BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 64082202

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Open Competitive Opportunity 

Specific Responsibilities:

This is a Biological Scientist II position in the Epidemiology program responsible for detecting, controlling and preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) in Palm Beach County Health Department (CHD) to promote long, healthy life and allow every individual to attain his or her full health potential. This position works in field, office and clinical settings, and may have to visit jails. Work is performed under the supervision of the Biological Scientist Ill-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 in a professional capacity, providing direct disease intervention and public health awareness activities including but not limited to partner services, case investigations, screening, counseling and referral services of individuals exposed to or at-risk of infection from Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis or other biological agents. This position will be cross trained in STD/Hepatitis surveillance and field operations. Perform phlebotomy routinely and conduct confidential field investigations.

This position is a designated sensitive position and is required to maintain confidential information in accordance with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Palm Beach County Health Department (CHD) Information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures. This position is classified as sensitive and governed by State and local confidentiality and security policies related to STD and TB surveillance and investigation data in accordance with Florida Statutes (FS) 384, 392, 381.004, 960-003; Florida Administration Codes 10D-3, 64D-2, 64D-3; and local Health Department guidelines. This position have access to Surveillance Tools And Reporting System (STARS), Health Management System (HMS). Abiding by Internal Operating Procedures (IOPs) and Technical Assistance Guidelines (TAGs) related to STD and HIV/AIDS and other CHD functions including IOP: STDs; Policy: Security 7.4 and TAG for HIV/AIDS TAG: I, 7, II, 15, 18, and 17. 

Conducts field investigations to provide partner services to individuals infected with or at-risk of STDs including Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS or other infections. Locates patients to conduct epidemiologic interviews and educate them regarding their infections and risk reduction; provides referral to appropriate medical care and verify appropriate treatment; develops plans to locate and refer their sex and needle sharing partners and others at risk for infection for medical evaluation; performs cluster interviews with persons determined to be potential information sources for known cases; performs field serologic screenings for individuals considered to be at risk. Uses State vehicles to conduct field visits and provides transportation for patients as needed. Consults with providers or lab personnel to stimulate case reporting; obtain information on cases; accommodate partner services for private patients; and provide current information on diagnosis and treatment. Verifies demographics and clinical information from Electronic Health Record (EHR) within HMS. Documents all investigative efforts in the STD epidemiologic database STARS.

Ensures notifiable STD's are reported by healthcare providers and laboratories in accordance with Florida statutes. Ensures positive tests for diseases are entered to STARS database. Communicates with providers, hospitals, laboratories, and other health care facilities to obtain demographic, laboratory, clinical or other specific information; arrange medical evaluations and treatments for a client; and/or provide information on current reporting / treatment guidelines for communicable diseases. Record searches various databases for verification, and investigation of demographic and medical information. Analyzes cases and assigns promptly for field investigations. 

Participates in outreaches to provide education, screening and referral services to those who have not been identified of being infected but are at high risk of having or acquiring these infections. Provides oral and written presentations to healthcare workers, clients and the community. These responsibilities may take place before, during, or after standard work hours, including weekends and holidays, and may occur in field, community, or clinical settings.

Effectively perform agency and administrative processes in accordance with current CHD and STD Program Policy and/or procedure including but not limited to, completing timesheets, travel reimbursement etc.

Cooperate with the Program Manager and Biological Scientists III in quality assurance reviews and training of new team members.

Cooperate with Surveillance to capture, update, and enter information reported from Electronic Faxes relating to gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV.

Participate in emergency preparedness and readiness for any potential outbreaks in STDs/Hepatitis or other emerging health threats as directed by the program. Provides technical assistance not considered part of routine duties including but not limited to, Epidemiological assistance to other County Health Department’s or program areas, public health awareness and emergency response situations.

Serves as a backup and performs fieldwork in the control and prevention of Tuberculosis (TB) Conduct field visits to provide Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) / Directly Observed Preventive Therapy (DOPT); patient and family education on Tuberculosis and processes of care; assist in specimen collection such as sputa and blood; assists in the conduction of epidemiological investigations to identify contacts as needed.

Provides support services which are not considered to be routine in the STD program.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position: 
•    Knowledge of communicable disease prevention. 
•    Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and evaluating data.
•    Knowledge of specimen collection methods and standard precautions.
•    Ability to conduct field investigations and fact-finding interviews.
•    Ability to analyze data.
•    Ability to plan, prioritize, organize and coordinate work activities independently to accomplish assignments.
•    Ability to prepare records and reports.
•    Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
•    Knowledge of computer applications/software.

Qualifications

Licensure/registration/certification requirements (If applicable, list the appropriate Florida Statute or federal regulation cite): NA

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. 
•    Valid Driver's License. 
•    Travel throughout Palm Beach County. 
•    Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects up to 20 lbs.
•    Required to complete training including Driving Impact through Strategic Training in Applied Public Health (DISTA)
•    Requires to Safely wear a tight fitting N95 respirator (or other reasonable accommodation).
•    Must learn and perform phlebotomy routinely.
•    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 Hours  (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, rotation, etc.) May be required to work before, after, and/or beyond normal working hours including weekends and holidays, for field investigations, outreaches and/or outbreak responses. 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.