Salary
$61,609.60 - $78,104.00 Annually

Location
Seattle, WA

Job Type
Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Department
DPH - Public Health

Job Number
2023SD18469

Division
Prevention

Closing
3/29/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Summary

This is a career service (CS) position that reports to the Immunization Program Healthcare Branch Manager in the Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Immunization Section. The Education Specialist performs Childhood Vaccine Program (CVP) site visits with enrolled clinics in King County utilizing pre-designed assessment methodologies designed by Washington State Dept. of Health (DOH) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The incumbent evaluates clinic data to determine whether current CVP program policies and procedures regarding vaccine ordering, reporting, inventory management, and vaccine dose documentation are effectively carried out by the practice. This position evaluates provider compliance with federal and state requirements in a supportive, educational and precise manner, bringing the contract terms to bear in problem situations where provider access to state-supplied vaccines may be at risk. The Education Specialist also engages in immunization quality improvement with providers (IQIP), designed to increase on-time vaccination of children and adolescents. This position is based at the Chinook Building and also involves frequent travel to health care settings that provide immunization services within King County. A portion of this work may be accomplished from the incumbent's home office.

Commitment to Equity and Social Justice:
Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all - in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity

Job Duties

COMPLIANCE AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SITE VISITS

• Schedule CVP (Childhood Vaccine Program) compliance site visits and IQIP (Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers) visits.
• Following training, conduct CVP program compliance site visits at clinics throughout King County. Conduct audit-type reviews of clinics enrolled in the CVP Program. Reviews include all immunization-related functions within the practice: vaccine ordering and receiving, storage and handling, administration and documentation. The incumbent will enter findings online through PEAR, an online quality assurance tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The review process includes specific follow-up actions upon the discovery of non-compliant immunization practices.
• Respond to providers seeking guidance on CVP program requirements and protocols as a follow-up to their compliance site visit.
• Facilitate quality improvement with healthcare providers. Generate individual clinic immunization coverage assessment reports using the Washington State Immunization Information System (WA IIS). Present results to clinic staff members. Collaborate with clinic staff to identify action steps aimed at increasing vaccine uptake by improving and enhancing vaccination workflow. Document these assessments in REDCap. Schedule and carry out periodic check-ins to review progress.
• Participate in site visit reviewer training webinars hosted by the Washington State Department of Health.

COLLABORATION WITH CD/EPI & IMMUNIZATION TEAMS

• Attend and participate in Communicable Disease (CD) Epidemiology and Immunization Section staff meetings and other departmental meetings.
• Participate in emergency responses for infectious disease outbreaks.
• Assist with Communicable Disease, Immunization and/or Prevention Division special projects and initiatives upon request.
• Create an environment that fosters open communication, team work, commitment to quality service, and a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Required qualifications

• Experience coordinating with healthcare partners: conducting outreach, responding to inquiries, sharing guidance, and/or providing technical assistance. Previous work in a healthcare setting, including but not limited to, clinic administration, front desk, patient navigator, medical assistant counts towards this experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of partners (e.g., medical providers, VFC coordinators, medical front and back-office staff, pharmacists, local and state public health)
• Experience working with diverse populations and cultures, and supporting anti-racist principles of equity and social justice
• Ability to provide independent advice and guidance to health care professionals and the public within area of expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out assignments and responsibilities reliably in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner
• Skill in organizing resources, establishing priorities, and working efficiently.
• Adaptability and ability to respond quickly to unanticipated circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate orally and in writing with supervisor, co-workers, healthcare providers, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently with minimum direction in order to meet program deadlines.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License and the ability to drive a county vehicle to locations in and outside King County.

Desired qualifications

• Experience conducting clinical audits or quality improvement and assurance activities.
• Experience presenting to groups or individuals in a professional setting.
• Experience reporting and tracking data in online systems.
• Knowledge of vaccine preventable diseases, domestic immunizations programs, and vaccine delivery systems.
• Experience with the storage and handling of vaccines.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint) and REDCap.

Supplemental Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
If you are the successful candidate for the position(s), as a condition of your employment, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to work in the medical clinic(s) outlined in this job posting prior to your start date. To ensure this condition is met, prior to your start date, the county will send you a conditional offer letter requesting you to provide proof of vaccination or have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Application Process:
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

• An electronic application through www.kingcounty.gov/jobs or www.governmentjobs.com (use the "Apply" link) including work history and position duties.
• Responses to supplemental questions.
• Resume

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

• The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
• Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities, work location, and working hours.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation.
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required training on time.

Work Schedule:
The individual selected for this position will have a work schedule typically between the hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. This position is eligible for overtime.

The work associated with this position will be hybrid , which will include a combination of teleworking, onsite work (Chinook Building) , and field work 3-5 days per week . The field work will include on-site visits to healthcare facilities. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at the Chinook Building . Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Union Affiliation :
This position is represented by PROTEC17 labor union.

Contacts :
If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Sarah Dunkinson, sdunkinson@kingcounty.gov .

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite gyms and activity centers
• Employee giving program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.