OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 64951150

Requisition No: 833393 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - 64951150

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64951150 

Salary:  $20 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 11/22/2024 

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WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT?

Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks.  OPS are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment and terminations at the recommendation of the employer.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? (If applicable)

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan- Mandatory
• Workers’ Compensation- Mandatory
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation)- Mandatory
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Deferred Compensation- Voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program- Voluntary

WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

• Any form of paid leave
• Paid holidays
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System
• Reinstatement rights or retention rights

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County.  If you are looking to establish a successful career in Public Health, you have come to the right place.  Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout Florida.  We hope you decide to join our team!  Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Pasco 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 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.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Assist with follow-up and tracking of animal bite cases.

Assist with the investigation and follow-up of suspect and confirmed reportable diseases and conditions.

Engage in community outreach and education efforts concerning Rabies and other communicable diseases.

Collaborate with stakeholders to provide disease prevention education and training, ensure the completion of disease prevention activities, assist with outbreak detection, and facilitate disease reporting. Work closely with a variety of partners including, but not limited to, LTCFs, dialysis facilities, dental, and outpatient care facilities, schools, rehabilitation centers, and additional congregate settings.

Assist in the training of county health department staff on infection prevention and control measures to increase their capacity to provide evidence-based recommendations when responding to health care associated (HAI) outbreaks.

Participate in COVID-19 outbreak investigations in various congregate settings.

Assist with the coordination of HAI infection control assessments.

Assist with the creation and submission of regular and timely written infection control reports, following the completion of health care facility infection control assessments.

Assist with regular follow-up assessments (onsite or telephone) following the provision of completed reports to evaluate for implementation of recommendations.

Assist with regional HAI outbreak response trainings and drills.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to perform epidemiologic assessment and analysis.

Ability to recognize public health problems pertinent to the population.

Ability to conduct surveillance activities.

Apply principles of ethical/legal practice as relates to data collection, dissemination and use.

Knowledge of community resources.

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to teach infection prevention.

Know how causes of disease affect epidemiologic practice

Use identified technological tools to support epidemiologic practice

Ability to use basic epidemiology communication skills

Prepare written and oral reports and presentations

Qualifications:

Minimum - A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or

Preferred - A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences

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:

7509 State Road 52 Hudson, FL 34667

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. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check. 

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.

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.