Public Health Nurse II

Job Description:
Public Health Nurse II

Under the supervision of the HIV/STD Program Manager, independently performs complex, specialized and comprehensive HIV/STD, and public health nursing services. Work involves planning, developing, and coordinating nursing activities for the care of individuals, families, and communities in the rural/frontier areas of Public Health Region 9/10. Services are conducted in both clinical and non-clinical settings for populations in need, including men who have sex with men, injection drug users, homeless persons, sex industry workers, and other hard to reach populations. Provides direct client care and case management services. Participates in disease control and prevention, community education, quality assurance, and program administration activities. Serves as a technical consultant and resource to the public and medical professionals by providing information on CDC/DSHS standards regarding the current testing, diagnoses and treatment of STDs and HIV. Maintains and operates a Class D Pharmacy. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Augments Tuberculosis (TB) Program in Tom Green County and surrounding areas. Provides direct client care, including but not limited to Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), collection and shipment of lab specimens, patient assessment and education.

This position will conduct activities during public health emergencies and pandemic responses. This participation may require a change in shift, location and/or supervisor.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(60%) Operates clinics at both Midland and San Angelo offices. Provides assessment, testing, treatment, education, and counseling for individuals who have been exposed to or diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases in accordance with standing delegation orders and current CDC testing & treatment guidelines. Collects specimens for laboratory and rapid testing, including urine, and blood collected via venipuncture or finger-stick. Interviews patients to identify relevant risk-factors and obtain medical history to provide individualized care according to policy, procedure, program standards, and standing delegation orders. Maintains up-to-date and thorough records of patient encounters. Always maintains patient confidentiality and strictly adheres to HIPAA standards. Coordinates with Disease Intervention Specialists to conduct public health follow-up investigations. Conducts regular inventory and ordering of medication and supplies.

(15%) Develops and delivers HIV/STD training programs/presentations to meet the needs of the department and other service providers. Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with a wide variety of partners including, but not limited to local health departments, infection preventionists, physicians, laboratories, and others involved in public or private healthcare. Serves as a subject matter expert and program liaison to healthcare providers, offering recommendations for appropriate testing and treatment. Organizes and leads team at community events, providing HIV/STD education, testing, treatment, and MPox vaccinations.

(10%) Participates in the development and revision of policies, procedures, and standing delegation orders. Participates in collection of data, data analysis, program evaluation and assists with recommendations and program reporting. Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with regional officials, agencies, and individuals who impact the program, including co-workers. Serves as a liaison with community-based organizations and assists with activities to identify target groups.

(10%) Trains and evaluates HIV/STD team members on phlebotomy, point of care testing, and standard precautions. Identifies and provides additional education and training to enhance team's knowledge base. Assists with the occupational care of staff, such as annual testing and vaccinations.

(5%) Other duties as assigned - includes, but not limited to, assisting other communicable disease programs as needed and supporting the agency's obligations for disease outbreak and disaster response. This may include needs assessments, outreach, preparedness planning, education, data management, coordination with partners from other programs, divisions, agencies, and organizations, community support, and other duties as assigned appropriate to their skills set. Safe operation of either a state-owned, rental, or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business. An acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management and procedures and standards developed by Texas Department of Public Safety. Must comply with the DSHS immunization policy.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Nursing theory and processes
Texas State Board of Nursing practice rules and regulations
Public health principles and practice, disease prevention, and health promotion
Educational program development and implementation
Quality assurance practices and improvement principles
Medical terminology and laboratory tests
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Infection Control/Standard Precautions

Knowledge of or ability to gain knowledge of:
Case Management
State laws pertaining to disease reporting and the prevention and control of STDs
Natural history and epidemiology of TB
Customer service principles
Contact investigations and client interviewing techniques
HIV/STD testing and treatment guidelines
Pharmacy and CLIA rules and regulations

Skill in:
Communicating effectively both orally and in writing
Public speaking
Use of a personal computer and basic applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Power Point

Ability to:
Provide direct client care
Train, coach, and mentor others
Analyze situations and determine courses of action
Work independently and exercise sound judgement
Travel
Wear an N-95 respirator
Prepare and maintain medical records
Handle conflict in a professional manner
Follow written and oral instructions
Apply time management principles
Work in a multi-disciplinary team environment and maintain effective working relationships
Perform basic nursing skills
Meet physical demands of the job functions

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Licensed as a registered nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
CPR certified or the ability to obtain CPR certification within the first 6 months of employment.
Current valid Texas driver's license.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Public health nursing experience in a clinical setting and/or field setting. (Preferred)
Experience in working with diverse communities. (Preferred)
Experience in developing and providing health education presentations/training. (Preferred)
Experience with computer software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the internet. (Required)

Additional Information:
PLEASE NOTE: Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name and phone number of supervisor, current/final salary, and a description of duties performed in a way that specifically demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification. RESUMES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE REQUIREMENT TO INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION NOR FOR SUPPLEMENTAL CONSIDERATION IN MEETING INITIAL CRITERIA ("See Resume" is not acceptable on the application). Resumes attached and/or pasted into the resume field may not be considered equivalent to the State Application.

MOS Code:
There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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