I. POSITION IDENTIFICATION

Work Unit: Health Department        

Supervisor: Public Health Director

Current Classification:

Pay Grade: 15           Wage: $25.59 – 31.60/Hour

Title: Public Health Nurse/Prevention Specialist
Full-Time

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II. ASSIGNED DUTIES AND TASKS

Position overview:

This is a multifaceted job with daily fluctuations based on the needs of the community.  It requires strong RN nursing skills and knowledge as well as the ability to quickly change roles.  This position will facilitate programs that include home visiting, immunization clinics, chronic disease prevention activities, community collaboration and outreach, community educational offerings and innovative approaches to reach at-risk populations to improve public health in Park County. The position requires the highest level of confidentiality.

All duties below are essential functions unless otherwise indicated. Duties of the position are not all inclusive and subject to change

A.        IMMUNIZATION

1. Be responsible for organizing and conducting flu/COVID vaccine clinics for community members and local businesses during appropriate times of year.  Order vaccines and supplies as needed and be responsible for storage and handling of vaccinations.
2. Work with the Rural School Nurse to coordinate with all Park County schools and daycare facilities to facilitate immunization clinics that include influenza, HPV, TDap and meningococcal immunizations.
3. Provide vaccinations to the public at other times of the year upon request. 
4. Work with community partners on immunization programs, education and outreach. 
5. Complete quarterly immunization reports for the Montana Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant.
6. Be in charge of and responsible for the State Immunization grant requirements which includes quarterly reporting, conference calls and trainings.  Acts as Immunization grant liaison.
7. Maintain and update County Bloodborne Pathogen policy including completion of continuing education annually for County employees and throughout the year for new hires.

B.        CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION

1. Be in charge of and responsible for the Health Department’s Coordinated Chronic Disease Prevention programs.  These programs include, but are not limited to, Montana Diabetes Prevention Program, Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program, and Montana Asthma Program. 
2. Ensure the programmatic requirements are met for each quarter and fulfill any necessary reporting and evaluation.  This includes developing and implementing an annual work plan and attending all conference calls and trainings.
3. Work with the Health Director to assess the factors and conditions that affect chronic disease and injury in Park County, including the social determinants of health.
4. Work with the Health Director to convene public health partners to identify strategies, policies, and programs to address chronic disease issues.
5. Provide outreach and education around chronic disease prevention and injury to the public, partners, and others in the community. 
6. Ensure data regarding programs, outreach efforts, and other information is collected and able to be reported and utilized by the Health Department.
7. Review Department programs for effectiveness and update as needed.   
8. Work with the Health Director to create and implement strategies to address issues related to chronic disease and injury.

C.      MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH PROGRAM

1. Be in charge of and responsible for the Maternal and Child Health Program which includes quarterly reporting, conference calls and trainings.  Act as Maternal and Child Health grant liaison.
2. Conduct home visits for clients to assess health issues and home environment and provide education and referral information as needed.
3. Make referrals to other community resources agencies and specialists when appropriate.
4. Work with community partners on outreach and education around maternal and child health issues.
5. Be responsible for the Fetal, Infant, Child, Maternal Mortality Review and Prevention program for Park County.

 OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Performs other duties as assigned by Health Director.  This job may include special projects and a variety of other functions as needed.   

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III. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

This work requires utilization of strong RN skills and knowledge.  Nursing knowledge including infant and maternal assessment, chronic diseases, immunization purpose and schedules and emergency preparedness protocols.  It is important to be familiar with or have the ability to learn local and State resources related to public health.  Strong communication skills, ability to speak publicly, innovation, and efficiency are needed. Ability to work effectively with other professionals.  Must be very familiar with or learn medical and legal (HIPAA) guidelines. Ability to work independently while understanding the importance and value of collaboration is a must. Experience being an active member of your health community is valuable. A motivated and well-organized individual is desired in this multi-faceted job.  The ideal candidate is able to work with people of varying backgrounds and is able to set aside judgements and meet people ‘where they are at.’   

Must be able to operate a computer, have skills in word processing, data entry and specialized programs as necessary. Must be able to operate fax, copier and cell phone. Defensive driving in all road conditions.

Skills and Abilities:

• Clearly explain information and apply collaborative problem-solving strategies to achieve cooperation and compliance with state, federal and local laws;
• Prioritize assignments and responsibly allocate resources to respond to emergency, special, or routine situations and meet deadlines in a timely manner;
• Complete clear, concise, and accurate logs, reports, and correspondence that will be public record;
• Establish positive working relationships with management, employees, volunteers, and the public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds;
• Assess customer needs and ensure services are provided personally or by making appropriate referral;
• Provide friendly and timely customer service to the public; and
• Exercise sound judgment by analyzing and projecting consequences of decisions and/or recommendations when answering questions and releasing information.

Education and Experience:

Must have a degree in Nursing.  Must be a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse. Experience working as a nurse with 2-4 years is preferred.  Experience working with the general public and people of varying backgrounds is needed. Experience with medical billing will be helpful. Experience working in the public health is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Montana State Board of Nursing License - Active

Current Montana Driver’s License

FEMA IS-700, ICS-100 online courses within 6 months of employment and ICS-200, ICS-300 course within one year of employment as mandated by the State.

IV. ACCOUNTABILITY

These services are part of the comprehensive efforts to improve child and public health status in Park County, as provided for DPHHS Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, DPHHS Immunization grant, DPHHS Chronic Disease Prevention grant, and state and non-profit initiatives.  Perform duties within R.N. license scope of practice.

V. CONFIDENTIALITLY

The position requires handling non-public confidential information.  The person in the position acknowledges the confidential nature of non-public information regarding students, immunization clients and school personnel. Consistent with applicable policy and guidelines, this position will respect and safeguard the privacy of students, immunization clients and school personnel and the confidential nature of information in accordance with Montana state law, without limiting the general nature of this commitment. The person in the position hereby acknowledges that the person understands that in this context, confidential information is considered all non-public information that can be personally associated with an individual. 

If in the course of executing job responsibilities, the person in the position accidentally accesses information that others might consider inappropriate for this position to access, the person in the position will notify the person’s supervisors of the date and time of the access.  If a question arises at a later time, it will be understood that the access was accidental.  The person in the position will not disseminate any such information.

By signing this Position Description, the undersigned hereby acknowledges reading and understanding this section regarding confidentiality and agrees to abide by the terms and conditions set forth herein.  Violation of confidentiality may warrant disciplinary action, up to and including, suspension, demotion or termination of employment

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VI. INDEPENDENCE OF ACTION

This position plans and carries out most assignments independently, and uses judgment and initiative to solve problems.  Work objectives and priorities are defined by the Health Department Director.

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VII. PERSONAL CONTACTS

This position has contacts with the general public, families, county personnel, elected officials, department heads, medical providers, and school personnel in order to be responsive to questions and inquiries regarding chronic diseases, immunizations, general health related questions and home visiting.

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VIII. WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to use hands to    palpate or feel.  The employee is required to frequently reach with hands and arms.  On a regular basis, the employee is required to talk or hear.  Requires occasional physical exertion.  Requires walking or climbing over rough uneven surfaces.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Requires exposure to laboratory chemicals, toxic, and hazardous materials.  Requires occasional use of protective clothing and equipment.  Requires travel to remote sites and exposure to extreme weather conditions.  Requires periodic travel outside of county and/or state for educational conferences, professional meetings, and public hearings.

The position requires the following special vision requirements: close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), and the ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).            

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee     encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.      

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.