Nurse Specialist II (CAP) - #00006440

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
The nurse in this position functions independently under state and agency guidelines and policies in specialty roles and generally without onsite supervision. Work is performed under the direction of a Nurse Services Supervisor or Nurse Services Manager.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The Nurse Specialist II has acquired all competencies of Nurse Specialist I. Nurse is performing in a lead role on a regular basis in a clinical community setting. Specialist II works closely with the Nurse Manager or Nurse Services Supervisor in the review of clinical services and needs. Additional training in area of specialty may be required. Work is distinguished at this level from the Nurse Specialist I by regular lead roles and coordination/accountability of services provided during clinic operations. In the community setting it is distinguished due to the autonomous roles of the nurse working independently in the community setting making critical decisions with no onsite supervision. The Nurse Spec. II plans and implements services to meet physical, mental and social needs of the client.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The applicant must be able to communicate effectively with multiple agencies, medical providers, and families from diverse backgrounds while remaining organized and self-motivated. The candidate should be flexible and able to adapt to changing client needs, schedules, and policy requirements with minimal supervision. Responsibilities include assessing client needs, coordinating cost-effective services, monitoring care delivery, and maintaining regular contact with beneficiaries, caregivers, and provider agencies. The applicant will orient new staff to program expectations and policy requirements while promoting the health and safety of clients in the home and community.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public health nursing, of measures and techniques used in the prevention of communicable diseases, and of the scope and general purpose of the program of health education and administration.
• Considerable knowledge of the sociological aspects of community life.
• Considerable knowledge of epidemiology and preventive measures for disease.
• Considerable knowledge of healthcare delivery systems and concepts of primary care.
• Knowledge in counseling mediation techniques and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of implications of Social Determinates of Health
• Knowledge of community resources for clients and their families.
• Knowledge in case finding, case management and advocacy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and with other professional personnel and ancillary staff.
• Ability to interpret and explain the value of public health nursing services and to obtain individual and collective public cooperation.
• Ability to collaborate.
• Ability to work with ethnic and cultural sensitivity
• Ability to make independent nursing assessments and judgments.
• Ability to perform in physical assessment skills if assignment requires.
• Ability to plan, coordinate the work of others, and display strong interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated and independent in decision making.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a BS Degree in Nursing (BSN), which includes a Public Health nursing rotation and 6-12 months of professional nursing experience in a public health setting or related environment, preferable with 12 months demonstrated experience in specialty area; OR, an Associate's Degree (ADN) with 3 years experience in a public health setting or related environment; Experience may include education in the form of workshops, certification, and/or graduate programs related to the clinical area of specialty.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelors degree in nursing with current Nursing License required and experience working with disabled individuals and their families is recommended; OR Registered Nurse in NC with 2 years experience working with CAP/DA, CAP/C beneficiaries and their families in the home and experience with electronic medical record documentation. Previous case management experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATION
Possession of a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse issued by the North Carolina Board of Nursing or another Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact State (eNLC) and such other qualifications which may be prescribed by the State Department of Public Health.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions
Sits, walks and stands during a workday. Practices good body mechanics. Must be able to physically perform the basic life support functions of walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to lift patients (children) and objects up to 30 pounds as required for some positions. Must have the visual acuity to record observations and physical assessments of clients, to read and interpret test results, administer immunizations/prescription dosages, and record medical findings. Nurse may occasionally be in contact with difficult patients, may be exposed to infection from disease-bearing patients, and specimens, and will have periodic exposure to hazards in the field (driving, rural or inner-city settings, inclement weather, clients). Work conditions may be mildly disagreeable if working in poor home environments or with difficult patients.

May Require Driving
This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.

Special Note : This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position. These documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions.