Public Health Nurse

Job Location: Los Angeles                                                                Reports to (title): LAAIHP Program Director

Department: LA American Indian Health Project                              Supervises: None

Working title: Public Health Nurse                                                    Classification: Exempt

Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000                                                    Status: Regular 

Hours/week: 40+                                                                             Type of Position: Full-time 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Public Health Nurse is part of a multi-disciplinary team working together to determine, assess, establish and carry out a public health and case management plan for each client with an emphasis on health education and health services that are preventative in nature.  This may include providing safe transportation for clients to and from activities weekdays and weekends.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES   

⦁ Responsible for the percentage of PHN encounters & services for face-to-face evaluations, education & screening as well as home visits required by contract with Indian Health Services or other funding sources

⦁ Provide health screening for risk assessment of adults and children dealing with general medical, women’s care, chronic diseases and HIV/AIDS risk assessment and risk reduction

⦁ Responsible for the percentage of chart reviews for quality assurance purposes

⦁ Maintain documentation of all encounters utilizing ICD-10 codes and CPT codes for the data management system

⦁ As a member of the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Committee, attend all required meetings

⦁ Give referrals for diagnosis and treatment to assure continuity of health services

⦁ Instruct diabetes education for the purpose of disease prevention and maintenance as necessary

⦁ Provide health education as appropriate to all clients

⦁ Maintain an active list of all clients sorted by geographic area (to facilitate home visit scheduling).

⦁ Adhere to GPRA performance indicators related to the delivery of services.

⦁ Assist clients in accessing appropriate primary and specialty care in partnership with case management staff

⦁ Submit required reports and records monthly as required by the Director of Health Services

⦁ Oversee case management and public health outreach efforts to ensure appropriate treatment plans and continuity of care

⦁ Advocate for the patient and the community

⦁ Monitor the spread of disease, keep a vigilant watch for environmental hazards, educate the community on how to care for and treat themselves, and train for community disasters and bioterrorism

⦁ Responsible for program goals, plan enhancements and improve outcomes

⦁ Keep Director well informed regarding activities, pending issues and potential problems

⦁ Review and revise Medical Protocols, Policies, and Procedures as needed

⦁ Prepare and document follow up calls on all abnormal lab results

⦁ Assist Director and Associate Director in preparation of grants/proposals and also assist in grant reporting as needed

⦁ Attend weekly clinical multi-disciplinary team meetings to provide updates on client cases

⦁ Attend required departmental meetings and agency meetings as requested

⦁ Adheres to agency policies and procedures and advances the goals of UAII in a manner that embodies the agency’s philosophy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience & Qualifications:

⦁ At least one year of experience working in public health field

⦁ Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and knowledge regarding the Resource Patient Management System – Electronic Health Record (RPMS-EHR) database

⦁ Demonstrated skills writing client progress notes

⦁ Demonstrated ability in basic nursing skills (monitors blood pressure, give injections, administer meds, etc.)

⦁ Able to use a phone, fax, and copier machine

Education:

⦁ Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) 

License/Certifications:

⦁ Current California Registered Nursing License

⦁ Current Public Health Certificate

Confidentiality:

⦁ This position has access to sensitive information, and a breach in confidentiality will be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination.

⦁ Maintain strict confidentiality of client and personnel information adhering to HIPAA, professional codes of conduct, State of CA regulations, Privacy Act, and UAII policies and procedures

Communication/  Interpersonal Skills:

⦁ Communicate and deal effectively with people in a professional and courteous manner verbally and in writing

Technology Skills:

⦁ Excel, Word, Outlook, Google 

Other Skills:

⦁ Available and willing to travel as needed

⦁ Available to work evening and weekend hours as needed

⦁ Willingness to learn new skills and participate in training sessions relevant to the position

POSITION PREFERENCES 

⦁ Experience working with the American Indian community

⦁ At least 2 years experience working in the public health field

⦁ At least 2 years experience working with women’s care

⦁ Masters degree in Nursing

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Normal office conditions exist, and the noise level in the work environment can vary from low to moderate.

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the primary functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk frequently, sit, bend, twist, talk, and hear. There are prolonged periods of sitting, keyboarding, reading, as well.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include reading, distance, computer, and color vision. Talking and hearing are essential to communicate with vendors, and staff.

Mental demands: There are a number of deadlines associated with this position. The employee must also multi-task and interact with a variety of people on various and, at times, complicated issues.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees of United American Involvement, Inc. (UAII) are expected to conform to the following:

⦁ Uphold all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent

⦁ Adhere to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the healthcare and social services industry

⦁ Interact in an honest, trustworthy, and dependable manner with clients, employees, and vendors

⦁ Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity

⦁ Meet or exceed the performance standards as set by your supervisor

INDIAN PREFERENCE

United American Indian Involvement, Inc. has an Indian Preference in Employment Policy. According to this Policy, applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for this position and who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Tribe will be given preference in hiring and employment for this position. Other qualified candidates will be considered after all qualified candidates entitled to this preference have been adequately considered.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

United American Indian Involvement, Inc provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All employees must:

⦁ Have a fingerprint clearance

⦁ Have an annual negative TB test result on file

⦁ Pass a post-offer drug test

⦁ Have a valid CA driver’s license and active auto insurance

Disclaimer:  The information on this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees in this position.  It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Employees will be asked to perform other duties as needed.