The Immunization Specialist performs complex human services support work that contributes to the prevention and control of specific vaccine preventable diseases. This position assists with special rural immunization clinics, promotes the immunization registry (IMMTRAC2), registers patients at clinics, and maintains a reminder/recall system in place; Disseminates educational information to public and healthcare providers; Participates in epidemiologic investigations for disease control.
The ideal candidate would have experience in public health work with infectious diseases, emergency management and documenting in the immunization registry (TWICES).
This position may require hours outside of the normal 8:00am to 5:00 pm work schedule to respond to public health emergencies and/or to participate in public awareness events such as health fairs and screenings.

Essential Job Functions:
(40%) Client Services:
Provides public health services to clients with a range of health needs, such as immunization clinics for under immunized communities ad follows requirements for vaccine administration and documentation. Completes reports and documentation and coordinates immunization clinics to underserved population. Promotes medical home services and reminder/recall system. Receives collections, maintains reports and mails them within the required time frame. Educates the public regarding the importance and safety of immunizations. Travels to assigned areas to provide outreach clinics and consumer information to organizations.
(20%) Program Management:
Maintains communication with community partners to increase involvement in immunization promotion. Serves as secondary coordinator in Texas Vaccine for Children Program. Responds to the vaccine storage alarm system when activated and is responsible for medical record retention/destruction.
(20%) Immunization Management:
Updates information in TWICES to ensure immunizations are in the registry. Promotes IMMTRAC2 among parents and providers. Responsible for ensuring the proper handling and storage of vaccine. Maintains vaccine inventory and reports accurate documentation on TWICES.
(10%) Consumer Information:
Coordinates and travels to participate in activities to educate and motivate the public in English and Spanish about the importance and safety of immunizations. Distributes and ensures patient understanding of the Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) which informs parents and recipients about the risks and benefits of vaccines.
(5%) Disease Surveillance:
Investigates suspected Vaccine Preventable Diseases and is responsible for entry of data into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS). Interviewa patients and requesta information from providers, hospitals and labs and enters data within 30 days of report.
(5%) Other Duties as Assigned:
Assists to maintain office coverage, may require traveling to other locations. Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. May require an alternate shift pattern or assignment change.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of:

Standards of Immunization practices for children, adolescents, and adults

TWICES/ IMMTRAC2 data entry

Administration and Office practices

Ordering, purchasing and maintenance of receipt books

Record retention and destruction

Skill in:

Organizing meetings between individuals, departments or organizations and coordinating travel arrangements

Utilizing computer programs including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Analyzing data and preparing written reports

Ability to:

Critically think to solve problems and respond during emergency situations

Interpret immunization schedules, policies and procedures

Present information, trainings, & presentations to the public

Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA Rules and Regulations

Communicate in English and Spanish

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Certified Medical Assistant or Licensed to practice as a Vocational Nurse in the State of Texas

Current BLS/CPR Certification

Valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state

Applicants must include Driver’s License number and License/certification information on their application.

Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Certified as medical Assistant or Licensed to practice as a vocational nurse in the State of Texas.
2. Current CPR/BSL certificate.
3. Experience using Microsoft computer programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint).
4. Ability to communicate in English and Spanish.
5. Experience administering injections.

Additional Information:
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Salary Note: The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
The applicant selected for this position will need to maintain compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy.
This position has the ability to telework up to 10% after a 6-month probation period but will be required to come into the office location on an as needed basis. Selected applicants must have the ability to provide personal home internet service and must also have a home office location free from distractions that will provide the ability to ensure confidentiality in the workplace.
Applicants invited to an interview will be required to complete a skills test/in-basket exercise.

MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include but are not limited to: 68S68Z, 60C, HM, 230X, HS. MED, SEI12, NAP11, 480X1, 4E0X1, 43EX, 43HX . All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/compensation/jobdescriptions.aspx