Public Health Nurse/School Nurse Liaison

VFC Program Liaison

This position supports DCHD's Vaccine for Children (VFC) program within Delaware County school districts. The Liaison worker assists with managing the County's immunization service delivery, as well as assists in training development, administration, and quality control procedures. The liaison worker provides support for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness School Nurse Project. Additionally, the school nurse liaison provides consultation on issues related to reportable diseases and other school health concerns; and participates in conferences and meetings with school nurses, administrators, childcare providers, and other community members.

Essential duties include:

• Assuring that the health needs of disparate populations in Delaware County are addressed related to at risk and vulnerable populations as appropriate.
• Assisting and/or facilitating the creation of school health topics and school nursing policies and procedures to support compliance with state and federal statutes, in addition to accepted standards of nursing practice.
• Working with local schools and childcare centers to identify needs, gaps, resources, and priorities related to school health and early childhood especially as it related to COVID-19 response and recovery.
• Providing consultation and professional development to school health personnel, school nurses, parents/guardians, and others regarding school health and school nursing issues.
• Assuring adherence to requirements for mandated vaccines and promotion of infectious disease control and safety.
• Analyzing school health records and reports in order to develop and/or modify health programs to meet healthcare needs of school communities.
• Ensuring that state immunization program is managed appropriately in schools as mandated by the PA Department of Health.
• Providing nursing consultation in communicable disease control and serving as liaison between the Delaware County School Districts and the DCHD.
• Maintaining knowledge of current laws and regulations pertaining to nursing, health care, and public health as it relates to school health in particular.
• Consulting with RN's, school district staff, school district administrative staff, parents, other school districts, and the public regarding health issues affecting students in schools.
• Attending pertinent workshops, conferences or training sessions in order to keep up with the-school nursing "Standard of Practice".
• Keeping current with local school districts, national and international disease trends, and outbreaks
• Assisting VFC nursing staff with vaccine administration at the DCHD Wellness Centers and events as needed

Qualifications include:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent PLUS Nursing degree, BSN preferred
• Active and unencumbered PA Nurse License; RN preferred
• Knowledge of Childhood Immunizations and VFC Program
• Healthcare provider CPR certification
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Customer service experience
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability a plus
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a background check
• Ability to interact appropriately and effectively with a wide range of persons
• Ability to maintain and handle confidential information
• Ability to follow protocol, procedures, and established guidelines
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances and needs
• A strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding and changing workload

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with advancements in public health nursing and school health services.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess health issues, develop intervention plans, and address complex health concerns within the school environment.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Applications (Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend at the waist, and talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to reach or work with arms above shoulder height, kneel, stoop, crouch or squat, crawl, drive, climb stairs, twist or rotate at the waist while working; push, lift or carry items.

Work Environment: Office settings, and on-site visits to various fieldwork locations.

**The selected candidate will be required to obtain, at their own expense, 3 forms of clearance, including PA State Police Criminal History Record Check; PA Child Abuse History; and FBI Criminal History Background Check including finger printing prior to employment. Delaware County requires all employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Proof of vaccination must be submitted before a candidate's start date if hired.