Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Coordinator

About the role

Performs complex (journey level) public health nursing (PHN) work under general supervision of the Assistant Regional Nurse Manager, Regional Nurse Manager and Regional Medical Director, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Responsible for coordination of perinatal hepatitis B prevention program (PHBPP) activities in Regions 2/3 and 7. Works with the State PHBPP coordinator, regional nurses, local health department (LHD) departments and DSHS Immunization program managers to develop processes to improve program performance and delivery of services. Provides training, guidance and inservices for LHDs, hospitals, laboratories, and health care providers. Implements quality assurance activities to measure program performance. Fosters relationships to promote adherence to program guidelines and standards. Monitors program operations in assigned jurisdictions. Provides specialized nursing consultation for individuals and families. Oversees the completion of monthly mandatory reports to Central Office. As a member of the PHN team may provide traditional PHN services for immunizations, tuberculosis and HIV/STD. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies. This position is office-based but employee must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job functions. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards. Location: Arlington, TX (1301 S Bowen Rd Ste 200).

Responsibilities

• Program Services Coordination (30%): Serve as local subject matter expert for perinatal hepatitis B prevention; coordinate surveillance, reporting, contact tracing and case management with DSHS Central Office and local health departments; determine best practices based on geographic and epidemiologic assessments; coordinate trainings for regions, LHDs, health care providers, patients and families; coordinate referrals to minimize interruption of case management services.
• Program Monitoring (30%): Provide technical support and consultation to regions and LHDs in Regions 2/3 and 7; evaluate and monitor surveillance strategies to improve reporting of HBsAg‑positive pregnant women; review medical reports and forms for compliance with program policies, state regulations and reporting laws; review case management reports for accuracy and completeness and submit to Central Office; prepare monthly reminder lists for LHDs and field offices to monitor case management activities.
• Education and Training (15%): Plan and develop educational activities using state‑approved training presentations and brochures for health professionals (hospitals, birthing centers, laboratories, prenatal care providers) on hepatitis B transmission, reporting laws, vaccination schedule, case management, surveillance methods and contact investigations; develop new partnerships to increase screening of pregnant women and report HBsAg‑positive and unknown status results to DSHS.
• Case Management (10%): Perform and oversee all case management activities related to perinatal hepatitis B prevention in Regions 2/3 and 7; receive lab reports of HBsAg‑positive and unknown status results; determine pregnancy status and locate infected mother; educate mother on hepatitis B transmission, case management process and elicit household and sexual contacts; assure infants born to HBsAg‑positive or status‑unknown mothers receive hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and first hepatitis B dose within 12 hours of birth; perform case management of infants and contacts including serology testing; assure postpartum serology testing for mothers;