CENTRALIA, WA – A new position has been created by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), titled an Isolation & Quarantine Strike Team Consultant.
Three full-time, non-permanent positions are sought to be filled in the near future for the Department of Health, stationed in Lewis County’s Centralia, where the State Isolation and Quarantine Facility is located. The Facility is being housed in the 40-room Lakeview Inn.
In August, the DOH reported that they still had availability in the inn for people who “don’t fall under any city or county jurisdiction.” The DOH said it “couldn’t” release demographic information, such as where the people who used the inn were from. The Chronicle has requested, so far unsuccessfully, more information on the occupants, specifically on whether they were from the Department of Corrections work-release program.
The new positions will be “responsible for participating in program planning and evaluation of health service delivery products and identifying needs for personnel, supplies, and activities to support community and state response activities,” according to the DOH.
Of course, candidates are required to both be vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of such prior to hiring.
According to King County, the most populous county in the State of Washington, “One of the key Public Health interventions we are deploying is the siting of Isolation/Quarantine, Assessment and Recovery, and Shelter De-Intensification facilities across the County. These facilities slow the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the strain on our local healthcare facilities to ensure the safety of the public at large.”
The new job listing states, “I & Q Strike Team members are in responsible charge of the I & Q Facility during their shift and are tasked with responding to emergencies, training contractors and new staff, and providing guest support as needed.”
The DOH said that their ideal candidate “has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. Our ideal candidate is outward even when confronted with others that are not open or collaborative. They demonstrate resilience to model outward behaviors even when stressed or tired.”
Isolation and quarantine strike force is hiring in the State of Washington! pic.twitter.com/cGx1ygDBFb
— Shawn Baker MD (@ShawnBakerMD) September 18, 2021
The position lists on LinkedIn that they must be able to “Travel as needed to transport guests to and from the facility.”
Duties include, according to the DOH website:
- Maintaining the readiness of the isolation and quarantine strike team, facilities, and equipment.
- Providing direct services to the public at the I & Q facility to include: check-in, providing technical assistance, purchasing groceries and supplies for the site and guests, distributing food and resources, assisting with inventory of resources, and ensuring all guests receive excellent customer service.
- Assisting nurses on performing rounds,
- Maintaining facility cleanliness and processing guest laundry.
- Providing guest transport to and from the I & Q facility.
- Prepping the I & Q facility to receive guests, ensuring rooms are stocked and have been properly cleaned.
- Providing outreach, education, and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders.
Between the beginning of May and the end of August, 168 people used the inn, which the DOH maintains was on a voluntary basis. Of that number, 149 used the inn for isolation to get over their current sicknesses.
It’s unclear why three, full-time positions are needed for an inn with a capacity for only 40 rooms at a time, specifically when they have been operating with current staffing through the height of the pandemic.
The DOH lease on Lakeview Inn expires in April 2022. They are attempting to find a place to relocate the facility, although it’s unclear where.
Cut Out Big Tech And Advertise With Red Voice Media Directly
This piece was written by Leah Anaya on September 18, 2021. It originally appeared in RedVoiceMedia.com and is used by permission.
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.