HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Human Services Program Specialist - 64081799

Salary: $42,000 to $44,000

Location: Port Saint Lucie, Florida

Your specific responsibilities include conducting case-based surveillance activities and epidemiologic investigations. This position reports to the Epidemiology Program Supervisor and will 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. 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.