Freelance Remote Infectious Disease Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $4,746.00 - $6,384.00 Monthly
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Only
Job Number: DOH8944
Department: Dept. of Health
Division: Disease Control and Health Statistics (DCHS)
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 7/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Workforce Pathways Professional - Health Services Consultant, Communicable Disease Programs (HSC 2)
This recruitment is open to Washington residents and those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders.
This Non-Permanent Appointment has a duration of 12 months (August 1st, 2026- August 31st , 2027).
Workforce Pathways Professional: Build the Future of Public Health in Washington
The Workforce Pathways (WFP) Program, housed within the Office of Government & Community Affairs at the Washington State Department of Health, is an innovative initiative designed to strengthen and diversify the public health workforce. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the program creates meaningful professional opportunities that prepare and support a workforce equipped to meet the diverse cultural and linguistic needs of Washington communities.
As a Workforce Pathways Professional, you will contribute to projects across public health programs, local health jurisdictions, community-based organizations, and state government. Assignments may include project coordination, community engagement, outreach and communications, data collection and reporting, policy improvement, evaluation activities, technical assistance, and cross-sector collaboration.
The program values diverse lived, educational, and professional experiences and is committed to advancing health equity by increasing representation of communities historically underrepresented in the public health workforce. Through this work, you will help shape innovative public health initiatives and strengthen the health and well-being of communities across Washington State.
The Opportunity
As Health Services Consultant within the Communicable Disease Programs, you will lead projects that strengthen infectious disease prevention, improve infection prevention outreach, and enhance public health resources used across Washington. Working within the Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology, you will divide your time between two high priority programs by coordinating statewide guidance for K-12 schools and expanding infection prevention outreach to rural healthcare facilities and dental providers.
In this role, you will manage complex projects from planning through implementation, bring together partners across state and local government, healthcare, and education, and develop practical tools and resources that improve access to current, evidence based public health information. Your work will help ensure schools, healthcare facilities, and public health partners have the guidance and support they need to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and respond to emerging public health challenges.
Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the statewide review, coordination, and publication of the Infectious Disease Control Guide for K-12 School Staff, ensuring guidance reflects current science, health equity principles, and plain language best practices.
• Facilitate collaboration with subject matter experts, local health jurisdictions, educational partners, and other stakeholders to develop and update communicable disease guidance and resources.
• Develop outreach strategies that increase participation in Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) consultative visits among dental providers and rural healthcare facilities.
• Coordinate infection prevention outreach activities, maintain ICAR data, evaluate engagement efforts, and recommend improvements that strengthen partnerships and participation.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously by tracking deliverables, coordinating stakeholder contributions, and developing sustainable processes that support future program improvements.
• Develop reports, presentations, recommendations, and training materials that communicate project outcomes and support continuous improvement across Workforce Pathways and communicable disease programs.
• Contribute to communicable disease surveillance, outbreak response, and emergency public health activities as needed to support statewide response efforts.

Why You'll Love This Role:

• Lead projects that give you ownership from planning through implementation while working with experts across public health, healthcare, and education.
• Build relationships with partners throughout Washington and gain experience coordinating complex, statewide public health initiatives.
• Improve the tools and guidance that schools, healthcare facilities, and public health professionals rely on to prevent and respond to infectious diseases.
• Contribute to a stronger, more equitable public health system by expanding access to trusted information and strengthening infection prevention efforts across Washington communities.

What You Bring:
You are energized by meaningful project work and enjoy bringing people together to solve complex challenges. You communicate clearly, stay organized while managing multiple priorities, and build productive relationships with partners who have different perspectives and areas of expertise.
You approach your work with curiosity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You value collaboration, recognize the importance of health equity and cultural humility in public service, and are comfortable translating technical information into practical guidance that others can use. Most importantly, you are motivated by work that strengthens Washington's public health system and helps communities stay healthy and informed.
Work Location & Schedule:
As a Workforce Pathways Professional, you will collaborate with host sites, program staff, and community partners to advance program objectives and support meaningful public health projects. You will build strong working relationships and maintain effective communication with Department of Health staff, host organizations, and other stakeholders.
This position may be based anywhere within Washington State and primarily operates in a telework environment. Workforce Pathways Professionals will work with their supervisor to establish an appropriate work schedule and may be expected to travel to the Tumwater duty station or other designated locations for meetings, training, or program activities, generally up to six times per year. Telework arrangements are subject to Department of Health policies and program needs.
Minimum Qualifications
There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.
Option 1: Three (3) years of experience in public health, health services, community outreach, community engagement or a similar setting.
Option 2: Bachelor's degree in public health, community health, nursing, health care administration, social work, health communications, public administration, business administration, or a related field AND one (1) year of experience in public health, health services, community outreach, or community engagement.
Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Experience organizing work, tracking tasks, and meeting deadlines across multiple assignments
• Experience adapting to changing priorities, assignments, or work environments
• Experience communicating information clearly in writing and verbally to team members, partners, or community members
• Experience supporting or coordinating meetings, outreach efforts, or project activities
• Experience documenting work, summarizing information, or contributing to reports or presentations
• Experience working both independently and as part of a team
• Experience working with or supporting communities disproportionately impacted by communicable diseases or underserved by public health systems, which may include relevant lived experience
• Experience identifying or addressing barriers to access for underserved or historically marginalized communities in program or service delivery

Preferred Qualifications
While these aren't required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

• Experience applying transferable skills from non-government settings to support public health or community-based work
• Experience learning or navigating new systems, programs, or service environments
• Experience supporting the full lifecycle of health programs or projects, including assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation

Employee Benefits
We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family's health, financial security, and work-life balance. You'll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you're living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health.
About the Washington State Department of Health
We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.
Working Conditions:
The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Setting:

• This position may work from home, a DOH facility, or remotely from an alternate location. The official duty station for this position is home-based. If onsite work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance.
• Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in indoor at home or office environments. This position is sedentary, working at a computer for extended periods.
• The position requires repetitive use of a computer, inputting data and navigating a database, creating and modifying electronic documents, and using email and the internet.

Schedule:

• This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week. DOH business hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; this position requires an online presence Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• The position would not normally require working in excess of 40 hours per week, but if it became necessary for business needs, your supervisor would notify you in advance. This position would not normally work an alternate schedule, but requests may be considered and are subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements:

• The position may occasionally require travel for normal duties.
• Travel is not required to perform the duties of this position; however occasional or infrequent travel may be expected.

Tools & Equipment:

• This position uses standard office furniture and equipment, such as a desk, office chair, cell phone, computer, monitor(s), keyboard, and mouse; and when in the office, the position may also require the use of a printer, phone, fax machine, and/or copy machine.
• This position requires reliable access to an internet connection sufficient to perform all job duties remotely.

Customer Interactions:

• Daily contact with office-level managers and staff. Work collaboratively with other state agencies, key partners and vendors as needed or directed.

Other:

• This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
• The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment.
• This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

PPLICATION DIRECTIONS:
We're committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won't be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.
Click "Apply" to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you've supervised or led (if applicable).
DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.
Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member