HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 64081799

Requisition No: 881133 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 64081799

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64081799 

Salary:  $42,000 to $44,000 

Posting Closing Date: 09/04/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This position will conduct case-based surveillance activities and epidemiologic investigations. This position reports to the Epidemiology Program Supervisor and will be expected to ensure coverage during times of heightened response efforts, outbreaks, and increase resources in preparedness and disaster team response capabilities. Skills needed for this position include an understanding of disease surveillance systems, epidemiologic investigation techniques, and the ability to apply disease control methods to individuals and the community.  The position will utilize Merlin and other disease-based data management and reporting systems to facilitate the reporting and analysis of reportable diseases in the community. The incumbent must promote and display exceptional customer service and communicate professionally (orally and written) with internal and external partners. This position acts as the designated person for specific functions associated with the administration of the Epidemiology Program under the direction of the Epidemiology Program Supervisor.

Case Investigation:  This position is aware of all Florida notifiable diseases/conditions.  Understands and can prioritize case reports based on the disease/condition suspected.  Use epidemiologic resources to investigate cases reported to the Epidemiology Program.  For assigned case investigations: enters data into the state computer information management systems including but not limited to Merlin, Health Management System, and local databases; ensures all Florida notifiable infectious disease reports are submitted in accordance with Florida Administrative Code using Merlin; ensures the appropriate case definitions are utilized for disease reporting; maintains data integrity by ensuring individual disease/case reports entered into Merlin are timely, accurate and complete.  Communicate with local hospitals, physicians, clinics, laboratories, and other appropriate facilities to follow up on cases of communicable diseases and document all interactions. Interviews clients using existing communicable disease questionnaires, case report forms, and guides to surveillance investigations as required.  Make recommendations on disease control measures using established guidelines.

Outbreak or other Special Investigations: Assists the Epidemiology Program staff in determining the need for further investigation, assists in creating appropriate outbreak case definitions, assists in disease outbreak investigations, and assists to identify the source of the outbreak. Works with an outbreak team that may include other divisions/departments to develop recommendations for disease control strategies and implementation. Assists in completion of outbreak summaries and other assigned reports for supervisory review. The position will be assigned as needed to special epidemiologic studies to investigate health issues in the community.

Surveillance: This position will monitor multiple surveillance and epidemiologic information systems including but not limited to Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE), EpiCom, and national, state, and regional program calls/webinars. They will use surveillance information and data obtained from epidemiologic investigations to identify an increase in disease or for the potential disease in the community. They will notify program supervisor of any items of concern.

Communication and Dissemination of Public Health Information: Assists program supervisor in rapidly disseminating vital information to medical providers and the community in the case of a suspected public health event or other emergency. Responsible for data analysis and the creation of qualitative and quantitative reports including but not limited to chronic disease, and other communicable diseases such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB), as requested by Administration or as assigned by the Epidemiology Program Supervisor.

Epidemiology Program Responsibilities: Maintains appropriate level of medical and office supplies used to provide communicable disease control services. Tracks inventory, orders program office supplies, and prepares documents for the purchase of supplies or services from approved vendors through the state approved electronic system (state procurement system). Works with Epidemiology Nurse and Program Staff to maintain vaccine inventory and order vaccines for the Epidemiology Program.

Emergency Duty/Preparedness and Response: Position has access to the Everbridge emergency communication system at a level higher than most County Health Department employees.  Position is responsible for entering and deleting new County Health Department employees in Everbridge.  Acts as back-up to the preparedness office for Everbridge drills and for sending Everbridge alerts in emergency situations. The position will be required to work in the St. Lucie County Special Needs Shelter and/or provide post-disaster community assessment, surveillance, and response. Responds after hours to health alerts, disease reports and/or incidents as directed by supervisor.

Other: Performs other related work as required by the needs of the organization or assigned by the Epidemiology Program Supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

 Knowledge of disease control methods.

Ability to understand disease surveillance systems.

Ability to understand epidemiologic investigation techniques and use epidemiologic resources (Red Book, CCDM, GSI) to perform investigations.

Ability to communicate in oral and written formats to internal and external partners.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

Current Driver’s License

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.

Must conduct interviews in-person and/or via telephone

Must respond to public health outbreaks within the community

 Preferred:

Bachelor’s degree in public health or biological science and 2 or more years’ experience working in epidemiology

Masters of Public Health (MPH) or a masters’ in a science-related field

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:

Port Saint Lucie, Florida

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) 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.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

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.    

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.