OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64858036

Requisition No: 841145 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST IV - 64858036

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64858036 

Salary:  $25/hour 

Posting Closing Date: 12/01/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY

OPS Biological Scientist IV – COVID 19 Contact Tracer

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Under general supervision, interviews, evaluates, and monitors clients, provides education, guidance and isolation/quarantine parameters based on Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) as well as the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County recommendations for those individuals who meet case definition for confirmed, suspect, or probable case of a communicable disease.

Interviews cases to establish case history.

Records and establishes the description and timeline of onset of symptoms and interviews case to determine all possibly exposed individuals.

Obtains contact information for each of those individuals.

Explains information and recommendations regarding isolation and quarantine parameters, services available to case, and monitors case for ongoing needs and disease clearance.

Helps case develop an appropriate plan which may include referral to another agency or professional.

Maintains detailed records of cases and assemble these into periodic reports.

Data entry and familiarity with computer software programs.

Answers telephone inquiries involved with contact tracing duties related to quarantine and monitoring of contacts.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Using scientific methods to solve problems.

Communicating effectively with others in writing as indicated by the needs of the audience.

Knowledge of mathematics and statistics

Ability to evaluate and interpret epidemiological and statistical data pertaining to the control of communicable diseases.

Ability to research, investigate, and report cases of communicable disease outbreaks.

Ability to learn and become proficient in the methods of prevention and control of communicable diseases.

Ability to use electronic databases and other computer software packages.

Understanding medical terms and principals of exposure, infection, infectious period, potentially infectious interactions, symptoms of disease, pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic infection

Excellent and sensitive interpersonal, cultural sensitivity, and interviewing skills such they can build and maintain trust with patients and contacts.

Basic skills of crisis counseling, and the ability to confidently refer patients and contacts for further care if needed.

Resourcefulness in locating patients and contacts who may be difficult to reach or reluctant to engage in conversation.

Qualifications:

Minimum – Knowledge of epidemiology and disease processes including experience using databases and other computer software packages. COVID-19 contact tracing experience.

Preferred – Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.

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:

224 SE 24th Street, Gainesville FL 32641

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.