OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64940041

Requisition No: 843307 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST III - 64940041

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64940041 

Salary:  $21.00 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 01/19/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The Biological Scientist III, an employee of the Florida Department of Health Jefferson and Madison County represents the agency and its mission and values. This is a highly independent, classified, and sensitive position responsible for the investigation of positive HIV/STD cases, including, partners, suspects, and associates. Incumbent will be responsible for educating and scheduling an exam and, when applicable, treatment. Incumbent will also provide outreach, education, testing, and as applicable, pre-/posttest counseling in the clinic and/or field. Incumbent is expected to maintain confidentiality, security, privacy, and integrity of protected health information by following:​​​​​

• Department of Health Information Security and Privacy Policy, protocols, and procedures.
• State/Federal laws governing health information. 
• Appropriate permission to remove and transport confidential information from the premises of DOH-Jefferson/Madison; specifically, DOH 50-10-10 Information Security and Privacy Policy 7, VI Protocols, D-5.

This position has access to the following information sets: STD, PRISM, medical records, HMS, hepatitis program, HIV Testing, immunizations, and laboratories.

Field Core Services

Incumbent is responsible for investigating and contacting clients testing positive for HIV and/or an STD(s) and scheduling an appointment and if applicable, treatment. As part of the investigatory process, incumbent also contacts/interviews partners, suspects, and associates of positive HIV/STD patients to educate and schedule an in-clinic appointment and, if applicable, treatment. Incumbent will also lead HIV field testing in areas designated as “high-risk.” Incumbent is expected to manage and prioritize HIV/STD infection cases with minimal guidance. Contact physicians, hospitals, clinics, and laboratory personnel to confirm client diagnoses, treatment information, pregnancy status, and client demographic information and arranges for client examination and treatment. Client information used or obtained in the field must be safeguarded from access by unauthorized personnel. Maintaining the minimum required information in their control and in a locked case. Information should be returned to DOH-Jefferson/Madison before close of business. Participates in the HRSA, CDC and State of Florida mandated “Test and Treat” program. If transportation is a barrier, incumbent assists clients with transportation to the nearest Jefferson/Madison County Health Department for testing and, when applicable, treatment.

• Provides confidential counseling, testing and referral for medical treatment for persons either diagnosed with or exposed to a STD.  Clients who are diagnosed with a STD are also offered partner referral services that allow for the notification, screening and treatment referral for their sex or needle-sharing partners. 

• Acts as the front-line of defense for intervening in the spread of STDs and communicates with physicians, hospitals, clinics, and laboratory personnel, both public and private, to confirm treatment and diagnosis of all reportable STDs. 
• The DIS will arrange for examination and treatment of the client if needed. 
• Field investigations consist of locating clients in the home or community setting who test positive with a STD/HIV or have been named as a contact; and it is required in the field setting to provide counseling, education, testing and referral for treatment of all STDs. 
• Manages assigned cases of Syphilis and HIV infection according to policy; prepares and submits all documents and reports associated with job assignment. 
• The DIS interviews, re-interviews and conducts cluster interviews of early Syphilis patients and their contacts, suspects, and associates; interviews/counsels patients tested for HIV infection and interviews/counsels the contacts and clusters of those with positive test results.  The incumbent rapidly investigates and brings to examination contacts, suspects and associates identified through interviews; refers patients with a positive or a reactive test for evaluation and treatment. 
• Incumbent draws blood in the field on contacts and suspects. 
• Field outreach activities are expected, including organized community outreach screenings for Syphilis and HIV (includes blood draws in a variety of non-clinical settings). 
• Interview clients and perform risk assessments (risk assessments help identify sexual behaviors and other risky behaviors that increase the chances of becoming infected with a STD) and blood draws for STD/HIV/Hepatitis. 
• Take history of problems and be able to identify symptoms or signs of infection which may be caused by a STD and make appropriate treatment referrals.  HIV counseling and testing will also be performed according to state guidelines. 
• Must document in the client records and on field records in a concise accurate manner.  The incumbent enters STD results into the STD/MIS system as assigned. 
• Accurately completes employee activity records in the Health Management System (HMS).

Develops and delivers education and prevention training on all STDs, which define ways to reduce the risk of transmitting the disease or define techniques to avoid infection, for diverse audiences, individuals, groups, and all clients, as assigned or as needed.

Administrative Responsibilities

Prepares field, interview records, employee activity reports, timesheets and other documents and reports as required. Submits reports, per guidelines and procedures, to the Area 2 STD Program Manager/supervisor including outreach, interviews, investigations, and epidemiological programmatic reports. Incumbent will have access to and be responsible for or components of: (1) STD, (2) PRISM, (3) medical records, (4) HMS, (5) hepatitis program, (6) HIV Testing, (7) immunizations, and (8) laboratories (i.e. blood draw, etc.).

HIV/AIDS and STD Clinic Support

Assists with patient referrals to specialty and sub-specialty services and tracking of these referrals. Coordinates and participates in the Department of Health’s Performance Improvement programs (QA/QI).  Must be able to multi-task with attention to quality outcomes.  Assures a safe and healthy environment, including adherence to OSHA guidelines for prevention of exposure to blood borne pathogens, utilization of universal precautions, and communicable disease surveillance and education to prevent the spread of infections.   Maintains confidentiality of all records, client interactions and services according to HIPPA privacy policies.  Completes follow-up when indicated by abnormal lab results, missed appointments or other concerns as deemed necessary on an individual basis. Understands and uses FDOH Health Management System for data input. Reports any abnormalities to the appropriate medical professional and/or program manager immediately. Maintains schedules including recalls and as needed, referrals.

Outreach: Educational/Networking

Provides community outreach and educational services in a myriad of community settings, including but not limited to, Jefferson and Madison County Jails, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Jefferson and Madison schools etc. Incumbent will promote ties with local leaders and ministers to access minority populations within the community and communicate with physicians, hospital, and laboratory personnel, both public and private, to establish rapport, provide support, and, when applicable, share information vital to outreach efforts.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing, and analyzing data.
• Ability to conduct fact-finding interviews.
• Ability to conduct health investigations.
• Ability to analyze data.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work activities.
• Ability to prepare records and reports.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to identify community resources.
• Ability to prepare and conduct training programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to draw blood and do finger sticks (will train if necessary)
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time
   

Qualifications:
Minimum:

• Incumbent may be 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 or Red Cross shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Bachelor’s degree or higher

Preferred:

• Bilingual
   

Where You Will Work:

Jefferson & Madison Counties

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. 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.