Rabies Prevention Program Investigator

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HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE WITH ADJUSTED WORK HOURS MAY BE AVAILABLE AFTER 6 MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT.

SC Department of Public Health (SCDPH) Rabies Prevention program is seeking a talented individual to serve as a Rabies Prevention Program Investigator. Join our dynamic team and play a vital role in monitoring and preventing rabies outbreaks within the community. This position offers opportunities for career advancement and professional growth within the public health sector.

Conducts animal bite investigations in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and enforcement requirements per the Rabies Control Act.

Investigates animal bite reports/potential rabies exposures, issues quarantine notices for animals as required using agency technological reporting software. In coordination with external and internal stakeholders, submits prepared animal specimens to laboratory for testing.

Submits detailed, factual, and complete inspection reports in a timely manner as outlined in the rabies SOP for the agency.

Communicates effectively with victims and stakeholders following programmatic guidance, and state/federal laws and regulations. Develops advanced knowledge and understanding of the Rabies Program and participates with rabies on call procedures to include holidays and weekends.

Assists in the coordination and promotion of rabies low-cost vaccine clinics and educational outreach events. Assists with conducting outreach as required when rabies positive cases have been identified. Provides technical assistance and proper documentation of investigations/activities; subject to 24/7 on-call and call back duties on a rotational basis.

Completes all necessary administrative tasks and documentation as required and requested to include fulfilling FOI requests.
 

Performs other duties as assigned, which includes, but is not limited to, attending periodic staff meetings and training.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma or GED and relevant administrative and customer service experience.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements:  Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. 

Must have a valid state driver's license and ability to operate personal and state-owned vehicles. Possess excellent written and oral communication skills. General knowledge of functions and interdependence of the public health laws, sanitation principles and practices.

Must be capable of dealing effectively with the public and regulated community. Ability to access non-traditional work environments. Able to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion, if needed. Able and willing to work in all weather conditions. Overnight travel, weekend, after hours, and holiday work may be required on occasion. Subject to 24/7 on-call or call back service per region rotation.

Must be a self-starter with the ability to take the initiative with limited supervision.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbally and in writing.

Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Teams, Word), with the ability to learn new technological programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Passionate about community health and safety. Two (2) years of experience in customer service, environmental health, or a related role.

Experience as a veterinarian assistant or technician, zookeeper, wildlife technician, kennel technician, or a related role is strongly preferred.

Bilingual, Spanish speaking.

Additional Comments

Immunization: All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis, Varicella, and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DPH employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

College Transcripts: Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Driving Record: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Flexible scheduling to allow telecommuting work per agency standards

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, & Children

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year

• 15 days sick leave per year

• 13 paid holidays

• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

SC DPH is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employing agency. We are committed to a diverse workforce. SC DPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

THE LANGUAGE USED IN THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CREATE AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT BETWEEN THE EMPLOYEE AND THE AGENCY. THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CREATE ANY CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS OR ENTITLEMENTS. THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE THE CONTENT OF THIS DOCUMENT, IN WHOLE OR IN PART. NO PROMISES OR ASSURANCES, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, WHICH ARE CONTRARY TO OR INCONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS OF THIS PARAGRAPH CREATE ANY CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.