Biological Scientist I - 64002651
Requisition No: 806029
Agency: Department of Health
Working Title: BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 64002651
Position Number: 64002651
Salary: $1,440.00 - $1,584.00 Biweekly
Posting Closing Date: 01/12/2024
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
IN ORANGE COUNTY
JOB OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCMENT
OPEN COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT
Class Title: Biological Scientist I
Position Number: 64002651
Base Salary: $1,440.00 - $1,584.00 Biweekly
Location: 832 West Central Boulevard – TB
Orlando, FL 32805
**DOH – Orange is a tobacco free agency.
**This advertisement may be used to fill future vacancies as they become available.
**NOTE: Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process. **
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum one (1) year of verifiable patient/client interviewing experience.
- Willing to take venipuncture training and obtain Tuberculin Skin Test Certification within six (6) months of hire.
- Valid FL Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle in lieu of a county vehicle to work in the field.
- Willing to work with active tuberculosis/infectious disease patients.
- This position requires you to be able to kneel, bend, lift and carry a maximum of 25 pounds.
- Emergency Duty
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Summary: This is a highly responsible public health position dedicated to the prevention and control of Tuberculosis (TB). The position serves as a Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) working with experienced DIS to learn to work with infectious patients from diverse populations. The incumbent performs field work calling for dependability, discretion, maturity, and sound judgment under the guidance of the DIS Supervisor and Lead DIS. Field work includes epidemiological investigations, patient care, education, counseling, and referral services. Appropriate guidance, instruction and training --on work methods, procedures, and techniques are provided. Working under the supervision of the TB Program Manager, the incumbent adheres to established Department of Health (DOH) policies and procedures; all activities are performed observing federal, state, department and County Health Department (CHD) procedures, statutes, technical assistance guidelines, rules and regulations. The DIS will receive training and guidance and learn how to establish and maintain good rapport with staff and clients; evidenced by exhibiting approachability, team work, a positive attitude, and flexibility. The DIS demonstrates DOH values--innovation, collaboration, accountability, responsiveness and excellence.
In full:
The DIS assists with the coordination of patient care. Will assure patient adherence by learning to employing strategies to remove barriers (e.g., incentives, enablers, or referral to community resources). Locates individuals who are delinquent, non-compliant, or lost to medical supervision to ensure treatment is completed as prescribed. Participates in case management meetings and notifies supervisor and case managers of potential problems with the treatment plan or patient adherence/compliance. When appropriate; will conduct source case investigations, under the guidance of the DIS Supervisor, to determine origin of TB Infection or TB Disease in contacts. Meets with supervisor daily to ensure knowledge of current status of assigned duties.
Conducts field visits to perform directly observed therapy of medication. Interviews, counsels, and educates all clients diagnosed with TB, suspected of having TB, and contacts to TB cases and TB suspects. Maintains confidentiality of information. Ensures completion of directly observed therapy within appropriate time frames. Will learn to assure patient adherence with a treatment plan by routine home visits for sputum collection, phlebotomy, patient counseling, and transportation of patients to the clinic for appointments.
Elicits and investigates contacts of cases for contact investigation, under the guidance of the DIS Supervisor and Lead DIS, in all arenas (including households, schools, workplaces, hospitals, etc.) and if needed, administers Preventive Directly Observed Therapy. Serves as a member of the field services team and supports team building, and open communication. Exhibits appropriate prioritization of assigned work and manages schedule independently. (Work hours may vary depending on your schedule) Maintains open communication with supervisors, nursing and provider staff. Will be trained to assist the LTBI Nurse with tracking and managing all LTBI clients to ensure they come in for services and go into the field to locate them if they do not.
The DIS documents activities on appropriate forms and completes data entry of activities into electronic records and data management systems (PRISM). Documentation includes patient and contact activities, CI screenings, medication tracking log, time, travel, maintenance of schedules and patient list, and other assigned forms or data entry. All documentation is completed accurately and within departmental timeframes. Participates in the collection of data for surveillance purposes.
Works with private physicians, hospitals, clinics, laboratory personnel, public and private health related agencies, community agencies, institutions, and individuals in association with services related to TB prevention and control and consistent with programmatic objectives and key indicators.
Will be trained to administer and measure tuberculin skin tests (TST). Draws blood for IGRA for clients in the field (training will be provided if necessary), and adheres to clinician’s orders for blood draws on clients.
Participates in clinical or community screening activities, community education, and/or targeted outreach programs by assisting in the identification, planning, implementation, and administration of TSTs or performing venipuncture techniques. These activities may occur before, during, or after normal working hours including weekends and holidays.
Provides technical assistance not considered part of routine duties, including, but not limited to: epidemiological assistance
to other CHDs or program areas, public health awareness and emergency response situations.
Travels, attends meetings, and training sessions, as approved. Performs other related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES, INCLUDING UTILIZATION OF EQUIPMENT, REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION:
- Knowledge of public health essential services, practices and techniques related to the control and detection of Communicable Diseases.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to elicit information as appropriate for the needs of the audience
- Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work activities.
- Knowledge of varied social, economic, cultural and lifestyle characteristics in the community.
- Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Ability to accurately document pertinent information on DOT forms reports.
- Ability to actively listen to others.
- Ability to teach and demonstrate preventive health care.
- Skilled in collecting, evaluating and analyzing data relating to Medical Unit functions, such as client records.
- Ability to work independently and manage time.
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.
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) 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.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Orlando