NURSING PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 64086198 Date: Feb 7, 2025 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce\_operations/human\_resource\_management/for\_job\_applicants/e\_verify) . Requisition No: 846407 Agency: Department of Health Working Title: NURSING PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 64086198 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 64086198 Salary: $59,000 to $60,999.90 annually Posting Closing Date: 02/18/2025 Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/) **Career Service** External Advertisement When completing the online application, all gaps of employment or education greater than 90 days starting from high school must be explained (approximate date, month, and year) identifying company name or if unemployed. Incomplete applications/resumes will not be considered. Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County. If you are looking to establish a successful career in Public Health, you have come to the right place. Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout Florida. We hope you decide to join our team! Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. Your Specific Responsibilities: This is a highly responsible position in the Department of Health in Citrus County, Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Immunization Services This position requires incumbent to work independently conducting routine epidemiological investigations involving surveillance, data collection, and some data analysis. In addition, incumbent is required to work as a team member to assist in the planning and implementation of control measures during field investigations and participate in projects. Incumbent will follow Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and information security regulations to ensure confidentiality and privacy of the client health information. Incumbent will establish good rapport with staff and clients and provide positive customer service. Incumbent is expected to adhere to established Health Department policies and procedures. Incumbent will be responsible for all aspects of animal bite investigations and initiation and completion of Rabies post exposure prophylaxis when indicated. This person will work closely with Citrus County animal control, veterinary offices, and the animal shelter staff. Recording information in HMS, Florida Shots, Merlin, STARS and Petpoint. Incumbent will be responsible for conducting epidemiological investigations and disease surveillance activities in case-patients reported with communicable diseases. Investigation includes interviewing patients, identifying other sick contacts, providing education on disease and control measures. Monitors sensitive occupations and disease trends to identify public health areas of concerns and outbreaks to determine approach to epidemiologic investigations and response. Incumbent will be responsible for using statewide electronic databases such as Merlin to enter case investigation data and document actions taken and any additional findings. Reports cases to central office within 14 days of health department notification date. Reviews reports that appear in ESSENCE with Merlin and if the report is not in the surveillance system, then will follow-up with health facility to obtain the necessary information to determine if further investigation is needed. Incumbent will assist with collecting patient’s health information by reviewing patient’s health records and/or by interviewing case-patients for communicable diseases and entering the information into the Surveillance/Merlin database. Incumbent will assist with water and foodborne illness investigations. Incumbent will contact clinics, laboratories and hospital to ascertain missing information (i.e. patients address, telephone number, health care provider and basic demographic information) Incumbent will communicate with medical providers, infection control practitioners, and commercial laboratories to encourages reporting of communicable diseases and provides guidance on appropriate submission of specimens to the state laboratories. Incumbent will serve as a back up to HIV, and Refugee Health, Hepatitis, and TB Programs. Incumbent will attend monthly regional calls. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of communicable diseases and Public Health Surveillance. Knowledge of Florida Department of Health and CDC guidelines relevant to epidemiology. Knowledge of nursing principles, practices and techniques. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention. Knowledge and understanding of microbiology and pathology of bacteria and viruses. Knowledge of immunization practices and administration of vaccines to adults and children. Knowledge of case management skills and investigative and interview techniques. Knowledge of hospital and facilities epidemiology / infection control practices. Skills in computer programs and electronic health record. Ability to conduct physical assessments. Ability to conduct case management. Ability to participate in the planning and implementing of treatment for patients. Ability to work with patients having a variety of physical, social, or emotional problems. Ability to observe patient’s reactions to medications. Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. Ability to prioritize workload. Ability to perform nursing skills including, but not limited to, phlebotomy, vaccine administration, specimen collection, and processing, and patient assessment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to investigate and report cases of communicable disease, suspected cases, outbreaks, or unusual prevalence of communicable disease. Ability to assist in the assessment of health status and health care needs, counseling, guidance, and education of clients. Ability to provide and / or participate in in -service and community education programs relative to communicable disease control. Ability to consult with physicians, hospitals, other county health department staff, and other community groups concerned with communicable disease control and surveillance. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service and customer satisfaction. Knowledge of computer software including applications. Knowledge of essential medical equipment. Ability to work with community partners. Ability to perform patient assessment and implement provider orders. Ability to administer medications and vaccines. Ability to perform direct observed therapy activities. Ability to document all information in Electronic Medical Records. Ability to initiate, work independently, highly organized, and attentive to details. Ability to problem solve. Ability to work in a team environment while managing individual tasks and assignments. Qualifications: Minimum + Licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse in accordance with Florida Statute 464 or eligible to practice nursing in accordance with Florida Administrative Code 210 + Two years of professional nursing experience. Preferred + One year of professional experience with communicable disease surveillance, investigation, and infection prevention 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: Citrus County Health Department 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. 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. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). 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. VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clickinghere (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/97612/566545) . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. Location: LECANTO, FL, US, 34461 Nearest Major Market:Inverness