ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST - 64061071

This is an intermediate level professional position part of the multidisciplinary Epidemiology and Communicable Disease team in Martin County, under the supervision of the Public Health Services Manager-SES. This position will conduct epidemiological investigations, surveillance activities, and programmatic functions for the communicable diseases’ programs. and conditions (per section 381.0031 F.S.).

Incumbent is aware of all Florida notifiable diseases/conditions and serves as subject matter expert on the epidemiology aspects of diseases per section 381.0031 F.S. Understands how to prioritize work. Ensures all Florida notifiable infectious disease reports are submitted in accordance with established guidelines. Meets or exceeds the Core Epidemiology Measures for the cases assigned and assists the program in meeting all the measures.

Cross trained to enhance disease control capabilities for other programs (HIV/AIDS, TB, STD) to ensure coverage during times of heightened response efforts or staff shortages, and to increase resources in preparedness and disaster response.

Reportable Disease/Condition Investigation:

Understands and prioritizes case reports based on the disease/condition suspected. Enters data into the state surveillance systems in a timely and complete manner including but not limited to Merlin, HMS, and local databases. Interviews clients using existing case report questionnaires and guides to surveillance investigations as required. Recommends appropriate action or control measures for disease prevention including disease specific education and follow-up activities. Tasks may include contact tracing, recommendation for vaccines and/or chemoprophylaxis, referring contacts to care, testing contacts, educating institutions such as daycares, schools, food service, long-term care facilities, etc., and other tasks. Makes recommendations on infection control using established guidelines.

Surveillance:

Conducts active and passive surveillance. Monitors multiple surveillance systems including but not limited to Merlin, ESSENCE, faxes, EpiCom, and national, state, and regional program calls/webinars. Utilizes surveillance information to initiate and/or rule-out reportable disease investigations or events and possible bioterrorism. Utilizes syndromic surveillance and information from epidemiologic investigations to identify an increase in disease or for the potential disease in the community and communicates findings to Supervisor and/or Senior Epidemiologists. Engages in influenza and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) surveillance throughout the year and enhanced surveillance during flu season. Acts as Lead Surveillance Epidemiologist. Prepares periodic surveillance and morbidity reports with information obtained from ESSENCE and Merlin.

Outbreak Investigations:

Investigates outbreaks. Tasks may include: communicate with internal and/or external partners to collect relevant data, complete interviews, and review records; collect specimens and ship to the state laboratory as appropriate; use statistical and database software (such as Excel, EpiInfo, SAS, SPSS, ArcGis) to collect and analyze outbreak data; coordinate response with regional or state epidemiologists, nursing, environmental health and other CHD staff; assist with preparation of materials that can be distributed to the media, patients or the general public regarding the outbreak or disease under investigation; write or assist in writing final summary report of disease outbreak investigation.

Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Prevention programmatic functions

Assists in Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Prevention activities. Provides Directly Observed Therapy to active and LTBI clients in clinic and in the field. Assists in TB investigations. Participates in outreaches. Informs clients and community partners about HIV/AIDS testing, treatment, and linkage to care, in person, in writing, or by telephone. Screens calls related to HIV/AIDS and TB. Obtains/maintains 500/501 certification.

Emergency Duty/Preparedness and Response: 

Participates in Regional EPI Strike team disaster preparedness, bioterrorism, regional and state EPI meetings, trainings, and exercises. Required to work in the Martin County Special Needs Shelter and/or provide post-disaster community assessment, surveillance, and response. The position will alternate with other designated CHD employees to be available for after-hours CHD calls on a 24/7 basis (on-call duties).  Responds after hours to all health alerts, disease reports and/or incidents.

Other Communicable Disease Program Responsibilities:

Answers and screens phone calls. Ensures the Department has coverage from 8am to 5pm during the work week. Assists in training new staff, fellows, CDC PHAPs, volunteers, etc. Disseminates vital information to physicians and the community in the case of a suspected public health event or other emergency. Attends meetings and trainings as required. Supports organizational changes. Demonstrates flexibility in providing coverage and/or availability as needed. Participates in community outreaches. Assumes additional projects when feasible. Participates in cross-training skills, assists with programs, and completes other tasks as needed by the program and to benefit the agency. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: medical terminology; basic epidemiological principles and practices; communicable disease control methods, activities, and protocols; disease surveillance systems; methods of data collection and analysis; public health policies and public health laws to include but not limited to information security and HIPAA.

Skills in: time management and prioritization of tasks; interviewing cases/patients to gather health information and elicit contacts; conducting epidemiological investigative case follow up; Microsoft Office Suite; Merlin; HMS.

Ability to: read and correctly interpret medical records; plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; work independently using critical thinking and logic;  pay strict attention to detail and to perform thorough investigations in a timely fashion; use problem-solving techniques; communicate effectively verbally and in writing with clients, co-workers, other professionals and in group; establish and maintain effective working relationships; listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences; persuade others; understand and apply epidemiologic investigation techniques and use epidemiologic resources (Red Book, CCDM, GSI) to perform investigations; access and extract information from multiple databases; recommend appropriate disease control measures; prepare and deliver presentations to staff and the community;  document work products.

Qualifications:

Minimum-

Driver’s License

Willing to work before, during and after an emergency/disaster at a special needs shelter

Willing to work before and after normal business hours to accommodate Agency’s needs

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree

Have experience in a County Health Department or State Epidemiology Department doing case investigations

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:

Martin County

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.