EPIDEMIOLOGIST III

Salary: $2,196.80 - $2,324.96 biweekly.

Minimum Qualifications: Willing and able to work in the office or in the field daily to perform the job duties and responsibilities of the position. Authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. Willing to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. Emergency duties may also include in-state and/or out-of-state deployment.

Preferred Qualifications: Graduate of an accredited college or university Master's degree program in Epidemiology, Public Health, or natural or physical science. (4 years of experience in infectious disease investigations in a public sector health department may be substituted in lieu of a Master's degree.) At least 3 years of professional experience conducting acute infectious disease investigations, specifically "suspect immediately" and "immediately" reportable diseases per FAC 64D-3.029, in a public health department.

Job Duties and Responsibilities: Provides a broad range of services in the Epidemiology Program as a full-time County Epidemiologist. This position conducts epidemiologic investigations, surveillance, and interventions related to Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI)/Antimicrobial Resistant (AR) organisms to support health care facilities and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. The County HAI Epidemiologist will have extensive knowledge of the principles of HAI/AR, public health surveillance, and the application of epidemiological methods to HAI/AR organisms. Serve as subject matter expert on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices, HAI organisms, public health surveillance and epidemiological investigations. Provide timely infection prevention and control consultation to health care organizations and congregate settings. Analyze, evaluate, research, and interpret scientific guidelines/protocols, policies, and regulations. Support HAI/AR epidemiological investigations including outbreak or case creation in Merlin. Support onsite prevention and response infection prevention and control assessments as needed, including a review of health care facilities infection prevention plans, direct observation of infection control practices using a standardized tool (e.g., Infection Control Assessment and Response [ICAR] Tool), and surveillance capacity. Conduct follow-up site assessments within 3 weeks of initial visit to ensure that the healthcare facility has implemented mitigation recommendations based on report findings. Ensure findings from on-site visits and summarize them in a report and/or tracking system, with key findings and recommendations provided to the participating healthcare facility. Train, coordinate, review, and evaluate the activities of disease surveillance and investigations. Provide education and training to facilities on participating in HAI investigations and response (e.g. ICARs, contaminated medical products, routine facility outbreaks, etc.). Coordinate laboratory support for testing and typing of specimens and isolates in collaboration with the Regional Epidemiologists and Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (BPHL). Collaborate with health care facilities and congregate settings for improving outbreak detection and reporting. Provides technical guidance and completes epidemiological investigations for the required reporting of communicable diseases and conditions in Orange County for emerging pathogens and provides assistance as requested for neighboring counties as it relates to emerging infectious diseases. Coordinates, investigates, analyzes and controls outbreaks of suspected diseases in the community for emerging or novel infectious disease preparedness response. Attends and/or facilitates meetings and attends conferences representing the department. Appears at public meetings, lectures to groups as requested. Participates in local, regional or statewide training and exercises directed to county health department staff and public health partners. Participates in quality improvement trainings and exercises as it relates to the county health department including clinical sites. Participates in rotational on-call activities including utilization of radio/telephone contacting systems with the CHD and medical community and must respond within 15 minutes of initiation of call. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, Including Utilization of Equipment, Required for the Position: Ability to apply advanced epidemiological principles and practices. Skill to conduct thorough epidemiological case investigations and timely follow up. Ability to complete assessments as part of the epidemiological investigation. Ability to interpret laboratory results correctly and apply appropriate control measures based on informed interpretation of state and federal guidance. Skilled in methods to collect data and ability to ensure high data quality. Skilled in data analysis and interpretation. Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques. Ability to complete reports in a timely manner. Ability to effectively utilize of basic computer equipment and programs, office equipment, and epidemiology programs, including MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, statistical software (e.g. Epi Info), syndromic surveillance system (e.g. ESSENCE, Merlin). Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and stakeholders. Ability to design complex research projects and analytical assessments. Ability to write effectively in a technical format for journal and peer reviewed journals. 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.