HD Public Health Nurse III

About the role

This position performs complex public health nursing work involving management of overall tuberculosis program and individual patient case management of active cases. Follows and assists in development/updating of Standard Operating Guidelines and Procedures for surveillance, case investigation and tuberculosis care and treatment. Addresses local health needs in consultation with stakeholders and professional organizations, advocacy, and consumer groups. As a subject matter expert and programmatic resource for tuberculosis, provides support to clinical services staff.

Responsibilities

• Data Analytics/Assessment Skills - Conducts investigations and follow-up of reported and suspected cases. Assists in investigations of case contacts. Oversees collection and reporting of TB data. Works with TB Program Manager on compiling data, sharing data, and sending out reports for tuberculosis. Interviews and triages clients referred for positive TB screening.
• Policy Development/Program Planning Skills - Ensures systems are in place and working to: Identify persons who have clinically active TB according to Department of State Health Services (DSHS) guidelines. Manage persons who have or who are suspected of having TB disease. Identify and manage persons infected with M.tuberculosis. Differentiate infections caused by M.tuberculosis from those caused by Nontuberculosis Mycobacterium (NTM). Provide laboratory and diagnostic services for TB. Responsible for education, assessment, and consultation for initiation of treatment for inmates with TB and LTBI at the Williamson County Jail and T. Don Hutto if agreements are made for such services. Participates in quality assurance activities related to tuberculosis. Participates in developing and implementing plans to improve reporting from local providers and other reporting sources. Ensures systems are in place and working to meet reporting requirements of DSHS and CDC for TB.
• Communication/Cultural Competency Skills - Works to educate Williamson County Jail and T. Don Hutto staff on tuberculosis screening, identification and treatment. Assists Public Information Officer (PIO) in responding to media inquiries.
• Community Partnership - Serves as a subject matter expert regarding tuberculosis for our community partners to answer basic to intermediate questions regarding tuberculosis. Works to develop effective working relationships with centers or facilities with high-risk populations to screen and identify those with latent and active TB. Maintains contact with DSHS regarding disease surveillance. Attends meetings as needed or requested to provide updates and guidance related to tuberculosis. Acts as a resource for Williamson County Jail and T. Don Hutto with respect to TB control.
• Public Health Sciences - Provides or coordinates DOT (directly observed therapy). Provides direct patient care for clients suspected of or diagnosed with TB in Williamson County. Acts as a resource for WCCHD staff for the coordination of TB patient treatment plans and education regarding program requirements.
• Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills - Participates in required training related to tuberculosis. Provides training and orientation to new staff, volunteers, and students.

Requirements

• Education, Licensure, Certifications, Experience - RN registered to practice in the state of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact required. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Professionals certification required. 2 years of clinical experience with direct patient care required. Experience in public health or case management preferred. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. BSN preferred. Valid Texas driver's license and access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge - Knowledge of TB case management. Knowledge of infection control practices. Knowledge of infectious diseases. Knowledge of general clinical practices and procedures.
• Skill - Skill in positive and constructive public relations. Skill in conducting disease and outbreak investigations. Skill in using a computer, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Professional.
• Ability - Ability to work in a collaborative manner. Ability to design and execute evaluation processes. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and to devise solutions to problems. Ability to prepare concise reports and to adapt report to various educational levels. Ability to facilitate meetings and groups and to direct planning processes. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally; skill in public speaking. Ability to adapt communication style and prevention strategies to a client. Ability to prioritize activities and manage multiple responsibilities; time management.

Benefits

Williamson County and Cities Health District offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible full-time employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical and dental coverage; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life; short-term disability and long-term disability insurance; and flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements. WCCHD also provides retirement benefits. Full-time & part-time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), and employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation).

Pay

Salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

General hours 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, M-F. Work may require occasional early morning, evening, weekend, and/or holiday hours. Extended hours may be required in the event of a public health emergency.