OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64853543 1

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The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County in its mission to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts and its vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation.  Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

The incumbent, an employee of the Florida Department of Health - Manatee, represents the agency and its mission and values.  The incumbent is expected to promote cooperation, courtesy and teamwork in a diverse environment.  The incumbent will serve as an infection preventionist, responsible for the LTC infection prevention and control program (IPCP), which is designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases, including COVID-19 infections. In addition to LTCF, the incumbent is expected to provide infection control support to community partners, as needed.

This employee will be cross-trained to work in the Clinical Services, and Disease Control Divisions.

INFECTION CONTROL PREVENTIONIST

• Oversight of the IPCP, which includes, at a minimum, the following elements:
• A system for preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling COVID-19infections and
• Research best practices on written standards, policies, and procedures of Infection Control Programs, which must include, but are not limited to:
  • A system of surveillance designed to identify possible communicable diseases, including COVID-19 infections before they can spread to other persons in the LTC facilities in Manatee County;
  • When and to whom possible incidents of communicable disease or infections should be reported;
  • Standard and transmission-based precautions to be followed to prevent spread of COVID- 19 infections based in CDC recommendations.
  • When and how isolation should be used for a facility resident; including but not limited to:
  • The type and duration of the isolation, depending upon the infectious agent or organism involved,
  • A requirement that the isolation should be the least restrictive possible for the facility resident under the circumstances.
  • The circumstances under which a facility must issue restrictions for employees/facility resident with a communicable disease from direct contact with others or their food, if direct contact will transmit the disease;
  • The hand hygiene procedures to be followed by staff involved in direct contact.
  • A system for recording incidents identified under the facility’s IPCP and the corrective actions taken by the facility.
  • Assess facilities personnel on to handle, store, process, and transport linens to prevent the spread of infection.
• Responsible of final reporting of Infection Control Assessments performed at LTC facilities in Manatee County.
• Actively participates in the Incident Management Team (IMT) meetings.
• Coordinate with IMT Operations Sections any COVID-19 support activities with LTC facilities.

INFECTION CONTROL QUALITY ASSURANCE:

• Assess the need for, develop, and present IPCP in-service education for individual departments, general orientation, and annual review as needed; education includes but is not limited to:
  • Hand hygiene
  • Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization
  • Specific direct and indirect care settings
  • Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and devices
  • Use of isolation/barrier precautions when indicated
  • Resident placement, transfer, and discharge
  • Environmental hazards
  • Use of patient care products and medical equipment
  • Resident immunization programs
  • Facility Visitations/ Admission and Re-admissions procedures.
• Be accountable for surveillance of healthcare-acquired and community-acquired infections for facility residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and ensure that the facility leaders are informed of appropriate issues; understand and comply with infection control, safety, procedures and regulations.
• This employee must be knowledgeable in policies and procedures of the agency and can perform technical epidemiology functions. 

ADMNINSTRATIVE/DOCUMENTATION/TRAINING DUTIES:

• EARs/DARs will be completed within 7 days of the service provision, 95% of the time.
• Must maintain quality of services delivered in all tasks associated with position.
• All information held in health records is confidential with access governed by state and federal laws. Confidential information includes the client's name, address, medical, social and financial data and services received. Sexually transmitted disease should afford client’s privacy, confidentiality and dignity.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, in-service training, and other professional and staff development activities.
• Independently and professionally addresses and resolves all customer service issues and takes appropriate actions.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES, INCLUDING UTILIZATION OF EQUIPMENT, REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION: 

• Knowledge of Epidemiology.
• Knowledge of Infection Control
• Knowledge of Special Needs Shelter Systems
• Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
• Ability to communicate effectively and courteously, both verbal and written.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to solve problems creatively
• Ability to prioritize and organize tasks for maximum efficiency
• Must possess basic computer skills.
• Ability to observe patients' symptoms and reactions to treatment
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and universal precautions
• Ability to relate with clients and the public in a culturally sensitive, respectful manner
• Ability to review data for accuracy and completeness
• Ability to provide preventive health care treatment by teaching and demonstration

QUALIFICATIONS:

Valid Florida RN license

CIC Certification Required

ADDITIONAL JOB-RELATED REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: 

• Emergency Duty - Incumbent may be required to work during or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. Emergency duty required for the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross Shelters, or to perform other emergency duties including, but not limited to responses to or threats involving any disaster, or threat of disaster, man-made or natural.
  • Have staff and inventory ready for the next Special Needs Shelter and ESF-8 activation.
  • Enhance capabilities and increase capacities to mount a medical countermeasures response.
  • Identify specific safety & health hazards that public health staff may encounter during disaster or emergent event responses and define the processes used to manage the risks.
• Trainings/Meetings- Attend all mandatory meeting/trainings as assigned by the position.
• Confidentiality- Ensure all information held in the health records is confidential with access governed by state and federal laws during projects assigned. Will keep confidential information including the client's name, address, medical, social, and financial data and services rendered.

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:

Manatee County     

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:

• 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)
• 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. 

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.     

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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.