Public Health Nurse II

Job Summary The Public Health Nurse II works in a population-based practice setting in Clark County. The position provides expertise in assessing infection prevention practices and capacity, case investigation and outbreak management, preparation efforts for highly pathogenic infections (e.g. Ebola, measles), and surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) with the primary focus on non-hospital settings (e.g., ambulatory care, long-term care facilities). This position is cross trained to support other areas within the Infectious Disease portfolio as needed, including immunization promotion and other communicable disease focused efforts. This position is a represented union position that reports directly to the Infection Prevention and Immunization Program Manager. This hybrid remote position will work an 8-hour schedule Monday through Friday.
KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Partner with facility leaders, physicians, and local, state, and national agencies on activities related to infection prevention.
• Participate in the development and dissemination of educational resources tailored for specific care delivery settings (adult family homes, other long term care settings, community based, urgent care) based on gaps identified through assessments and engagement with local partners.
• Provide consultation, assessment and technical expertise to public health partners, health care providers, and community stakeholders and collaborate with local, state, and regional partners to effectively prevent and control HAIs, respiratory and GI illnesses, and multiple drug resistant organisms (MDROs).
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and ensure that the facility leaders are informed of appropriate issues; understand and comply with public health, infection control, safety, and OSHA procedures and regulations.
• Support the planning and implementation of Infection Prevention and outbreak response control strategies, programmatic outreach activities and other special projects.
• Participate in the development and implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program or other antibiotic utilization management program across Southwest Washington.
• Conduct outbreak investigations with a focus on healthcare, workplace, and congregate settings.
• Develop partnerships with Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), relevant Department of Health (DOH) programs (Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Public Health Laboratory, Information Resources Management Division, Communications Office, Health Systems Quality Assurance Division), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other national associations.
• Participate in (and coordinate when needed) local and regional preparation efforts for highly pathogenic infections (e.g. Ebola, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, measles).
• Performs laboratory result interpretation and conduct surveillance activities related to infectious diseases and reporting.
• Assist in the processing, packaging, and shipping of human specimens as needed.
• In the event of a disaster, Public Health is considered a first responder and public health staff may be asked to respond accordingly. May participate in incident command system response to control disease outbreaks. May serve a command position in incident command system response or participate in mass vaccination clinics on-site and emergency response drills.
• Must be able to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave. In addition, leaves may be cancelled under public health emergencies
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. The degree must have been conferred by an institution of higher education and have National Recognition of Accrediting Agencies by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.
• Licensure in the state of Washington as Registered Nurse.
• Two years of experience to include clinical experience in a healthcare facility and infection prevention, epidemiology, or infectious disease surveillance experience, or a combination of education, experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the work. All relevant experience, including lived, volunteer, or professional, or a combination of experience and education that demonstrate the ability to perform the work will be considered for the position. Background using science and data to make decisions and implement public health services.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certificate in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC) or eligible for certification within 2 years of hire.
• Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) or Public Health (MPH).
• Research and basic statistical knowledge.
• Demonstrated experience effectively communicating with others, verbally and in writing, including the use of e-mail systems and the development of complex, clinical, or technical documents.
• Association for Practitioners in Infection Control (APIC) training course or equivalent desired.

New graduates will be considered if the candidate has other relevant experience. Current Washington State RN license and valid driver’s license is required at the time of appointment to the position. Finalists for the position must submit to a criminal background check, as required by RCW 43.43.830. 

Knowledge and expertise in:

• Public health principles, practices and values.
• Communicable disease and infection prevention, control and surveillance activities.
• Key components of cultural competency and racial and intersectional equity principles.

• Epidemiologic principles, practices, and techniques.
• Application and interpretation of county, state and federal laws and regulation relevant to applicable programs.

Ability to:

• Foster effective working relationships and build consensus
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information 
• Plan, organize, prioritize, work independently, and meet deadlines
• Use judgment and make sound decisions
• Express ideas effectively both orally and in writing and maintain accurate records.
• Effectively use a personal computer, Microsoft Office software, email, internet, and required data collection and management systems to accomplish job functions.
• Accept feedback and make behavioral change.
• Accurately document in the record interventions and outcomes.
• Organize and prioritize multiple program functions.
• Seek consultation or collaboration when appropriate.
• Provide documentation of immune status to vaccine preventable diseases, and/or participate in the employee immunity program.
• Pass respiratory mask fit-testing and be able to wear standard department-issued masks.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Commitment to lifelong learning and practice development.
• Must be able to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave. In addition, leaves may be cancelled under public health emergencies.
• Must protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in state and federal law.
• Must adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory trainings.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is typically performed in hybrid capacity, including community, home, and office-based settings with variations in temperature and noise levels.  Work environments also include some field work and travel to meetings, training/seminars, and various public events (including evening meetings) and reliable transportation is required.

Environments include the volume and temperament of people encountered in the course of work. Essential tasks involve reading and reviewing written documents and the use of personal computer software applications; oral communications both in person, via webcam, and via telephone. Most positions involve a high activity level and pace, competing time demands, and may involve interaction with dissatisfied or angry residents. Light lifting and stamina are standard elements, which can be accommodated if necessary. Essential tasks typically include typing/keyboard skills, phone, and computer usage, reading, speaking, and listening.

Salary GradeLocal 335.11B

Salary Range$39.34 - $53.10- per hour

Close DateOpen Until FilledEqual Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.  More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. 
 

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.