VFC Program Reviewer, Bureau of Immunization

The mission of the Bureau of Immunization (BOI) is to prevent the occurrence and transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) through comprehensive immunization programs. BOI promotes immunization across the lifespan from infancy through adulthood, works to eliminate disparities in vaccination coverage through data evaluation and support of equitable vaccination services, and actively responds to VPD outbreaks to mitigate their spread and impact on communities. The Bureau of Immunization (BOI) is seeking a Research Assistant to work in the Citywide Immunization Registry (CIR) program and the New York City (NYC) Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. The CIR is a central record-keeping system established by the NYC Health Department to collect records of vaccine doses administered in NYC. The CIR consolidates the immunization information and shares it with authorized healthcare providers providing clinical care and vaccination services and agencies concerned with public health. Individuals and guardians can access their own or their minor children’s immunization records from the CIR. Data in the CIR is analyzed for use in monitoring vaccination coverage across NYC and to direct and evaluate public health vaccination programs. The NYC VFC Program distributes federally funded vaccines to private practices, hospitals, and clinics to immunize children aged 0 through 18 years who are eligible for or covered by Medicaid, are uninsured, American Indian/Alaska Native, or whose insurance does not cover the cost of a vaccine. The VFC Unit oversees the review and evaluation of VFC provider practices and is implemented through VFC and Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP) site visits. These visits involve vaccine storage and handling evaluations, chart reviews, analysis of electronic immunization records, vaccine ordering, and vaccine utilization and reporting through the CIR. The VFC Unit is also responsible for vaccine management and processing of over 2.6 million doses of publicly funded vaccine for nearly 1,200 immunization providers each year. Providers receive vaccines in accordance with their vaccine reporting to the CIR and the VFC Unit addresses any issues that may require follow-up. The Research Assistant will perform site visits and medical chart abstractions to ensure providers enrolled in the VFC program are complying with program requirements and best practices. The Research Assistant will also assist provider offices with vaccine ordering and VFC Program re-enrollment, and will participate in outreach activities to recruit and retain providers reporting to the CIR. DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: - Administer in-person or virtually, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program compliance site visit questionnaire to providers enrolled in the VFC program throughout the five boroughs of NYC to review requirements for vaccine storage and handling, vaccine accountability, vaccine documentation, and appropriate administration of vaccines. - Conduct virtual and/or in-person VFC Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP) site visits and collect data pertaining to immunization delivery practices and site-specific immunization coverage, discussion of quality improvement strategies, and delivery of Citywide Immunization Registry (CIR) technical assistance. - Research and prepare vaccine accountability, vaccine coverage and CIR administration reports needed for the site visit. - Research and examine electronic medical record systems to verify patient VFC program eligibility. - Prepare and disseminate after-visit reports to VFC and IQIP program participants. - Document all field activity data in various internal and external tools and systems. - Perform quantitative analysis on site visit data and track progress of site visits. - Assist provider offices with vaccine orders and VFC Program re-enrollment and assist with providing education and information about the VFC program and its requirements. - Use statistical methods to run vaccine coverage reports using CIR and VFC data. - Participate in additional Bureau of Immunization duties as assigned according to civil service title. - Participate in the NYC Health Department’s emergency preparedness and response activities as assigned. PREFERRED SKILLS: - Strong background in immunization and knowledge of the VFC program - Experience conducting field visits and working in the health care community? - Excellent oral and written communication skills? - Strong problem solving and organizational skills, with ability to multi-task and track activities? - Strong critical thinking skills and interpersonal skills? - Strong attention to detail? - Proficiency in Microsoft applications (i.e. Excel, Word, PowerPoint) - Committed to the primary prevention of disease through vaccination Why you should work for us: - Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/) - Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as: o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment. o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund. o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement. o a tax-deferred savings program and o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers. - Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home. - Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work. Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise. Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers! Commitment to Equity: The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549. RESEARCH ASSISTANT - 60910 1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and six months of satisfactory full-time experience in research which involves gathering, organizing and analyzing data, and report writing; or 2. An associate degree from an accredited college, or completion of 60 semester credits at an accredited college, and two years and six months of satisfactory full-time experience in research which involves gathering, organizing and analyzing data, and report writing; or 3. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and four years and six months of satisfactory full-time experience in research which involves gathering, organizing and analyzing data, and report writing; or 4. Education and experience equivalent to "1", "2", or "3" above. Undergraduate college credit can be substituted for experience on the basis of 30 semester credits from an accredited college for one year of full-time experience. Completion of nine credits, at the college or graduate school level, in statistics, quantitative methods, mathematics, or research can be substituted for six months of the required experience. However, all candidates must possess a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and at least six months of required experience or the nine specialized credits. The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.