Nurse

NURSE

FUNDING THROUGH: JULY 31,2023

SALARY:40,000.00

SECTION I-JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Public Health Preparedness Program Director or designee. The Nurse will be responsible to performs public health work for Cameron County Public Health in response to outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), and other public health threats and emergencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Employee will accurately document all time worked.
• Serves as a consultant with local agencies, private physicians and general public in the implementation of the Public Health Preparedness Program.
• Plans and prepares public health outbreak and emergency training courses for general public, medical, educational communities.
• Collects epidemiologic data according to general guidelines for routine or special surveillance of specific diseases.
• Performs epidemiological investigative functions and prepares reports on investigative assignments.
• Assists in the management of epidemiological data gathering and analysis for communicable disease control and prevention.
• Participates in the coordination of laboratory specimen collections with private and/or regional laboratories.
• Assists in the cooperative use of epidemiologic data with other health agencies.
• Assists other professional health personnel in the immediate control of acute disease epidemics.
• Assists in coordinating communication with local, state and regional agencies.
• Assist medical facilities in health care planning related to COVID-19 and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).
• Assist in COVID-19 / HAIs outbreaks in Cameron County.
• Provides education on all aspects of COVID / HAIs according to CDC guidelines.
• Develop and conduct formal training related to COVID-19 and HAIs.
• Coordinate and train staff needed through Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) plans.
• Expand the public health and hospital response teams currently in place to ensure optimal capacity to respond to a COVID / HAIs outbreak.
• Other duties as assigned

SECTION II-JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Licensed to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for the State of Texas and one (1) year experience in providing general health services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of medical terminology. Knowledge of public health laws and regulations. Knowledge of natural history of common infectious diseases. Thorough communication skills (oral, written and Spanish speaking ability). Knowledge of computer programs software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet). Ability to analyze and evaluate public health needs. Ability to work with confidential client information. Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations. Ability to train others. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work with public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, comply with State of Texas driving laws, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Must have reliable transportation. Must be bilingual (English/Spanish). Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency, extended hours and non-traditional work schedules (i.e., Saturdays and Sundays). Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Good health and physical condition sufficient to permit full performance of the duties of the position. If additional assistance is required, employee must request assistance prior to performing the assignment.

SECTION III-JOB DIMENSIONS

CONTACTS:

EXTERNAL CONTACTS:

Occasional contact with other health, social and educational care agencies and outside organizations. Frequent contact with CCPH staff and other county departments. Communication is via telephone, written communication and face to face.

INTERNAL CONTACTS:

Utilizes tact when dealing with County employees, health, social and educational care providers, and clientele regarding operations issues. Constant contact with Human Resources Office.

Communicating is primarily face-to-face, via telephone and through written communication.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Comply with Cameron County and Department of State Health Services rules/regulations and display a positive public image. As a Cameron County employee, the identity of every client shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of an investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding.

DIFFICULTY:

Judgment is required to ensure completion of job activities as assigned by the immediate supervisor or designee. Uses discretion to achieve work goals. Initiative is constantly required to achieve work goals.

GUIDANCE:

As assigned by immediate supervisor or designee. It is the responsibility of the employee to know and maintain contact with their immediate supervisor or designee.

WORKING CONDITION:

Working conditions are primarily in a clinic, office, community center or field setting.