Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurse

Pay Schedule III, Grade 18N, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week. A vacancy exists in the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Communicable Disease and Environmental Health Services, Program of Tuberculosis Control. A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below. Current and future vacancies occurring within this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants. This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly. All interested candidates must apply at this time. List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time. You must attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of license(s) certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Examples Of Duties

Under general supervision, plans, coordinates, and provides professional public health nursing services to individuals, families, and groups in the home, community, and health centers.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Provides comprehensive public health nursing and case management services to individuals with active tuberculosis (TB) disease and latent TB infection (LTBI).
• Conducts nursing assessments, provides health education and counseling, administers and monitors prescribed treatment, evaluates medication adherence and potential side effects, and coordinates appropriate follow-up care.
• Provides services in the clinic, client homes, and other community settings as appropriate.
• Conducts home visits to assess clients, monitor treatment progress, provide medications, and identify barriers that may affect successful completion of treatment.
• Monitors clients throughout the course of therapy and communicates changes in condition or concerns to the appropriate medical provider.
• Works collaboratively with physicians, nurse practitioners, public health investigators, laboratory staff, nursing assistants, and other members of the multidisciplinary TB team to develop and implement individualized plans of care.
• Coordinates services with hospitals, primary care providers, specialists, pharmacies, and other healthcare organizations to promote continuity of care.
• Coordinates and monitors Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), including in-person and electronic/video DOT when appropriate.
• Provides oversight and delegation to nursing assistants involved in medication delivery, DOT, and other assigned client services.
• Assesses clients for medical, social, financial, transportation, insurance, language, and other needs that may interfere with treatment.
• Makes appropriate referrals to internal Health Department programs and external community-based organizations and follows up to support access to needed services.
• Provides education to clients, families, healthcare providers, and community partners regarding TB transmission, prevention, treatment, medication adherence, and infection-control practices.
• Reinforces the importance of completing treatment and attending required medical, laboratory, and radiology appointments.
• Maintains accurate and timely nursing documentation, case management records, treatment information, and required reports.
• Monitors client progress and ensures appropriate communication and coordination among all providers involved in the client's care.
• Participates in TB-related public health activities, including contact investigations, screenings, coordination of testing and evaluation, and other disease-control activities as assigned.
• Assists with the orientation, training, and oversight of new staff, nursing assistants, students, and others involved in TB services.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in nursing. OR Graduation from an accredited diploma school of nursing: Plus At least one-year of professional nursing experience. Additional qualifying education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience. OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate in arts degree in nursing; Plus At least two years' professional nursing experience. Additional qualifying education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience. Licenses and Certificates Possession of a valid license to practice as a professional registered nurse, issued by the Maryland State Board of Examiners of Nurses, is required at the time of appointment. Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a noncommercial, class C Maryland driver's license is required at the time of appointment. Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education Applicants are required to submit proof of education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Proof of license(s) certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application. Proof of Degree Equivalency Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. ( Mail or deliver documents to: ATTN: Public Health Nurse Office of Human Resources Baltimore County Government 308 Allegheny Ave. Towson, MD 21204 You must attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Conditions Of Employment

Physical and Environmental Conditions The work of this classification may include the performance of physical activities such as walking, standing, and lifting, the operation of medical equipment and instruments, and travel throughout the County. Duties may expose incumbents to various bio-medical hazards. Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Benefits

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise. Equal Opportunity Employer Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants. Smoke free workplace All Baltimore County offices are smoke free. Drug free workplace Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination. Salary Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated. Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County. Employee Assistance Program Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life. Health Insurance Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include: Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs. Life Insurance Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000. Retirement Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions. Paid Leave Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification. Sick Leave Vacation Leave Personal Leave Holidays Bereavement Leave Jury Leave Military Leave Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services. Direct Deposit Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required. Educational Assistance 70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group. Deferred Compensation Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice. Disclaimer This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only