VFC Program Reviewer, Disease Control/Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Unit

ONLY PERMANENT EMPLOYEES IN THE TITLE AND THOSE WHO ARE REACHABLE ON THE PUBLIC HEALTH EPIDEMIOLOGIST CIVIL SERVICE LIST ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

Division/Program Summary Description:

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 NYC Vaccines for Children (VFC) program distributes federally funded vaccines to healthcare providers, such as private practices, health centers and hospitals, to immunize children ages 0 through 18 years who are eligible for or enrolled in Medicaid, uninsured, American Indian/Alaska Native, or whose insurance does not cover the cost of a vaccine.

Position Summary:

In New York City, the VFC Unit oversees the review and evaluation of VFC program provider practices. Enrollment and oversight are implemented through the VFC program and the Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP) program site visits conducted by Public Health Epidemiologists. These visits involve vaccine storage and handling evaluations, chart reviews, analysis of electronic immunization records, vaccine ordering, and vaccine utilization and reporting through NYCs Citywide Immunization Registry. 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. The VFC Unit addresses any issues that may require follow-up. The incumbent will report to the VFC program Unit Chief and will not supervise staff.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-person/virtual enrollment visits for new providers participating in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program throughout the five boroughs of NYC delivering training and education on VFC program requirements.
• Conduct in- person Vaccines for Children (VFC) program compliance site visits among providers enrolled in the VFC program throughout the five boroughs of NYC to review CDC compliance requirements for vaccine storage and handling, vaccine accountability, vaccine documentation, and appropriate administration of vaccines.
• Conduct virtual and/or in-person VFC IQIP site visits and review of immunization delivery practices and site-specific immunization coverage, discussion of quality improvement strategies, and delivery of Citywide Immunization Registry (CIR) technical assistance.
• Observe staff during site visits on a quarterly basis and prepare evaluation reports.
• Serve as a liaison between providers and the VFC program.
• Prepare necessary materials and resources required the site visits.
• Document all field activities internal and external data systems.
• Analyze status and progress of site visits.
• Provide technical assistance to providers (e.g., CIR systems, vaccine storage unit monitoring and thermometer configuration).
• Track and analyze site visit progress, identifying trends and performance gaps through qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Coordinate actions with other bureau teams including Vaccine Management and CIR to improve and maximize field activities in response to provider incidents.
• Attend all required internal and/or external meetings and trainings.
• Support the Bureau of Immunization and conduct non-routine tasks as assigned.
• Participate in bureau and agency public health emergency response activities as assigned.

Preferred Skills:

• Have a strong background in immunization
• 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)
• Experience in data analysis and statistical software preferred
• 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 individuals 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.

PUBLIC HEALTH EPIDEMIOLOGIST - 51181

Minimum Qualifications

1. A master's degree in public health or epidemiology from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 12 graduate credits in epidemiology; or

2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university plus two years of full-time paid experience as a health professional in a position which requires data collection and the reading and interpretation of medical charts and medical information in support of surveillance and epidemiologic investigations.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

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 individuals sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.