Public Health Specialist II

at State of Vermont in Colchester, Vermont, United States

Job Description

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. 

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the fields of immunization, health surveying/auditing, and/or quality improvement. Additional qualifications include:

- 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

Duties are performed in both a standard office and field settings. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel. Stress may be anticipated in dealing with emotional situations involving application of programs, especially in dealing with families and in the allocation of program resources.