Deadline: 12/18/16
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is seeking a Senior Human Services Program Specialist.
Title
Senior Human Services Program Specialist
Salary
$1538.46 bi-weekly
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s in Public Health or BSN
- Bilingual
OCCUPATION PROFILE
JOB FAMILY: COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES
OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: COUNSELING AND SOCIAL WORK
OCCUPATION: COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALISTS, ALL OTHER
DESCRIPTION
This position will conduct case based surveillance activities and epidemiologic investigations. The position will be required to analyze and present surveillance data utilizing the latest software version of Epi Info, PowerPoint and/or other data analysis and presentation software. This position reports to the Preparedness and Epidemiology Program Manager and will be expected to cross train and support integration efforts to enhance disease control programs (EPI/STD/TB/HIV/EH) capabilities, ensure coverage during times of heightened response efforts, outbreaks, and increase resources in preparedness and disaster team response capabilities (i.e. EPI Strike Team). In addition this position will assist with emergency operations plan review and modification to ensure that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Capabilities are integrated into all aspects of DOH-St. Lucie public health preparedness planning and response. Skills needed for this position include an understanding of disease surveillance systems, epidemiologic investigation techniques, and the ability to analyze data and 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.
Surveillance and Case Investigation: This position will monitor multiple surveillance systems including but not limited to ESSENCE and EpiGateway, then coordinate internally according to surveillance data to assure continuity of electronic and active surveillance in the community. The individual in this position works closely with medical providers, hospitals and other surveillance stakeholders to improve the timeliness and completeness of reportable disease reporting in St. Lucie County. They will utilize surveillance information to conduct reportable disease investigations, identify potential sources of disease, provide individual case-based prevention education and take effective disease control actions. They will utilize surveillance information and data obtained from epidemiologic investigations to identify an increase in disease or for the potential disease in the community. The incumbent will routinely review historic and current disease trends to identify increases, or unusual disease patterns or trends.
Outbreak or other Special Investigations: Determines the need for further investigation, creates appropriate outbreak case definitions, conducts disease outbreak investigations, and analyzes data from the investigation 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. Completes outbreak summary and other assigned reports for supervisor review and distributes final reports to interested parties. Displays and presents investigation results using presentation software. The position will provide data analysis during epidemiologic investigations and will be assigned as needed to special epidemiologic studies to investigate health issues in the community.
Communication and Dissemination of Public Health Information: Keeps Supervisor and other stakeholders routinely informed of disease trends, changes noted or issues of concern. Actively uses EpiCom and EpiX to stay informed of state and national issues. Provides feedback and education to physicians and the community on communicable diseases by providing statistics, newsletters, and seminars or other public presentations through the use of media and technology. Rapidly disseminates vital information to physicians and the community in the case of a suspected public health event or other emergency. The incumbent in this position will be actively engaged in risk communication to the public.
Public Health Preparedness Planning: This position will assist with emergency operations plan review and modification to ensure that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Capabilities are integrated into all aspects of DOH-St. Lucie public health preparedness planning and response by reviewing plans and providing feedback.
Emergency Duty/Preparedness and Response: 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. Will alternate with others in the Epidemiology Division to be available for consultation about Epidemiology issues on a 24/7 basis. Responds after hours to all health alerts, disease reports and/or incidents.
Other: Performs other related work as required by the needs of the organization, or assigned by the Preparedness and Epidemiology Program Manager or the Division Director for Disease Control and Health Protection.
Maintains client confidentiality and security in accordance DOHP50-10-10 Information Security & Privacy Policy Confidential Information.
View the job description and apply online here.