Immunization Generalist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Temple, TX

8d • $3,581 - $3,951 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the management of the Immunization Program Manager, performs routine consultative services & technical assistance work related to immunizations under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Serves as Regional coordinator and subject matter expert for the ASN (Adult Safety Net) program, conducting follow-up activities for ASN site visits. Operates as an immunization generalist in the areas of data assessment involving VAOS (vaccine allocation ordering system), ImmTrac2 & PEAR. Within these areas, responsible for assisting with the planning, implementation, and evaluation to meet program objectives. Assesses data from various electronic gathering systems and develops data reports for public health, and other health care professionals in the private sector as well as the public. Completes site visit follow-up for providers, LHD clinics and Public Health facilities in assigned areas. Provides routine educational, consultative, and technical assistance work on immunization issues. Produces and distributes an immunization newsletter at least quarterly. Provides consultative services and assistance for TVFC and ASN providers in the assigned counties. Conducts announced reviews and unannounced visits to vaccine providers and public health clinics. Serves as an expert to providers on vaccine cold storage equipment and on monitoring equipment and supplies, including routine maintenance. Responsible for working with DSHS Preparedness Section to prepare for pandemic influenza and the response of public health. Conducts training on immunization information to healthcare workers and community groups. May be required to work other than normal business hours to respond to public health emergencies. Required compliance with DSHS Employee Immunization Policy.

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year experience working in an Immunization program or Medical Practice setting.
• Experience in using Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, other computer programs.
• Experience in planning, organizing and conducting trainings and educational presentations.
• Experience with medical terminology related to Immunizations
• Knowledge of the federal, state and public health laws regarding immunization, especially CDC standards and Texas requirements.
• Knowledge of educational techniques & procedures and survey methods & analysis.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of data management.
• Knowledge of principles of vaccines and Texas immunization laws, especially those that govern the requirements for school and daycare attendance.
• Knowledge of public health preparedness and response.
• Knowledge of requirements related to vaccine management, storage & handling, including federal and state rules and practices.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of group relationships and teaching methods.
• Knowledge of current immunization standards and schedules for children, adolescents and adults.
• Knowledge of immunizations and vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Knowledge of grammar and effective writing skills.
• Knowledge of core functions of Public Health.
• Skill in using Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, other DSHS computer programs.
• Skill in planning, organizing and conducting trainings and educational presentations.
• Skill in writing and editing.
• Skill in developing and implementing complex plans and procedures.
• Skill in problem identification, analysis, and resolution.
• Skill in project management.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service and support.
• Skill in facilitation techniques, team building, negotiation, conflict resolution, and vision building.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads and meeting deadlines; collecting, analyzing and evaluating program data.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Ability to prepare written reports and develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally & in writing, including preparation of detailed reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management and representatives of local medical and public health communities and the general public.
• Ability to present complex information to a variety of lay and professional audiences.
• Ability to summarize, interpret, and apply pertinent technical literature.
• Ability to function as an effective team member.
• Ability to identify problems and implement appropriate solutions, using sound, independent judgement.
• Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgement.
• Ability to initiate projects, work on multiple projects, and track project status at a detailed level.
• Ability to manage and prioritize projects and coordinate and motivate employees.
• Ability to plan and conduct effective meetings.
• Ability to identify and interpret laws, regulations and policies related to the program.
• Ability to assist with developing program goals and measure outcomes.
• Ability to adhere to DSHS Universal Expectations, Guiding Principles, Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license, or equivalent license from another state.
• Prior completion of Incident Command System classes 700, 100, 200, 800 or completion of all within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Functioning as regional coordinator for the ASN (Adult Safety Net) program, conduct ASN site visits follow-up.
• Develop trainings using available software applications for presentations on vaccines adults and present via classes or small groups per request of the community.
• Provide ongoing assistance, education and training to assigned TVFC providers in designated counties.
• Provide VAOS, and ImmTrac2 training and installation as necessary.
• Inform providers in assigned counties of trainings offered by CDC and other educational institutions utilizing technology identified and promote the advantages and efficient inventory control and ordering practices of VAOS.
• Educate providers, schools, childcare centers, community organizations, and parents on the importance of ImmTrac2.
• Develop methods to report and educate appropriate parties and/or the general public on new program recommendations and guidelines in the assigned counties.
• Conduct immunization quality assurance reviews in assigned regional clinics), and as needed in other sites (pharmacies, schools, adult safety-net clinics and Local Health Departments) and document findings using appropriate software applications.
• Yearly, conduct immunization quality assurance reviews in 5 clinics that provide only adult vaccines using appropriate data collection methods.
• Conduct at least 5 Unannounced Storage & Handling visits in assigned counties yearly.
• Conduct follow-up activities on sites in assigned counties based on referral, updating documents using appropriate software applications.
• Establish and maintain relationships with providers in assigned counties by visiting their offices at least 6 times per year to serve as a resource and consultant and to offer technical assistance and assure program compliance.
• Identify and recruit area providers in assigned counties to participate in the Texas Vaccines for Children program.
• Completes and/or participates in special projects assigned with initiative and planning without direct supervision.
• Using appropriate software, produce and distribute an immunization newsletter at least quarterly.
• Provide quarterly training to various health care professionals on vaccine preventable diseases using the Immunization Education Workshop for Health Care Professionals curriculum and assist with activities related to obtaining continuing nursing education (CNE’s).
• Participate in community outreach activities, primarily in assigned counties.
• Responsible for collecting school immunization records on adolescents and data entering the information for assessment by Central Office staff.
• Responsible for gathering and reporting information on nationally identifiable immunization activities (NIIW, NIAM, etc).
• Responsible for working with DSHS Preparedness Section to prepare for pandemic influenza and the response of public health.
• Participates in Disease Prevention & Control initiatives, administrative or technical in nature, in times of routine and emergency operations.
• Maintain manual and electronic files according to standard operating procedures.
• Tracks, monitors and maintains immunization staff training certificates to ensure compliance.
• Meet administrative deadlines for timesheet, leave and travel submissions.
• Meets administrative deadlines for timesheet, leave and travel submissions, maintain manual and electronic files according to standard operating procedures.
• Participates as a member of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) structure and performs other duties as assigned which may include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
• Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
• May respond to a public health emergency, including a bioterrorism event, disease outbreak, or disaster anywhere in the state.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed