Public Health Nurse

The Position

GENERAL SUMMARY The primary responsibilities of this Public Health Nurse position is in the Communicable Disease Programs. These programs include Notifiable Conditions reporting, Tuberculosis case management, Immunization Clinic and Refugee Health Services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct notifiable conditions surveillance activities and participates in case investigations to identify causative agents and environmental conditions and assists in other disease response/prevention activities in collaboration with other District staff.
• Provide public health guidance to medical providers, schools, childcares, community partners and department staff; serve as subject matter expert to staff and community partners on Communicable Diseases.
• Work to engage the medical provider community in offering EPT and reporting notifiable STIs and HIV.
• Be knowledgeable of routine adult and childhood immunizations and provide immunizations in the clinic or outreach settings per Health Officer Standing Orders.
• Provide TB testing, facilitate referrals to providers, provide education in various community and professional settings, conduct case management services to all active pulmonary TB cases.
• Conduct Refugee Health Screenings in accordance with the DOH contract and facilitate referrals to community providers for ongoing care.
• Evaluate health trends, health disparities, and risk factors of individuals and communities; assist in determining priorities, assist in researching interventions for identified groups and for specific health issues.
• Use epidemiological methods and scientific knowledge through the lens of social determinants of health and health equity. Interpret the data based on scientific information and share with individuals, communities and systems as needed.
• Provide leadership for and participate in community partnerships to identify and solve health issues.
• Acquire and maintain current knowledge and competency in public health nursing practices. Share/communicate information that benefits the department.
• Attend trainings and employer sponsored and mandated meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to effectively assist clients and obtain information from clients with diverse cultural backgrounds. Be non-judgmental of clients and their lifestyles
• Ability to use a computer for word processing, navigating the internet, and conducting job related internet searches
• Able to conduct client assessments, provide referrals according to client needs, and maintain electronic medical records.
• Able to work collaboratively and cooperatively with co-workers, the public, and professionals.
• Exercise independent professional judgment in the application of public health principles and nursing practice
• write clear reports and maintain accurate client records.
• Able to organize and manage own workload with minimal supervision
• Complete duties under stress, deadlines and while attending to multiple duties simultaneously
• Ability to communicate with clients via an interpreter

The Requirements & Selection Process

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree in nursing from an accredited school with which includes a Community/Public Health component and a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Washington.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Information, in accordance with Washington State Governor's Proclamation 21.14.2, as a condition of employment, BFHD employees must be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical/religious accommodation by time of hire. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their final dose in a vaccine series. Vaccine or an approved accommodation will be verified prior to first day of work. Should you not be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical/religious accommodation you will not be able to start employment with BFHD. Please contact Human Resources at Dept.HumanResources.Members@bfhd.wa.gov if you have questions

Additional Requirements: Must obtain a valid Washington State driver's license within 30 days of employment and have an insured vehicle available for work related travel. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States of America. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish preferred.

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