Immunization Generalist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Temple, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the management of the Immunization Program Manager, performs complex consultative services & technical assistance work in the area of public health working under general supervision with moderate latitude for use of initiative and independent judgement. This position operates as an immunization generalist in the areas of data assessment involving VAOS (Vaccine Allocation & Ordering System), PEAR and ImmTrac2. Within these areas, this position is responsible for assisting with the planning, implementation and evaluation to meet program objectives. This position is required to assess data from various electronic gathering systems and assist with the development of reports about the data on various immunization functions for public health and other health care professionals in the private sector as well as the general public. Provides consultative services and assistance for the Texas Vaccine for Children (TVFC) providers in assigned counties including electronic submission of monthly reports, re-location of soon-to-expire vaccine, electronic submission of vaccine loss report forms, and submission of vaccine transfer authorization forms. Conducts follow-up activities in yearly reviews on public health clinics in assigned Counties for vaccine-related operations. Conducts Storage & Handling reviews in private provider offices in assigned counties as needed. Serves as an expert on sensaphones and data loggers which monitor refrigerator/freezer temperatures where vaccine is contained. Performs routine maintenance on sensaphones in public health clinics that are in assigned counties. Performs other related duties as assigned. Assumes an active role in the regional operation command structure during public health emergencies which may involve working alternate hours or reporting to alternate work locations. May be required to work other than normal business hours to respond to public health emergencies. Required compliance with DSHS Employee Immunization Policy.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the federal, state and public health laws regarding immunization, especially CDC standards and Texas requirements.
• 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 schedules for children, adolescents and adults.
• Knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• 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 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 understand, interpret and implement policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally & in writing.
• 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 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 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.
• Must comply with DSHS Immunization Policy.
• Required vaccines or serologic evidence of immunity to include measles, mumps, varicella, rubella, varicella (chickenpox).
• Other required vaccines include Tdap (or Td), influenza (yearly) and hepatitis B (if applicable).
• Prior completion of Incident Command System classes 700, 100, 200, 800 or completion of all within 6 months of hire.
• Minimum 1 year experience working in a Clinic or Medical office.
• Experience in planning, organizing, and conducting trainings and educational presentations.
• Experience in using Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other computer programs.
• Experience in understanding, interpreting and implementing policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing assistance, education and training to TVFC providers in assigned counties.
• Inform providers in assigned counties about trainings offered by CDC and other educational institutions utilizing technology identified.
• Conduct ongoing education to providers, schools, childcare centers, community organizations, and parents on the importance of ImmTrac2.
• Assist in the development of methods to educate appropriate parties and/or the general public on new program recommendations and guidelines.
• Using appropriate software, develop invitations to announce scheduled trainings, invite participants and provide training at least 2 times a year to various health care professionals on vaccine preventable diseases through the use of the Immunization Education Workshop for Health Care Professionals curriculum.
• Participate in community outreach activities, primarily in assigned counties.
• Provide VAOS and ImmTrac2 training as necessary.
• Promote the advantages of efficient inventory control and ordering practices to providers in assigned counties.
• Collects data for evaluating the effectiveness of the program and planning strategies for improvement utilizing the electronic vaccine inventory system.
• Conduct immunization quality assurance visit follow-up in provider clinics and assigned regional clinic sites (including  pharmacies, and schools sites), and document findings using appropriate software applications.
• Conduct Unannounced and Announced Storage & Handling visits as needed in assigned counties.
• Provide education and assistance to providers 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, assist with and support the enrollment process for new providers.
• Train public and private health care providers on procedures, reporting vaccine usage, proper storage and handling of vaccine, reporting vaccine losses, and ordering of vaccine.
• Prepare and transport vaccine in accordance with proper storage & handling techniques.
• Completes and/or participates in special projects assigned by Manager or Team Lead with initiative and planning with minimal supervision.
• Meet administrative deadlines for timesheet, leave and travel submissions.
• 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.
• 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.
• May respond to a public health emergency, including a bioterrorism event, disease outbreak, or disaster anywhere in the state.

Benefits

• DSHS offers 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed