Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurse

Department of Health and Human Services

Public Health Nursing (PHN) programs protect economically vulnerable populations and provide prevention, early intervention, and education services. Target populations consist of at-risk individuals of all ages, including medically fragile, those in jeopardy of institutionalization, vulnerable to negative health or psychosocial outcomes, or with a communicable disease.

Job Highlights:

PHN programs provide services appropriate for the community and address access to care issues for targeted groups with:

• Nursing case management for pregnant individuals and their families who are medically fragile and/or at-risk for adverse childhood experiences, abuse, and neglect.
• Communicable disease and infection prevention and response: Immunizations clinics for childhood, travel, and adult immunizations and TB risk assessments.
• Access to services and care coordination for children and youth with special healthcare needs.

Work Locations:

To be determined based on program needs. 

529 I Street, Eureka, CA 95501

908 7th Street, Eureka, CA 95501

2201 Tydd Street, Eureka, CA 95501 (Humboldt Plaza)

Work Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

Please note:

• This recruitment is open until filled. County Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time. 
• Applications will be collected and forwarded to the department on a weekly basis.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision , provides the full range of public health nursing services including health assessments, case management, counseling services, and education to high risk and special populations for the prevention and mitigation of diseases and adverse health conditions; identifies and provides intervention services for high risk behaviors; investigates and provides resources to aid in the development and maintenance of good healthy lifestyles; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision or direction from a Supervising Public Health Nurse or other assigned supervisory or management personnel. May exercise technical and functional direction over and provide training to lower-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.   

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Public Health Nurse: This is the journey level class in the public health nursing series. Incumbents independently perform a full range of public health nursing duties including preventive medicine, health education, case management, community outreach, and program implementation. Work involves assessing client health needs, developing and executing care plans, providing direct nursing services, collaborating with community partners, and maintaining accurate health records. Incumbents exercise considerable judgement and initiative in planning and organizing work, adapting to varied situations, and resolving routine problems independently. Work is performed under general supervision with guidance provided for unusual or complex cases.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Public Health Nurse in that the latter is the advanced journey level class responsible for performing the most complex duties assigned to the series, including, but not limited to, coordinating and implementing a specialized health nursing program or service.Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.

• Performs a variety of nursing and coordinative duties in the provision of public health services to special populations and high risk, high acuity patients and their families to enhance the health and safety of the community; to treat and prevent the spread of communicable diseases; addresses prenatal, child, and adolescent health care concerns; identifies and prevents child and elder abuse and neglect; and provides resources for healthy living choices for the populations served.
• Conducts physical assessments, dispenses pharmaceuticals, performs diagnostic testing, reviews and interprets laboratory findings, and provides treatment and intervention pursuant to standardized procedures and protocols in a clinical setting as well as in the field. 
• Performs in-home visits to assess the physical and behavioral health of patients and their families; identifies behaviors and lifestyle choices that place patients at risk for disease or adverse health conditions.
• Provides case management services to patients to aid in the development and maintenance of healthy living choices; sources private, public, and community health and social services agencies for the provision of services based on patient needs and acuity such as prenatal and postpartum care, addiction recovery, and communicable disease treatment and prevention; works with patients who have co-existing conditions which require the coordination of care from multiple service providers. 
• Follows up on treatment recommendations with patients and other involved agencies to ensure effective care and to provide guidance to patients and their families. 
• Provides counseling and guidance to patients who have contracted a communicable disease; records communicable disease occurrences as required by state and County laws and regulations; explains doctor instructions and recommendations to patients and their families; instructs patients and their families in isolation and preventive techniques.
• Develops comprehensive nursing care plans; acts as a patient liaison and advocate to medical and other community resources.
• Provides preventive healthcare such as well-patient clinics, vaccinations, and prenatal and postpartum nursing care; performs selected diagnostic tests using standardized procedures; gives prescribed treatments; assists physicians in outpatient clinics; acts as telephone advice nurse.
• Provides family planning and prenatal guidance to patients throughout pregnancy; continues postpartum visits to offer guidance and referrals for health, safety, parenting, socio-economic, and environmental related issues.
• Reviews and evaluates and prioritizes incoming communicable disease reporting data and additional information on cases of infectious diseases to determine the health risks of patients and the community; may investigate the most difficult and sensitive communicable disease cases; assists in the development of methods to prevent, control and treat communicable diseases.
• Works with other providers and community partners to coordinate care for individuals or groups with infectious diseases.
• Develops and conducts educational and outreach activities for community, professional, and educational groups on selected public health concerns, best practices, and early detection and prevention techniques.
• Evaluates and addresses the health needs of special population groups including the elderly, recent immigrants, those choosing alternate lifestyles, and other cultural and socioeconomic groups.
• Serves on interdisciplinary committees and task forces as a public health advisor and subject matter expert; acts as a public health consultant to community groups and participates on a variety of health planning and educational committees.
• Maintains patient charts and other records.
• Receives and responds appropriately to patient/client complaints and concerns.
• Prepares a variety of periodic and special reports.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Operations and services of comprehensive public health nursing programs. 
• Principles, practices, and current trends of public health nursing, including population-based nursing practices in high risk and high acuity populations. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances including the California Nursing Practice Act. 
• Demographic, biostatistical, and data collection methods utilized in evaluating public health needs and problems. 
• Major health concerns and risk factors of the populations served. 
• Principles and practices of public health case management and coordinative care.
• Principles, practices, and techniques used to assess the physical, behavioral, and developmental health of children and adults.
• Principles and practices of prenatal and postpartum healthcare.
• Methods and techniques of conducting interviews to extract information relevant to patients’ health.
• Detection, prevention, intervention, and reporting requirements for family violence, including child, spouse, and elder abuse and neglect.
• Safe medication practices.
• Common medical terminologies.
• Community health resources and government funded public health program offerings.
• Principles and practices of communicable disease prevention, transmission, diagnoses and treatment.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of developing and delivering public health education and outreach in a variety of formats.
• Pathophysiology of the major causes of illness and disease.
• The role of proper nutrition in developing and maintaining good health in children, adults, and the elderly.
• Community resources for the provision of public health services, including social services and financial support resources.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Manage and prioritize the provision of public health nursing intervention to individuals, families, communities, and at-risk populations.
• Provide specialized healthcare case management to diverse pediatric and adult populations with varying levels of acuity.
• Identify risk factors for disease and other adverse health conditions and develop comprehensive health plans for mitigation and prevention.
• Perform focused physical assessments, apply selected diagnostic screening, and develop effective interventions.
• Apply the principles of epidemiology to a broad range of social, health, and wellness concerns. 
• Identify community health needs through analysis of epidemiological data and information.  
• Coordinate services across a broad range of disciplinary practices for patients with multiple risk factors for adverse health conditions.
• Manage a caseload and establish priorities for case management, treatment and referral.
• Perform nursing assessments and selected diagnostic tests and give prescribed treatments.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business and professional organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a National League for Nursing accredited four-year college or university, or other educational standards as set forth by the California State Board of Registered Nursing.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Must possess a California Registered Nurse license issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing.
• Must possess a California State Public Health Nursing certificate.
• Must possess valid CPR certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting, or clinical setting, and use standard office equipment, including a computer and medical equipment; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; travel to various clinical and home settings may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds.
• Vision to assess emergency situations, including medical incidents and to read printed material and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office and medical equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions.
• Employees may work outdoors and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels and cold and/or hot temperatures.
• Incumbents may be exposed to blood and bodily fluids in the performance of their assigned duties.
• Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening, physical examination, etc.). 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca. 

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. 

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. 

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. 

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application. 

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. 

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.