Address
Form of workRequisition No: 818568
Agency: Department of Health
Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64956569
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 64956569
Salary: 20 to 21$ an Hour
Posting Closing Date: 01/07/2024
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
Special Note: this is a Full-Time OPS position. Multiple positions are needed.
Your Specific Responsibilities:
This position works in the STD Department to detect, control, and prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Area 15 (St Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, and Indian River Counties). The incumbent is under the direct supervision of Community Health Nursing Supervisor
Disease Intervention
Works a daily task list within the STARs database of positive sexually transmitted diseases. Investigates fully including record searching, telephone calls, interview, and field visits to find infected individual and elicit partners. Interviews and re-interviews patients infected with STDs including HIV/AIDS for educating patients regarding their infection, future medical follow up and developing a plan to locate and refer their sexual partners and others who may be infected. Ensures that infected individuals and their partners are referred into a medical facility for an examination and/or needed treatment. This includes but not limited to jails, rehabilitation centers, clinics, hospitals, private providers, all areas of the community including private homes, parks, homeless areas, etc. Investigation may also include conducting internet searches and communication using select mobile dating application approved by the STD program office to notify persons exposed to or at risk for STDs including HIV. All partner notification activities will be carried out within established communication parameters as outlined in the internal operating policy, STD and HIV Partner Notification via Mobile Dating Applications. Consults with providers, infection control, laboratories and other community partners as needed for: case reporting, obtaining information on cases or determining diagnosis, provide current guidance on diagnosis and treatment. Documents initial and periodic reviews of interview, counseling, and investigative forms.
Outreach/Education
Conducts field screenings for STD and HIV (serological/blood draws/phlebotomy/urine collection) of targeted population as needed using phlebotomy techniques and universal precautions. Participates in the planning, organizing health events to educate on STD/HIV services as well as available services at DOH. Develops, implements, and evaluates targeted health education efforts aimed at improving health. Assists or coordinates community events for STD/HIV services and helps to identify opportunities for community outreaches. Tracks supplies for events, load supplies in vehicle to take to event, sets up and breaks down event. Communicates with providers and laboratories on reporting requirements as appropriate, provides education including CDC guidelines for testing, preventative treatment, and treatment of STDs in accordance with Florida Statutes 381.0031, 381.004, and 384.24. Initiates provider visits for disease reporting, conducting in-services on STD/HIV testing/treatment as needed or requested.
Administrative
Prepares and actively participates in meetings, trainings as required (chalk talks, program meetings, conference calls, meeting calendars, reminders, and schedules, etc.) Ensures that all cases assigned for interview or counseling are managed and documented properly in statewide database. Completes travel reimbursement forms, HMC service codes, Employee Activity Report (EARs), etc. Gathers data from outreach events and submits to supervisor as requested.
Other
Performs additional duties above and beyond job description (serve as team lead/representative, outreach coordinator, special projects, etc.).
Maintains client confidentiality and security in accordance DOHP50-10-10 Information Security & Privacy Policy Confidential Information
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Effective written and verbal English communication skills, Effective interpersonal skills. Ability to perform basic computer operations. Knowledge of computer data bases including STARS, Microsoft word. Ability to interpret data. Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision. Must have valid Florida driver license and have the ability to drive to any of the Area 15 counties, independently with county car. Must have the ability to drive a multi-passenger van. Must have reliable personal motorized transportation, i.e., automobile, or similar vehicle, to perform field activities. Must have the ability to lift up to 15lbs, load equipment and unload equipment into vehicles. Must be able to travel out of town for mandatory trainings and /or meetings. Must have proficient knowledge in the following databases or display proficiency within 6 months of hire date: HMS, STARS. Must be phlebotomy trained within 6 months of hire date.
Qualifications:
Minimum:
- A valid Florida Driver's License
- Certified Phlebotomist or willing to become certified within 6 months of hire.
- Able and willing to drive out of county, to undesirable neighborhoods, and/or between counties.
- Willing to periodically work before and/or after work hours, including weekends to respond to investigations, outreach events, and/or outbreaks.
- Experience in the medical field
- Florida Department of Health is 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 shelter or performing other emergency duties including but not limited to, response to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster man-made or natural.
Preferred:
- Experience working with HIV and/or STD clients.
- Experience interviewing clients.
- Experience working in the Public Health Field.
- Bilingual in either English/Spanish or English/Creole
- Experience with computer applications such as: Outlook, Word, Power Point, etc.
- Associate degree in a health or science field or equivalent work experience.
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:
Fort Pierce
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.
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.
