Medical Assistant - Vaccine Compliance (Health Department)

Job Title

This position is open until the first review and is a bargaining unit represented position.

Job Description

Why Join Snohomish County? Snohomish County's commitment to life-work balance and an inclusive culture. The County offers outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities to our employees, and we also enjoy flexible work schedules, telework options and a convenient downtown Everett, WA location. Snohomish County believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and is committed to embedding these values into our workplace culture. Snohomish County is located on the Puget Sound; we are situated near some of the country's most scenic national parks and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Teleworking Options? The Health Department typically has a hybrid model for most roles; however, it is outlined by the supervisor for the given role based on performance and business needs. This role is expected to be on-site or in the field during regular business days and hours (Monday-Friday, 8-5pm). There is some flex in the start and end time for the shift but will be up to the supervisor's discretion.

Definition: Under direction of the Clinic Manager, the incumbent will perform a variety of public health activities to address vaccine issues, including immunization rates and disparities adversely impacting populations and individuals residing within Snohomish County. The incumbent will perform Vaccine for Children (VFC) compliance site visits at healthcare clinics in Snohomish County and the other counties in Region 1 (Skagit, Whatcom, San Juan, and Island counties) and will work collaboratively with various disciplines and agencies throughout Snohomish County to identify and then reduce or impact issues that adversely affect the vaccine rates of the population. The incumbent will work with local health jurisdiction and healthcare partners in Region 1 to assure provider staff are appropriately trained in vaccine ordering, inventory, storage, and handling. The incumbent will also participate in screening and documenting the vaccine status of each child receiving public-purchased vaccine. This position will serve as an expert on vaccine-related issues and incorporates their working knowledge of vaccine practices in provider visits.

The incumbent may also perform paraprofessional-level health care assistance duties at the Snohomish County Health Department, including administering vaccines, providing administrative support, assisting in STI testing and treatment, adapting roles/tasks to maximize clinic efficiency, and performing outreach activities.

The medical assistant demonstrates cultural competency in the ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic circumstances to influence effective change at multiple levels of public health interventions.

Work is performed under general supervision. Program manager, supervisor, or designee, defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines; and assists incumbent with unusual situations, which may not have clear objectives or precedents. Incumbent plans and carries out assignments and handle problems and deviations in accordance with experienced judgment, instructions, policies, procedures and/or accepted practices. Incumbent is expected to operate with considerable latitude and apply sound judgment and teamwork. Work is evaluated for technical soundness and conformity to practice and policy.

Job Duties

Examples of Work Performed:

• Perform VFC site visits to healthcare clinics in Region 1
• Participates in strategies to increase utilization of vaccines
• Works collaboratively in community efforts to promote policies and action plans to improve vaccine rates
• Provide basic immunization information/education
• Document vaccinations in agency electronic health record and/or state immunization registry
• Participate in off-site vaccination clinics in the community including regularly scheduled and seasonal clinics
• Participate in community events such as health fairs to promote increased rates of immunization
• Assist with mobile site set-up and tear-down
• Room patients, including performing and recording patient vital signs, reviewing demographics, allergies and medication ordered.
• Performing aseptic procedures, such as cleaning and disinfecting equipment, using sterile equipment, and practicing standard precautions
• Preparing and assisting PHNs or ARNP in sterile procedures
• Administer intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, performed under the standing orders of the ARNP or Health Officer
• Inform patient on medication and/or vaccination indication and possible side effects
• Observing and reporting patients' signs or symptoms after treatment
• Provide basic immunization information
• Schedule clinic appointments for follow-up treatment and immunizations
• Clean, stock and set up patient examination rooms
• May assist with ordering, inventory, monitor, and maintain clinical and laboratory supplies
• Participate in quality improvement and quality assurance activities as appropriate
• Transport biologicals, sharps, and other required supplies in a safe and secure manner
• Clean, sanitize, and disinfect work areas, tools, etc.
• Maintain medication and vaccination records and ensure that client records are kept secure and confidential and maintained consistent with SCHD policies, procedures, and HIPAA standards. Educate clients and families on their rights as related to privacy of medical information.
• Participates in and supports emergency preparedness and response activities, including preparedness for the division, agency, and community.
• Collaborate with clinical and VPD team members to maintain VFC immunization program activities

Associated Duties:

• Perform other related duties as requested by Program Supervisor or Administration.

Successful Incumbents for this Position will have the following:

• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Ability to support the Heath Department and county's mission, vision, and organizational goals.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and clinical procedures; health care maintenance and prevention
• Knowledge of human systems, including anatomy, physiology, biology, human growth, and development; behaviors and practices to achieve and maintain good health; health and social services resources; occupational hazards and safety procedures
• Knowledge of state and federal guidelines for laboratories, biohazards, laboratory specimen collection and handling; Health Care Assistant WAC certification requirements at all levels
• Knowledge of common computer software programs and skill in using a computer
• Knowledge of and skill in administrative support practices and procedures; medical record-keeping procedures; using current computer software including clinical practice management systems
• Communication skills (oral and written) including the ability to read, write and converse in the English language
• Clinical procedure and laboratory skills (vary by clinical assignment)
• Skill in basic math, analyzing, assessing, problem solving and client interviewing
• Skill in working with racial, ethnically, and socio-economically diverse populations; working as a part of a multidisciplinary team
• Skill in performing several tasks simultaneously; meeting deadlines and working under time constraints
• Experience administering vaccines to adults and children

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications: Skills for the position may be gained through education, certification, relevant job experience or a combination, such as:

• Graduation from an accredited Medical Assistant Certified program; State of Washington Medical Assistant - Certified License.
• Successful completion of Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers
• CPR/AED certification, preferred
• Minimum of one (1) year working as a Medical Assistant, preferred

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Information:

• A valid Medical Assistant accreditation.
• Successful completion of a background check pursuant to RCW 43.43.830.
• Valid Washington State Driver's license or ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of hire and a driving record which meets the requirements of Snohomish County's insurance carrier.

Benefits

Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week. Visit to learn more about the following benefits.

County Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Commuting Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (E