Public Health Nurse I

Overview

Schools and their communities play a key role in helping to establish lifelong healthy behaviors, and thereby improving health outcomes for Vermont's school-aged children. Healthy students are better learners, and academic achievement contributes to a lifetime of healthier living. However, today's students come to school with more challenges related to health and learning than ever before. Helping schools create healthier environments which meet the physical, emotional, and mental needs of their students will give all school-aged children an opportunity to reach their full academic potential as well as improve their long-term health outcomes.

At the systems level, the Public Health Nurse works to improve student health and wellness by liaising between school nurses and primary care practices to improve student access to care. To help create healthier school environments, the Public Health Nurse provides direct support and technical assistance to school nurses in approximately 75 public and private schools in Chittenden County. Direct support and technical assistance includes answering public health-related questions concerning school-aged children, communicating relevant data, identifying and sharing evidence-based best practice models and/or toolkits, connecting to content area experts where available, and collaborating to identify problems and develop solutions. The Public Health Nurse works with school personnel (e.g., nurses, administrators, teachers) to help schools achieve their goals of meeting the health and wellness needs of their students.

In addition to the school focused work, the Public Health Nurse works with three other nurses in the office to perform the clinical functions of a local health office. While local health offices do not provide health care to the public, there are some core public health functions that are clinical in nature:
• Venipuncture
• Vaccination
• Specimen collection
• Tuberculosis case management and directly observed therapy

Competency and comfort in performing these functions is a core expectation. They may take place in an office, community, or home setting. The amount of time dedicated to clinical work can vary greatly. At times, it is minimal. At other times, it is the focus of work for an extended period. Working with interpreters is a regular part of the clinical work. The ability to seamlessly shift from school focused work to public health clinical work with little notice will be a skill that is regularly needed. In the event of an unexpected public health emergency normal operations could be paused all together to focus on emergency response work. Leading the clinical part of mass vaccination clinics is a common role of the Public Health Nurse during emergency response work.

As part of the Vermont Department of Health, the Burlington District Office is the largest of 12 local health offices in Vermont. Located in Burlington, we strive to offer a supportive, professionally challenging, and healthy workplace to our employees.

*Starting rate may be negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

DIVISION OF LOCAL HEALTH - WHO WE ARE:

The Division of Local Health's vision and mission is to preserve and improve the equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions necessary to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all, thus ensuring healthy Vermonters and healthy communities. To this end, the Division of Local Health is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and celebrates every person's strength, assets, and values. The Division of Local Health is committed to leading organizational change efforts that address avoidable inequities and injustices as we work towards the elimination of health and health care disparities.

TELEWORK:
The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and greater work/life balance.

MISSION & VISION:
The Department of Health's mission is to protect and promote the best health of all Vermonters. Our vision is healthy Vermonters living in healthy communities. Our goals are:

Effective and integrated public health programs.

Communities with the capacity to respond to public health needs.

Internal systems that provide consistent and responsive support.

A competent and valued workforce that is supported in promoting and protecting the public's health.

A public health system that is understood and valued by Vermonters.

Health equity for all Vermonters.

CULTURE & VALUES:

The Department of Health's culture is one in which our success and our workplace culture are interdependent. Our culture is driven by a passion for the mission. We are committed to these values:

Creativity, innovation, and calculated risk-taking.

Open and transparent leadership.

Staff expertise, autonomy, and excellence.

Professional growth through individual development plans, special projects, and opportunities to stretch.

Wellness and work-life balance.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Health Nurse I (Job Requisition #50579), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.

Level I: Job Requisition #50579

Level II: Job Requisition #50535

If you would like more information about this position, please contact heath.kirby@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties primarily performed in a standard office setting. Work may be performed in clinic settings and possibly client homes. Exposure to communicable diseases and other stressful situations may occur. Private means of transportation is required. May be required to work evenings, weekends and 12 hour shifts.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in nursing AND two (2) years or more of professional nursing experience.

OR

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

OR

College senior in the final semester of a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) program. (Graduation from the BSN program must occur prior to hire and continued employment will be contingent on the employee passing the Nursing Licensure Exam (NCLEX).

Possession of, or eligibility for, licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Vermont OR eligible to practice in the state of Vermont via a multi-state license.

NOTE: Must maintain Vermont licensure or multi-state license as a Registered Nurse as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.

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