Public Health Specialist II

State of Vermont•Colchester, VT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vermont Department of Health is recruiting for an Immunization Program Specialist. This position is part of the Immunization Program, in the Division of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Disease, and is a cornerstone of public health by enabling healthcare providers to offer low cost or free vaccines to people who are unable to pay. This position works as part of a team to train and support healthcare practices to manage vaccines according to the requirements of the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and the state vaccine programs. The candidate will assist providers to ensure they maintain compliance with storage and handling requirements through remote technical assistance and annual practice visits. In-state travel to provider practices to conduct compliance visits is required. The work also includes effectively addressing temperature excursion inquiries from provider practices and obtaining vaccine viability information from the vaccine manufacturers.

Requirements

Three (3) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
Associate degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social work, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and two (2) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and one (1) year or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
Master’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields.
One (1) year or more of experience as Public Health Specialist I.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the fields of immunization, health surveying/auditing, and/or quality improvement.
Expertise in Microsoft Office
Proficiency in Adobe, Internet Explorer and Firefox
Ability to troubleshoot technical issues in software programs
Excellent written and oral communication skills including competency in explaining policies, procedures, requirements and recommendations
Previous experience in training or education
Ability to establish and maintain professional relations with healthcare providers and other professionals
Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to balance and prioritize competing tasks (multitask when needed)
Proven ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging situations

Responsibilities

Train and support healthcare practices to manage vaccines according to the requirements of the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and the state vaccine programs.
Assist providers to ensure they maintain compliance with storage and handling requirements through remote technical assistance and annual practice visits.
Address temperature excursion inquiries from provider practices.
Obtain vaccine viability information from vaccine manufacturers.

Benefits

80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
State defined benefit pension plan
Deferred compensation 457(b) plan
Tuition Reimbursement
Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
Low cost group life insurance
Incentive-based Wellness Program
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program