HD Public Health Nurse II

Division: Clinical Services

Working Title: Public Health Nurse

Direct Supervisor: Nurse Team Lead

This position performs complex public health nursing work for the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD). Work involves providing direct health services, (specifically preventive health services); promoting client advocacy through inter/intra agency collaboration; informing and educating the community on public health-related topics; representing WCCHD through involvement with community workgroups, committees, and/or coalitions; and utilizing nursing expertise in implementing policies and procedures to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Public health nurses are expected to maintain an updated knowledge base on services provided at WCCHD, as well as other local community health resources. Works under general supervision of nurse team lead and Medical Director. This position is grant funded through December 17, 2026. Continuation of employment beyond this date is not guaranteed.

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Job descriptions list the specific tasks to be accomplished by the position the employee is filling at WCCHD.  The WCCHD Employee Responsibilities are a set of general expectations for employees about how they should work with each other and the public we serve.  Each employee must sign and acknowledge that they have been informed, understand, and agree to abide by these expectations.   Violation of these responsibilities may lead to implementation of WCCHD’s disciplinary procedures.

Analytical/Assessment

• Performs internal chart audits and communicates findings 
• Make appropriate referrals when needed
• Questions medical director and/or RN co-workers appropriately when unsure

Policy Development/Program Planning

• Maintains medical records in accordance with state laws
• Assures that the public health center medical equipment is in good repair; performs control checks as required and ensures appropriate supplies are available for use
• Maintains knowledge of Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) rules and regulations and CDC guidance for the administration of vaccine
• Completes medical records within 48 hours of seeing clients 
• Comfortable and familiar with the use of electronic medical records
• Follows Standing Delegation Orders and standard Operating Guidelines for all clinical service programs and the Class D Pharmacy Rules and Regulations and signs acknowledgement of reading each annually
• Acknowledgement of each SDO and policies with signature annually
• Assist in the creation and nurturing of a culture of Quality Improvement within the program and division
• Assist in the facilitation of QI activities, monitor staff QI activities and support and guide staff in their work with QI

Communication and Cultural Competency

• Presents to community organizations and/or schools on public health topics
• Works cooperatively with other Divisions to provide community health prevention and promotion
• Consults with Medical Director/Local Health Authority as needed

Community Dimensions of Practice

• Provides outreach and health education to individuals, families, and community on a routine basis
• Identifies community resources and makes referrals to health care and related services
• Works cooperatively with WCCHD staff and other agencies to educate the community regarding health issues
• Participates in identification and interpretation of health/social needs in the community
• May be required to participate TB related services including contact investigation and Direct Observed Therapy

Leadership and Systems Thinking

• Serves on district committees and participates in workgroups, as assigned
• Serves as a resource and subject matter expert on related public health topics
• Participates in safety drills and with the WCCHD Safety Team Program
• Uses appropriate independent clinical judgment

Other

• May participate on a WCCHD committee or task force
• In the event of a public health emergency, employees may be called upon to support WCCHD's response in ways that are outside the usual scope of their job responsibilities. This may involve working hours that are outside the employee's usual work hours. Employees will not be required to perform duties that are outside of their competence or professional licensure

• RN registered to practice in the state of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact is required
• BSN preferred
• Bilingual- English/Spanish preferred
• CPR certified or willingness to obtain
• At least 2 years of nursing experience preferred
• Valid Texas driver's license and access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations
• Selected candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment skills assessment as part of the hiring process, prior to receiving a contingent offer
• Selected candidates in the Clinical Services Division, Environmental Health Division, and WIC Division, will receive a conditional offer of employment contingent upon the candidate passing a pre-employment-controlled substances screening test. The candidate must be tested and receive a negative result before starting to work.
• All selected candidates are required to pass a background check as a condition of employment.

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed without posing a direct threat to health or safety of themselves or others.

• Knowledge in nursing techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of public health essential services
• Knowledge in community health nursing principles, practices, and procedures
• Skill in completing health assessments
• Skill in assessment of clients with complex health problems
• Skill in using a computer, including but not limited to electronic medical records
• Ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate with agency personnel, public entities, local officials, and other community partners
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner
• Ability to establish goals and objectives, policies, and procedures that support a strategic plan
• Ability to prioritize activities and manage multiple responsibilities, time management
• Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form
• Ability to problem-solve, prioritize, multi-task, be flexible, and complete duties in a timely manner
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and assist others to be calm
• Ability to demonstrate independent nursing judgment in appraising clinical situations and correctly interpreting findings
• Ability to communicate and educate clients who have varied socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to provide patient care
• Ability to prepare and maintain records 
• Ability to demonstrate positive role modeling

Environmental Factors: Works mostly in a well-lighted, air-conditioned office. May work in various WCCHD offices around the county and in a variety of community locations. Occasional work activities may be outdoors and, therefore, employee will be exposed to heat and cold. May have extensive contact with the public. May have contact with persons who may be infected with contagious diseases. Certain immunizations and/or Tspot will be required. Tobacco/vapor-free workplace.

       Direct Supervisor of: 0

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Location and Hours: Location: 355 Texas Ave. Round Rock, TX 78664. General work hours: 7:00am-5:00pm Monday through Thursday, and 8:00am-12:00pm on Friday. Schedule is subject to change. Position eligible for flexible schedule. Position not eligible for telecommuting. This position will be subject to travel to all WCCHD locations in Georgetown, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Taylor. Location and hours may vary daily between all sites based upon business need. Work may require early mornings, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Extended hours may be required in the event of a public health emergency.

Job Performance Evaluation: The employee will be evaluated at 30, 60, and 90 days post hire, and annually thereafter but more often if warranted.

Salary : $75,376 - $76,500