Position Title: OPS Biological Scientist IV (Arbovirus Surveillance Coordinator)
Program: Epidemiology, Disease Control and Immunization Services
This position is primarily tasked with coordinating the diverse work performed in the conduction of epidemiological investigation of the various mosquito-borne diseases notified to DOH Miami-Dade Epidemiology, including client interviews, Mosquito Control notification, request of medical records from medical providers, request of submission of specimens to the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (BPHL) by providers/commercial labs, etc. This coordination includes assigning cases to investigators, monitoring the timely report of cases, updating the supervisor on status of the project periodically and upon request, and working jointly with investigators to assist them with routine questions that may arise in the investigation process. The position also involves investigating and interviewing a fraction of the cases, although in a lesser extent than the investigators. `Incumbent will follow Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 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.
The Arbovirus Surveillance Coordinator will support Epidemiology, Disease Control and Immunization Services (EDC-IS) and the state health office and the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade (DOH Miami-Dade) response to single imported and local cases and outbreaks of arboviral illness.

Job duties include:

• Investigate suspected and confirmed cases of arboviral illness. Manage and track contact investigations.
• Provide a risk assessment and public health management of persons with potential dengue or other arboviral infection exposure.
• Coordinate the collection and submission of laboratory specimens from cases and persons under investigation (PUI) for dengue and/or other arboviral infections to the public health laboratories when approved.
• Track, monitor, and report or oversee reporting of dengue or other arboviral infection PUIs, cases and contacts in the Florida disease reporting system, Merlin.
• Provide professional and technical epidemiologic consultation and assistance related to arboviral illness to public and private health care providers in Miami-Dade.
• Educate public health partners and the public on what they can do to prevent the spread of dengue or other arboviral illnesses in the community.
• Monitor Bureau of Epidemiology (BOE) database in Teams to follow on requests made by reviewer on specific arboviral cases.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
Ø Knowledge of basic epidemiologic principles, including surveillance.
Ø Ability to interpret and ensure departmental compliance to rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ø Experience in maintaining strict confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information.
Ø Experience analyzing data to formulate recommendations and/or conclusions.
Ø Skill to conduct investigative case follow up
Ø Ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff, and the community
Ø Ability to deal effectively with people, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ø Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to staff and the community
Ø Ability to utilize problem solving techniques
Ø Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments
Ø Knowledge of basic computer skills, office equipment and epidemiology programs, including Windows, Outlook, Publisher, Teams, MS Word, Excel, Power Point, People First, HMS, EARS, Merlin, Epi Info 7, Florida Shots, Essence.
Ø Knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rules.
Other Job-related requirements for this position:
Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. 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.
Work Schedule:
Monday – Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (Working hours may vary)

• Investigate suspected and confirmed cases of arboviral illness. Manage and track contact investigations.
• Provide a risk assessment and public health management of persons with potential dengue or other arboviral infection exposure.
• Coordinate the collection and submission of laboratory specimens from cases and persons under investigation (PUI) for dengue and/or other arboviral infections to the public health laboratories when approved.
• Track, monitor, and report or oversee reporting of dengue or other arboviral infection PUIs, cases and contacts in the Florida disease reporting system, Merlin.
• Provide professional and technical epidemiologic consultation and assistance related to arboviral illness to public and private health care providers in Miami-Dade.
• Educate public health partners and the public on what they can do to prevent the spread of dengue or other arboviral illnesses in the community.
• Monitor Bureau of Epidemiology (BOE) database in Teams to follow on requests made by reviewer on specific arboviral cases