OPS Biological Scientist IV - 64852381

Ops Biological Scientist Iv

The regional hai epidemiologists have extensive knowledge of the principles of hai/ar, public health surveillance and the application of epidemiological methods to hai/ar organisms. This position conducts epidemiologic investigations, surveillance, and interventions related to hai/ar organisms to support health care facilities and county health departments. They will provide overall hai/ar assistance within their region.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Serving as subject matter expert on ipc practices, hai organisms, public health surveillance and epidemiological investigations.
• Providing timely infection prevention and control consultation to county health departments, health care organizations, and congregate settings.
• Analyzing, evaluating, researching, and interpreting scientific guidelines/protocols, policies, and regulations.
• Utilizing and reviewing florida's surveillance system to track outbreaks and investigate ar, mdro, and non-ar cases.
• Supporting hai/ar epidemiological investigations including outbreak or case creation.
• Preparing and sending cro alerts and c. auris rule out notifications.
• Supporting onsite prevention and response infection prevention and control assessments.
• Ensuring findings from on-site visits are summarized in a report.
• Training, coordinating, reviewing, and evaluating the activities of disease surveillance and investigations.
• Coordinating laboratory support for testing and typing of specimens and isolates.
• Collaborating with county health departments and health care facilities for improving outbreak detection and reporting.
• Hosting regional meetings with county health department staff.
• Providing updates on investigations during bureau of epidemiology meetings.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of epidemiology, including an understanding of the effects of the interaction between populations, causative factors, and environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of program policies and administrative guidance related to surveillance and investigation of infectious and non-infectious disease conditions.
• Knowledge of health care associated infections and infection control protocols.
• Ability to communicate in writing.
• Ability to communicate orally.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, research and interpret scientific guidelines/protocols, policies, and regulations.
• Ability to coordinate meetings and trainings.

Qualifications:

• Minimum qualifications:
• High school diploma
• Preferred qualifications:
• A master's degree or higher in healthcare, public health, or related fields.
• 3 years of experience conducting on-site and/or remote health care facility infection control assessments.
• Certification in infection control preferred but not required.