Board of Health Shared Services Public Health Nurse

Board Of Health Shared Services Public Health Nurse

Under the direction of the Town of Southwick's Health Director and the Southwick Board of Health, the Public Health Nurse provides public health nursing services to the towns of Blandford, Granville, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, and Tolland. The Public Health Nurse provides health education and outreach to ensure and improve the health of the public; develops and implements public health programs; conducts infectious disease outbreak investigations and communicable disease reporting; conducts case management in accordance with public health laws and regulations; organizes and implements clinical services, participated in emergency preparedness; and performed other related duties as necessary to promote the health of the community.

Supervision Received: As the lead community, the Town of Southwick will provide overall management, with the other remaining towns of the Western Hampden County Public Health District providing the necessary oversight for the public health nurse when they are working for that community. The Public Health Nurse works under the direction of the Town of Southwick's Health Director and in accordance with the applicable Board of Health policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Investigates and performs case management of reportable disease cases in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Performs disease surveillance through the regular collection, monitoring, and analysis of data relevant for the control and prevention of reportable diseases.
• Responds to disease surveillance by providing case management and referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Works closely with several other Town departments (e.g., Senior Center, Library, School) to create and implement ongoing blood pressure clinics, general health screenings, and health fairs.
• Prepares regular written reports for Public Health officials, town officials; utilizes/maintains web-based databases established by MDPH (including but not limited to MAVEN)
• Provides health information and education on an ongoing basis to residents, Town officials, and employees.
• Coordinates and implements public health training as necessary, using oral presentations.
• Attends professional continuing of education programs including seminars, trainings, conferences, and staff meetings to stay current on public health issues, principles, and practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested by the host Health Director.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program, or
• Master of Science degree in nursing, preferably in family health, community health, or related specialty.
• One to three years of experience in public or community health nursing or a related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be licensed as a Massachusetts Registered Nurse
• CPR/ AED Certified
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license

Knowledge of:

• Massachusetts Department of Public health database tools (E.G., MAVEN)
• Epidemiology for case investigation of disease
• Public Health laws, regulations, and principles of practice

Special Knowledge and Abilities a plus: (Orientation and Trainings will be provided if needed)

• Respond to public health concerns and make sound clinical decisions.
• Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures related to public health initiatives, and Public Health Excellence grant workplan.
• Maintain confidentiality of medical information and other information of a sensitive nature
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Office equipment (computer, telephone, calculator, copies, etc.)
• Medical Equipment necessary to administer appropriate clinical services
• Passenger Vehicle

Physical Demands:

The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by the employer to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk, hear, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Salary Range: $75,000-80,000

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurances; paid time off, vacation, sick and personal time.