Current Classification:

Pay Grade: 16           Wage: $26.50 - $29.86 Hour           Title: Public Health Nurse 
Full-Time

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Position overview:

This is a multifaceted job with daily fluctuations based on the needs of the community.  It requires a licensed practical nurse or above active nursing license. This position will facilitate programs that include home visiting, maternal-child wellness, immunization clinics, communicable disease surveillance, school nurse support, community collaboration and outreach, community educational offerings and innovative approaches to reach at-risk populations to improve public health in Park County. The position may involve occasional on-call status.

All duties below are overall functions of the nursing position. Based on the Public Health Nurse’s skill set, areas of potential duty concentration include the following programs:

A.        IMMUNIZATION

1. To coordinate with all Park County schools and daycare facilities to facilitate immunization clinics that include influenza, HPV, TDap and meningococcal immunizations. 

1. To coordinate with local volunteer services and high-risk employers to facilitate immunization clinics and/or offer in office immunizations by appointment.  These organizations include EMS, law enforcement, Southwest Chemical Dependency program, school district, City/County employees and others deemed appropriate. 

1. To conduct timely flu vaccine clinics for community members and local businesses during appropriate times of year. Order vaccines and supplies as needed. 

1. To maintain State Immunization, grant requirements including quarterly reporting to the State.  Acts as Immunization grant liaison. 

1. To maintain and update County Bloodborne Pathogen policy including completion of continuing education annually for County employees and throughout the year for new hires.

B.         COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

1. To assure communicable diseases are reported and treated accordingly to recommendations outlined in most current edition of “Control of Communicable Disease Manual” (compiled by the American Public Health Association) as well as guidance by the State DPHHS CD/Epi staff and in accordance with Montana State Code. 

1. To ensure timely response for communicable disease calls and questions from other County departments, local medical staff, providers, and State DPHHS CD/Epi staff.  These calls rarely occur outside normal hours of operation.  

1. To work closely with Park County child care facilities/businesses, schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other areas of communal residence or operation to provide guidance should any communicable disease be reported.

 C.        MATERNAL AND INFANT HOME VISITING:

1.  Meets with Park County families who have recently delivered infants providing weight and bilirubin checks, resource referrals as needed, home safety inspection, smoking cessation, immunization, contraception, and healthy parenting education. 

1. Communicates found information with providers and follows-up as needed. 

D.        COMMUNITY EDUCATION

1. 1.    Partner with community agencies such as schools, law enforcement, and social services to provide education in areas of public health.

E.   PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (PHEP)

1. To complete required FEMA training - listed under certification section. 

1. To maintain PHEP grant related duties, policies and protocols, and quarterly reports to the State.  Acts as PHEP grant liaison. 

1. To work in conjunction with Park County DES on countywide protocols and assists in facilitating yearly table-top or mock emergency preparedness exercises. 

1. To attend quarterly Local Emergency Preparedness Council meetings.

F.       OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Performs other duties as assigned by Health Department Director.   Duties of the position are subject to change.  This job may include special projects and a variety of other functions as needed, including administering grants for programs such as the state funded Asthma program, emergency preparedness programs, antipoverty programs and mental health programs.    

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III. KNOWLEDGE

This work requires utilization of strong nursing skills and knowledge.  Nursing knowledge including infant and maternal assessment, immunization purpose and schedules and communicable disease physiological processes and treatment as well as emergency preparedness protocols. Strong communication skills, innovation, and efficiency is required. Comfortable public speaking skills. Ability to work independently while understanding the importance and value of collaboration is a must. A motivated and well-organized individual is a must in this multi-faceted job.  Must be able to operate a computer, have skills in word processing, data entry and specialized programs as necessary.

 Education and Experience

Must have a degree (minimum Associates) in Nursing. Experience working as a nurse with 3-5 years is preferred. Experience working in the public health field would be terrific! 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

            Montana State Board of Nursing License - Active

            Current Montana Driver’s License