Arizona Immunization Program Office Workforce Development Project

Background:
The Arizona Immunization Program Office (AIPO) of the Arizona Department of Health Services engaged Knowledge Capital Alliance to assist the Office in conducting a Workforce Development Project. The purpose of this project was to analyze current staffing needs, including training and workforce development, as it relates to critical functions, workload, short-term and long-term strategic planning, and diversity.
The AIPO Workforce Development Project resulted in the creation of process which 1) documents AIPO staffing needs, 2) employee development requirements, 3) projects workforce needs against the strategic direction of the Office, and 4) provides AIPO repeatable management tool for determining current and future workforce needs tied to Public Health Core Competencies.

Setting:
Various public health settings including State and local agencies and clinics.

Population:
Communities that receive public health immunization services.

Project Description:
This project illustrates a strategically- aligned, results-oriented methodology for conducting workforce needs assessments, core competency identification, and training portfolio development for public health immunization programs. Participants will experience strategies, tools, templates, and database designs which allow immunization office managers to 1) periodically assess needs, 2) provide more focused training opportunities to existing staff, 3) hire new employees with better skill and competency matches, and 4) better illustrate their Office's readiness to meet future demands of their constituencies.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Immunization Offices can develop efficient, results-oriented process for conducting workforce development activities. By conducting needs assessments and gap analyses at both the Office and employee levels, 1) current and desired core competencies can be determined, 2) training and development courses and programs can be determined to close the gap, and 3) the Immunization Office can be better positioned to compete for future grant funds by clearly illustrating it ability to assess and develop its workforce to meet its future demands.