HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 64081799

Requisition No: 881133 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 64081799

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64081799 

Salary:  $42,000 to $44,000 

Posting Closing Date: 09/04/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This position will conduct case-based surveillance activities and epidemiologic investigations. This position reports to the Epidemiology Program Supervisor and will be expected to 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 o