Occupational Health Nurse

Occupational Health NursePosition Summary: Manage primary and secondary work related and personal disability cases for multi-shift manufacturing plant. Serve as liaison for clients regarding decisions about job related accommodations, job placement and fitness for duty. Assist with the coordination and quality assurance of state and federal mandated programs related to health surveillance and health risk reduction. Coordinate or participate in special programs related to in-service and career development, orientation, supervisor training, and standardization of clinic operation, procedures, and health promotion. Ensure clinic facilities have the needed equipment and supplies for operation.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:Coordinate care for occupational injury and illness cases including assessment of health needs, development of treatment plans, facilitation and coordination of medical services, interaction with health care providers. Evaluation of response to treatment modalities and outcomes, and documentation of activity.Collaborate with management regarding work related accommodations, restrictions and/or rehabilitation needs including work hardening schedules for employees recovering from work related or personal injuries/illnesses.Responsible for filing paper medical records into employee files.Maintains both paper and electronic medical records for current and separated employees.Serves as a subject matter expert for the leave of absence and workers' compensation programs under the general direction and guidance of HR leadership.Evaluate and interpret weekly sick disability claims to ensure appropriate recovery time and return to work. Oversee disability program and work in collaboration with payroll.Conduct periodic workplace walkthrough assessments at the Austin and Round Rock facilities to maintain a comprehensive knowledge of current and prospective plant processes and the physical requirements of various positions. Provide on-site job analysis of work areas and recommend job accommodations and/or modifications.Identify potential workplace hazards; assist nurse supervisor with developing and implementing risk reduction strategies.Assess employee "fitness for duty" based on the physical capacity standards of work areas and status of employees by evaluating the capabilities of employees with injuries, illnesses or impairments to ensure appropriate job placement.Assist with developing site-specific policies and procedures, and monitor quality assurance indicators to ensure compliance with company policies, medical directives and federal requirements.Maintain infection control procedures and update SOPs for Occupational Health and ensure appropriate plant-wide biohazard waste disposal is in compliance with local, state and OSHA regulations.Interpret and apply OSHA / regulatory standards to physical screening and health surveillance programs. Conduct periodic and annual audits of these programs.Develop and maintain written policies, procedures and protocols for Occupational Health to promote standardization of care and quality assurance of nursing practice.Administer company's wellness program including planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion and health risk reduction.Coordinate the reproductive hazard reduction program through maternity health education, medical monitoring, and job assignment assessment.Research, develop and deliver in service and career development learning materials/presentations, related to current issues and practice guidelines in the field of occupational health.Develop and deliver presentation for new hire orientation. Conduct periodic assessment of learning needs and update programs.Perform other related duties as assigned or required.Knowledge & Skills:Must be capable of exercising independent professional judgment in the treatment of injuries and illnesses.Must have strong knowledge of medical record keeping.Must have ability to work under pressure and in conditions of frequent interruption.Must be capable of providing customer service with a balanced perspective toward business and employee needs.Must also be able to exercise diplomacy in obtaining cooperation between Occupational Health and other departments to ensure required medical examinations are completed as needed.Must maintain confidentiality at all times.Must be able to communicate both written and verbally with all levels of employees.Must have knowledge of FMLA, Texas Workers' Compensation guidelines, HIPAA and Privacy Act laws and regulations.Must be proficient in case management.Must be able to operate various Occupational Health laboratory equipment with proficiency.Must have strong computer skills.Minimum Qualifications, Education & Experience:Must be at least 18 years of age.Must be a Registered Nurse licensed to practice as registered nurse in the state of Texas.Experience in Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing strongly preferred.Minimum 3 years' experience.Physical Requirements and Work Environment:Must be willing to work flexible hours as needed such as overtime, on-call, etc.Fast-paced clinic/office environment with multiple interruptions.Will also enter manufacturing and cleanroom areas.A high level of concentration is necessary to work effectively while managing traffic flow through Occupational Health office.Dexterity is required to administer first aid and perform various tests and lab work.Potential physical exposure related to blood borne pathogens and other infectious agents.Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.Typically requires travel less than 5% of the time.