Qualified individuals should send a completed resume and cover letter to hiring@bmestrategies.com

JOB TITLE: Public Health Nurse

SUPERVISOR: Health Agent

FLSA: Exempt

SALARY: $64,080

STATUS: Union

UNION: United Steelworkers of America, Local 9517-09 Supervisory Unit

HOURS/WEEK: 37

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Responsible for regional clinical programs including operation, program planning, grant administration, clinic implementation and communicable disease prevention and control. Applies, demonstrates and performs detailed, complicated, and responsible nursing duties in homes, clinics, schools, and throughout the community. Responsible for the enforcement of M.G.L. and local regulations.

This position is part of a Public Health Excellence Grant between the towns of Seekonk, Swansea, and the city of Fall River. The position is based in the town of Seekonk, providing on average 1 day a week of support to the town of Swansea. Support to the city of Fall River is not expected but may occur on a case-by-case basis. This is a grant funded position and is subject to availability of funds. The grant is renewable for three (3) year increments until June 2033. The town of Seekonk plans to fund the position beyond the terms of the grant.

The position requires independent judgment to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, Home Rule Charter, Town bylaws, departmental policies, and contracts with third parties. This position requires the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.

SUPERVISION:

Works under the policy direction of the Board of Selectmen and the administrative direction of the Town Administrator and Board of Health. For general day-to-day supervision, this position reports directly to the Health Agent, from whom s/he receives and carries out policies and procedures, as well as receiving work assignments. Performs varied responsible and highly complex functions which require considerable judgment and initiative in determining courses of action which may or may not be guided by statute, established guidelines, collective bargaining agreements or precedent; work involves the ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, policies and procedures to a wide variety of individual problems and situations.

JOB ENVIRONMENT:

A great deal of work is carried out in a team environment and with a degree of independence. The Public Health Nurse must look to state statutes, regulations and guidance in performing job responsibilities. Administrative work is performed under typical office conditions, with frequent interruptions; attends Board of Health and Board of Selectmen meetings as required; attends other Town board and commission meetings and forums as necessary. Operates personal computer and standard office equipment such as copier, facsimile machine, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Responsible for receiving, recording, and reporting communicable diseases as required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) including the utilization of the MAVEN surveillance database.
• Responsible for communicable disease control, surveillance, case investigation and implementing risk-reduction measures to prevent the spread of disease. Works closely with the Division of Tuberculosis Control to investigate and follow-up on all reported cases of tuberculosis, including testing all contacts, performing Direct Observed Therapy (DOT) via home visits when needed and monitoring patients for compliance with treatment regime.
• Orders vaccines and manages clinical supply inventory for immunization clinics, as well as, complies with vaccine storage and handling requirements as set by MDPH Immunization Unit.
• Participates in Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS) and reports immunization data in a timely manner.
• Coordinates logistics of all clinics, including but not limited to, scheduling, recruiting volunteers, ensuring safe environment and safe clinical practice is adhered. Clinics may include seasonal influenza, Covid-19, blood pressure screenings, blood glucose screening and other preventive health screenings.
• Support efforts for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating the provision of comprehensive

health services, including participating with co-workers in establishing priorities for service and in evaluating

the effectiveness of service programs in terms of improved health status of individuals, families and the

community as a whole.

• Coordinate and implement public health prevention programs with collaboration from community social service agencies and schools, perform or evaluate community needs assessments to identify gaps in services that may be beneficial to Town residents and establishments, as well as implement and supervise those clinical services identified to be effective and evidence-based assistance in the development and review of emergency response plans and help manage operations of emergency dispensing sites.
• Function as part of the emergency response Incident Command structure and participate in local and regional Public Health emergency response activities.
• Continue professional development by obtaining required continuing education units and attending Regional Public Health Nurse meetings.
• Performs annual Recreational Camps for Children inspections, corresponds with camp directors including reviewing medical information for camp permit applications and verifying medical documentation follows applicable regulations.
• Ensures health equity and cultural competence are at the forefront of all public health programming and policies within the department.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias
• Perform continuous research of trends and best practices in public health data to guide current and future operational policies.
• Attend meetings with the Board of Health and upon request represent the Board at various Town and community meetings, coalitions and events.
• Submit a monthly report to the Board of Health and keep members current on community and public health changing needs by preparing and delivering presentations on various public health topics.
• Ensure patient records are kept secure and confidential, and maintained consistent with Health department and MDPH policies and procedures and HIPAA standards.
• Perform other similar or related work as required or as the situation dictates.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

We understand that there are many paths to acquiring experience. Therefore, we welcome candidates from diverse and nontraditional backgrounds for this role, including those who have demonstrated transferable skills to carry out the major duties outlined in this job description.

Licensed as a BA/BS RN required. Minimum five (5) years of experience in public health, environmental health or a related field. Supervisory experience in public health activities preferred. Must be able to travel to and from various locations within the catchment area, including home to home or community agencies. Applicants must possess any combination of education, experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge: Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of public health issues, including ten essential public health services and the laws and regulations governing them; available community resources for referral purposes. Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Thorough working knowledge of departmental functions and operations; of standard office practices and procedures; of use and operation of standard office equipment; ability to operate a personal computer with proficiency in MS Office products. Knowledge of MIIS or MAVEN platforms is a plus.

Ability: Must be able to work independently. Ability to analyze and make independent clinical decisions. Ability to handle emergency situations and remain calm and concentrate and perform all responsibilities in a competent manner at all times. Able to communicate effectively and efficiently verbally and in writing at all times Must perform all aspects of job responsibilities with honesty and integrity.

Skill: Excellent nursing skills. Strong planning and organizational skills. Excellent employee relations and customer service skills. Proficient computer skills. Strong written and oral skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear; use fingers to handle or feel; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; reach with hands or arms; taste or smell. Ability to view computer screens and work with details for extended periods of time. May move objects weighing up to 30 pounds, to set up and breakdown clinic supplies and equipment. Must be able to communicate. Possible exposure to communicable diseases.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion and many other parts of one’s identity. All of our employee’s points of view are key to our success, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in the skills necessary to successfully be a key member of the Town. 

Posted 1/26/24