Licensed Practical Nurse Vaccine/Outreach Specialist

Description

CORE VALUES

The core values of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) are dignity and stewardship. Each staff member is expected to perform their job duties in a way that preserves dignity for our patients and maintains good stewardship of the Center’s resources.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The LPN - Vaccine\Outreach Specialist will be part of the Vaccine Team and work with the Vaccine Compliance Coordinator on oversight of vaccine practices throughout the CHC/SEK organization, with a focus on the 3011 Pittsburg location and the Central region. The position will work closely with Workplace Health, School Health, and Outreach coordinators on scheduling and staffing various school, workplace, and community outreach events.  

Responsibilities to include: daily oversight of vaccine stock at the 3011 clinic, review and submission of private vaccine orders to vendor, review & follow up of Medicare PartD vaccine administrations, redistribution and transport of vaccine stock across the organization as needed, data analysis and/or correction to meet state and federal guidelines and quality measures, and work with clinic staff to educate and reinforce CHC/SEK vaccine standards to meet VFC requirements.  

The position will cross train in areas of registration, workplace health, correctional health, and school health to provide support with staffing as needed, and with tasks such as urine drug screen collection, phlebotomy, biometric/health screens, hearing and vision screens, and other areas as interest and the organization’s needs arise.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Maintain vaccine inventory and storage for the Pittsburg Main clinic, including private vaccines and vaccines for children (VFC) stock, in accordance with CHC/SEK policies/procedures, KDHE and/or VFC guidelines and requirements. Monitor inventory levels, place vaccine ordering, and facilitate the transfer and transport of vaccine stock, as needed. 
• Support VFC Coordinators and clinical teams in Central Region, including education and assistance, with vaccine inventory management, monthly WebIZ reconciliations, appropriate minimum inventory levels, and compliance for all vaccine related duties and requirements. 
• Serve as a knowledgeable vaccine resource, providing education and guidance regarding vaccine administration, storage, handling, requirements, and processes. 
• Assist Vaccine Compliance Coordinator with vaccine compliance, safety, review and efficiency, education and/or barriers, preparation and participation in KDHE vaccine audits, and monthly VFC coordinator/backup meetings. 
• Maintain appropriate access to Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma State Immunization registries and utilize systems to support vaccine documentation and compliance.
• Collaborate with Pharmacy, Billing, providers, and clinical staff to assist in coordination of MediCare Part D vaccine administrations, ensuring prescriptions are sent to pharmacy and/or patient assistance forms are submitted to the manufacturer.
• Assist with yearly updates of Senso and Datalogger monitoring systems and calibrations as well as updates to each clinic’s VFC “Immunization Manual” to ensure policies, certificates, standing orders, emergency documents, etc remain up to date per KDHE/OKDH and VFC regulations.
• Participate in community and CHC/SEK outreach services ensuring supplies and equipment is available and in good working order in advance of the event to have enough time to repair and/or replace items to ensure efficient events. Supplies and equipment may include, but not limited to, OAEs, vision scanner, audiometer, vision charts, vaccine cooler(s), vaccine administration supplies, urine drug screen supplies, portable printer/scanner, iPad, Mifi, and laptop.
• Crosstrain and collaborate with School Health, Correctional Health, Workplace Health, and other departments to provide staffing coverage as needed, including hearing and vision screenings, urine drug screens, and vaccine outreaches within area schools and businesses. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Valid LPN license in Kansas required. Must obtain a multistate LPN license in nurse’s state of residence within ninety (90) days of hire. 
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with vaccine in a healthcare setting required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, as travel is required. Must maintain driving standards- no more than 2 minor or 1 major driving violations within a 3-year lookback period.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association or obtain within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Must be fluent in English, written and verbal. Bilingual is a plus.
• Complete annual training/competencies for CDC You Call the Shots, Storage & Handling, VFC, and CHC training. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates respect for individuals from diverse cultural, social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds while fostering an inclusive workplace and supporting equitable, patient-centered care.
• Knowledge of ACIP vaccine schedules, vaccine-preventable diseases, and preventive healthcare practices. As well as cold Chain Management, use of state immunization registries, and VFC eligibility guidelines. 
• Demonstrates a commitment to exceptional customer service by treating patients, visitors, coworkers, and community partners with dignity, empathy, professionalism, and respect.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and capable of effectively using electronic medical record software, as well as navigating state and federal vaccine registration websites. 
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with patients, employees, and other individuals related to the functions of the position. Builds collaborative working relationships across departments, responds promptly to concerns, actively listens, and uses appropriate communication channels to resolve issues.
• Maintains patient and business confidentiality, protecting sensitive information in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable CHC/SEK policies and procedures. 
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, remaining flexible, organized, and efficient with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, calmly responding to emergencies, and maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced healthcare environment. 
• Must have flexibility with time and travel, due to early/late events, responding to vaccine alarms, and travel to various clinics, schools, businesses, or jails to provide coverage or services that may occur outside of regular scheduled and/or operational hours. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in various settings, including but not limited to, outpatient clinics, community settings, correctional facilities, schools, businesses, health fairs, mobile clinics, and other outreach locations. Requiring frequent, daily travel between CHC/SEK locations and assignment locations. Employee is expected to be able to travel to assigned locations independently as well as collaboratively. 
• Work hours may vary depending on vaccine needs, including responding timely to vaccine alarms and performing work related duties outside of regular business hours. 
• Multiple times per day, alternating between sitting, standing, and walking throughout the clinic. Sitting may occur for prolonged periods of time. Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, or reach.
• Maintain manual dexterity to sufficiently use hands and fingers for handling vaccines, medical equipment, administering vaccines, writing, and using office equipment (keyboard, mouse, etc…). As well as reaching, grasping, handling, manipulating medical instruments and office equipment. Repetitive hand, wrist and finger movements related to clerical and clinical duties. These tasks are performed on a frequent, daily basis.
• Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual communication platforms. Must be able to clearly speak, hear, and distinguish speech and clinical sounds. 
• Maintain visual acuity necessary to perform vaccine reconciliation, storage, and monitoring. Read and interpret printed materials, computer screens, and other clinical information. Prolonged exposure to computer use, up to entire shift, is required. 
• Regularly push, pull, and lift equipment or medical supplies. Frequently lift, move, and carry up to ten (10) pounds independently and occasionally lift, move, and carries up to fifty (50) pounds. 
• Maintains composure and professionalism during stressful, high-volume, and/or emergency situations and to effectively manage returning to normal operations immediately after an event occurs. Possesses the ability to effectively engage in conflict resolution and utilize leadership skills to maintain a professional, collaborative, and efficient environment. 
• Exposure to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, hazardous materials, and other environmental risks common in a healthcare setting. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention protocols must be followed.