Public Health Nurse I/II

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The Kings County Public Health Department is currently seeking qualified individuals for the position of:

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE I/II

Public Health Nurse I

$36.13 - $44.09 Hourly, $75,150.40 - $91,707.20 Annually

Public Health Nurse II

Level II - $39.91 - $48.71 Hourly, $83,012.80- $101,316.80 Annually

This is a "continuous recruitment" which means, we will accept applications on a continuous basis. A continuous recruitment may be closed at any time.

There is one immediate vacancy in the Public Health Department. Future vacancies for this position may be filled from the eligible list to be established. The expected life of the eligible list is six months.

Public Health Nurse I:This is the entry-level classification in the Public Health Nurse series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine public health nursing duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Public Health Nurse II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Public Health Nurse II:This is the journey-level classification in the Public Health Nurse series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Health Nurse I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

DUTY SAMPLE

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

* Manages client caseloads with multiple health problems and establishes priorities for service based on the risk of the condition to the individual and to the community; updates records and reports; submits information to various databases and registries.
* Makes home visits in assigned areas and clients to provide health education, assessment and counseling.
* Performs selected diagnostic tests, using standardized procedures; administers prescribed treatments and medications, following established protocols.
* Collects information and documentation from clients and/or providers for use in determining eligibility for various medical or rehabilitative care; identifies the need for public assistance programs and services; explains program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as participant rights and responsibilities; ensures the accuracy of application and declaration forms.
* Monitors community health for themes and patterns in relation to assigned public health program; tracks infectious and preventable illnesses; identifies risk factors; evaluates community needs.
* Applies established rules and guidelines for case determination; verifies information with other agencies and sources; resolves discrepancies by securing documentation, medical records, and confirmation from other agencies; confers with supervisory or professional staff in complex cases; ensures documents are processed within specified time frames.
* Facilitates coordination between families, clinics, hospitals, and specialists to ensure continuation of care and services.
* Confers with County staff and outside agencies to evaluate client needs and the type, extent and cost of medical care.
* Prepares and maintains a variety of reports and records related to client intake activities.
* Coordinates efforts with other agencies to ensure maximum service and support for clients.
* Provides training to less experienced staff and volunteers as assigned.
* Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Minimum requirements must be met by the closing date

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

* Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in nursing.

Experience:

* Public Health Nurse I: None required.
* Public Health Nurse II: Two (2) years of experience in performing public health nursing activities at a level equivalent to the classification of Public Health Nurse I with Kings County.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Licenses:

* Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.
* Possession of a valid California license to practice as a Registered Nurse to be maintained throughout employment.

Certifications:

* Possession of a valid California Public Health Nursing certificate to be maintained throughout employment.
* Possession of a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate for adult, child and infant to be maintained throughout employment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check. Ability to work irregular hours including evenings and weekends as necessary. Certain positions in this classification may be designated as bilingual, requiring fluency in a foreign language.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

* Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
* Principles and practices of nursing and paramedical procedures, including medical terminology and clinical routines and equipment.
* Methods and techniques of accurately processing a diverse range of applications and supporting program documentation.
* Interviewing techniques and methods.
* Eligibility rules and regulations for a diverse range of programs including program policies, procedures, and processes.
* Community health resources available to clients at the local, county and state level.
* Safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment.
* Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
* . Effective techniques of oral and written communication; proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
* Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

* Manage a caseload and establish priorities for case management, treatment, and referral.
* Perform nursing examinations, provide injections, and administer medications.
* Conduct effective research to determine client eligibility for programs.
* Prepare reports, correspondence and other written materials related to intake activities.
* Maintain client confidentiality.
* Prepare and maintain organized, detailed, and accurate records.
* Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
* Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
* Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
* Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
* Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
* Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
* Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

A detailed job specification for Public Health Nurse I is available here.

A detailed job specification for Public Health Nurse II is available here.

SELECTION PROCESS: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Veteran's Preference Application

Must submit the request form and certified DD-214 prior to the closing date.