Supervising Public Health Nurse

The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmation Action/Equal Opportunity Employer We welcome applicants of any race, religion or ancestry.

Under limited supervision, oversees specialized program of care including developing program protocols and evaluating provision of client services. Supervises public health nursing and support staff in providing comprehensive public health nursing services in regard to the prevention, detection, and control of diseases and the promotion of health in a variety of settings (homes, clinics, office and interagency meetings, etc.) throughout the County.

Distinguishing characteristics

This classification is distinguished from the Senior Public Health Nurse by the staff and clinic supervisory responsibilities assigned to the Supervising Public Health Nurse. This classification is distinguished from the Program Managers assigned to nursing programs by the oversight of a program or programs of the latter.

Classifications supervised

Exercises direct first line supervision over licensed and non-licensed staff.

Examples of Duties

Carry out supervisory responsibility in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws including participation in interviewing, hiring and training, planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance including conducting annual evaluations, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems; control work production and activities, to include procedures, allocation of resources and ensuring deadlines are met. Supervise the establishment and maintenance of clinics in the fields of preventive medicine, sexually transmitted and other communicable disease control, immunizations, pregnancy testing, and counseling and child health clinics. Provide comprehensive public health nursing services to individuals and families; assists individuals and families in carrying out recommendations made by the health officer or their physician; assists individuals and families in recognizing their health/social problems and refers them to the appropriate resources for care.

Provide case management for clients (i.e., confer with physicians and other professionals concerning the condition and service with others and makes referrals when appropriate/necessary); determine eligibility for ongoing medical services; participate in medical case conferences to coordinate medical service needs and program benefits; participate in client medical appointments or clinic visits for coordination of care and to act as patient advocate; conduct monthly face-to-face contacts and collaborate with schools, social services, law enforcement, community health agencies. Provide guidance, support and leadership in the management of problem cases encountered by nursing staff, paraprofessional health workers, and auxiliary staff; participates in conflict resolution strategies. Assist in preparing project and grant proposals, budgets, scopes-of-work, implementation plans, evaluations, reports, records and correspondence; assist in the development and implementation of program by developing budgets, writing grant proposals, compiling statistics and consulting with funding agencies on program planning.

Develop community media, workshops, and public relationships concerning specific diseases, health conditions, health maintenance, promotion and rehabilitation. Conduct provider orientation programs and/or teaching presentations for physicians, public health nurses, school nurses, hospital staff, and other community agencies including teaching and counseling individuals, families, and groups regarding specific health conditions as well as health maintenance, promotion, and rehabilitation. Participate in the operation of the HHS Agency's health clinics by interviewing and counseling patients, performing diagnostic tests, giving prescribed treatment, recording data, making necessary referrals, instructing nursing personnel and volunteers in their assignments, and participating in clinic management.

Provide supervision and guidance/leadership along with expertise in epidemiologic investigations in home, school, or community. Document all contacts with clients; complete required assessment reports, computer reports, time studies and billing sheets associated with client activities and visit billing; provide expert witness testimony in court when required or by subpoena. Participate in interagency meetings to identify needs and collaborates on identifying resources.

Attend and leads staff meetings for program update, planning and case conferencing. Maintain and enhance knowledge of public health concerns through attendance at workshops, meetings, specialty clinics, protocols, journals and classes. Perform other related duties as assigned to their programs.

Knowledge of

Principles and methods of supervision. Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations. Principles of supervision, training, and education and the ability to apply these principles.

Nursing processes including assessment, nursing diagnosis, identification of client needs, planning and development of individual service plans, implementation and evaluation. Perinatal, infant, child, and adolescent growth and development, nutritional needs, immunization, sexually transmitted diseases, education, social services and other support services. Child abuse and neglect mandated reporting requirements Causes, control, and care of chronic and communicable diseases and illnesses, handicapping conditions, mental illness and other disabling conditions.

Environmental, sociological, and psychological problems encountered when working with families where a member has a chronic and/or communicable disease. Nursing theory, principles, and practices Child growth and development, and procedures involved in promoting maternal and child health. Administration of immunizations and their possible side effects.

Community resources related to public health nursing. Principles of disease prevention, promotion of health. Desired

Skills

Communicate effectively with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Conduct public/group meetings for the purpose of health education, prevention, community assessment and planning. Read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Nursing; and, four years' experience including one year of experience as a Senior Public Health Nurse with Siskiyou County or its equivalent; or, when possessing required license/s, a combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications

Valid State Driver's License

Valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California State and Public Health Nursing Certificate

Supplemental Information

Typical Physical Requirements

Sit and stand for extended periods; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use medical and office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

Typical Working Conditions Work is performed in clinic, office, and home environments; exposure to communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens; continuous contact with other staff and the public. Incumbent are expected to follow universal precautions. Incumbents may be required to drive in remote areas of the county in all weather conditions.