze collect, record and analyze data. 
•    Ability to plan, prioritize, organize and coordinate work activities independently to accomplish assignments.
•    Ability to prepare records and reports. 
•    Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. 
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. 
•    Knowledge of computers and basic software applications. 
•    Knowledge and application of sound epidemiological surveillance, containment and assessment principles as related to Tuberculosis.
•    Knowledge of Procedures, techniques and equipment used in laboratory testing. 

Qualifications:

   Minimum:   Course-work and relevant experience in epidemiological surveillance, containment and assessment principles as related to Tuberculosis.

   Preferred:   Able to facilitate clear and effective communication with colleagues, clients and health care professionals.

Licensure/registration/certification requirements: N/A

Other job-related requirements for this position: 
•    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 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. 
•    A Valid Driver’s License
•    Requires to safety to wear a tight fitting N95 respirator or other reasonable accommodation and participation in the Medical Surveillance Program.
•    Required to complete STD and TB Basic training. 
•    Travel throughout Palm Beach County is required. 
•    The incumbent in this position may be required to use vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the state or county to conduct official state business. State or county vehicles shall be used only for officially authorized duties and not for personal use, unless a specific exception applies under Florida law (F.S. § 287.17).

Working hours: (A) Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, rotation, etc.) This position may travel to provide services. This position requires daily in-office or field work. 

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values: 
Mission:
To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.
Vision:
To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.
Values:
I  nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.
C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.
A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.
R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.
E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:
851 Avenue P, Riviera Beach, FL  33404

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
•    Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
•    Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
•    State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
•    Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
•    Flexible Spending Accounts;
•    Tuition waivers;
•    And more!
For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  
 
This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check. Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions. 
 
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 
 
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 
 
The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   
 
Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.
 
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.  

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. 
 
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. 
 
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. 

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.