Careers

Description:

The Washington State Department of Health works to protect and improve the health of the people of Washington State. The Office of Immunization and Child Profile supports our mission by focusing on immunizations, a cornerstone of public health work to reduce morbidity and mortality from a vaccine-preventable disease. We also collaborate with health care providers, government agencies, and community organizations to educate parents on healthy choices and preventive care.

This position provides nursing consultation to the office and the agency, local health jurisdictions, healthcare providers, schools, the public, and other partners related to the SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine recommendations and side effects. You will participate as a liaison in the planning and implementation of COVID-19 vaccinations for Washington residents. This position also provides nursing consultation, education, and technical assistance related to immunization issues, clinical immunization practices, vaccine storage, and handling.

The duty station for this position is Tumwater, WA. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is currently expected. When approved to return, the incumbents are expected to report to the duty station for work activities. Partial telecommuting may be an option subject to supervisory approval.

About the Department of Health
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works with federal, state, tribal, and local partners to help people in Washington stay healthy and safe. Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide education to help people make good health decisions, and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies.

Benefits of Working for DOH
Washington is America’s Top State according to U.S. News (2019) and provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

Tumwater is a vibrant city just south of Olympia, the state’s capital, with a small-town feel conveniently situated between Seattle and Portland. Tumwater enjoys the benefits of an engaged and educated community and a well-supported school system, with two universities and a community college within a ten-mile radius.

DOH offers:

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for many positions.
• Growth and development opportunities.
• A wellness program that offers education, access to healthy food, and fitness classes.
• Opportunities to serve your community through meaningful work.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion by fostering an inclusive environment that encourages all employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
• An Infant at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of breastfeeding newborns and infant-parent bonding.
• A modernized workplace.

Duties Include:

• Provide nursing consultation related to the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Participate as a liaison in the planning and implementation of COVID-19 vaccinations for Washington residents.
• Lead in working with staff in the Health Promotions section to develop, review, and revise immunization related materials and ensure that the most current information is available.
• Clinical lead in the WA State Immunization Information System (IIS) forecasting algorithm decisions related to titer and vaccine tracking.
• Coordinate with IIS staff in responding to questions about immunization requirements.
• Work with the Policy and Planning Coordinator to analyze proposed or revised WACs related to immunization requirements based on clinical expertise to ensure that immunization requirements are current with recommended practices about the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Provide nursing consultation, technical assistance, and education to program staff, state agencies, LHJs, schools, childcare, preschools, providers, parents, health plans, tribes, coalitions, and other stakeholders/partners related to immunization issues, clinical immunization practices, and general vaccine-preventable diseases to ensure best practices.
• Provide public health nursing consultation to providers, LHJs, schools and child cares, the public, and other constituents through telephone and email, and participate in "Ask a Nurse" coverage schedules to provide access to information about immunizations.
• Participate in office and section quality improvement activities and applies quality improvement tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and overall quality.
• Participate as needed to support section and office efforts related to emergency preparedness and response.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or higher.
• Three (3) years of consulting or management experience in a health services program or related field.
• Current Registered Nursing license in Washington State.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the national immunization schedule.

Desired Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional experience in public health nursing as a consultant, administrator, supervisor, or educator in the area of immunizations, vaccine-preventable diseases, and immunization best practices.
• Experience in grant management, including grant application and project management.
• Master’s Degree with significant study in public health, health care administration, public or business administration, or an allied field.
• Experience with web-based tools to conduct web-based training to large audiences.
• Experience using the WA State Immunization Information System.
• One (1) year of professional experience working in a state or local immunization or communicable disease program
• Two (2) years of professional experience conducting and supporting accountability and quality assurance for meeting state and federal requirements for a public health program.