Congenital Syphilis Nurse II (AM)

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us. Performs complex (journey-level) nursing work, under the supervision of the Congenital Syphilis Operations Director I. This position will support the Congenital Syphilis Prevention Hotline, providing consultation and guidance to healthcare providers regarding congenital syphilis questions, diagnosis, and care. This position works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical objectives related to congenital syphilis.

Requirements

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Texas.
• Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures; medical diagnoses and procedures; accepted medical treatment programs; and community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of health care laws and regulations.
• Medical knowledge of Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis along with other STIs.
• Medical knowledge of recommended treatment for acquired syphilis, congenital syphilis, and other STIs.
• Knowledge of statistical data collection methods.
• Knowledge of medical care resources in Texas.
• Knowledge of lab issues; interpreting lab results.
• Knowledge of training processes.
• Skill in the care and treatment of patients and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Skill in use of electronic medical record system, Internet, and Microsoft Office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Ability to provide consultation to health care providers, to prepare and maintain records, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to explain public health laws and to recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment.
• Ability to explain public health laws and regulations; to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and the delivery of public health services; to interpret policies and procedures; to interpret health care regulations.
• Ability to work productively with people from varying socio-economic groups and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to establish goals, objectives, to organize workloads, and set priorities to meet deadlines.
• Ability to develop educational materials and programs.
• Ability to compile data for statistical reports.
• Ability to communicate and deal tactfully with health care providers.
• Ability to execute protocols, procedures, and correspondence for program operation.
• Ability to handle confidential issues and material.
• Ability to manage multiple and diverse tasks/projects.
• Ability to communicate with others to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints.
• At least 1 year experience in communicating program policy, procedures and medical reports and tests via telephone.
• At least 1 year experience handling confidential issues and materials, including medical records in compliance with state and federal laws, such as HIPPA.
• At least 1 year experience in using computer systems and databases, and Microsoft Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year experience in management of acquired syphilis, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responding to inquiries from physicians, nurses, hospital staff, and other healthcare professionals through the hotline.
• Offering evidence-based recommendations and clarifications on syphilis and congenital syphilis management, treatment protocols, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinating with regional congenital syphilis nurses to ensure appropriate follow-up on specific syphilis and congenital syphilis cases.
• Assisting with the development and modification of policies, procedures, and protocols related to congenital syphilis prevention and care.
• Participating in the creation and delivery of written and verbal program communications and educational materials for healthcare providers and stakeholders.
• Supporting program enhancements aimed at improving efficiency and service evaluation.
• Attending consultant meetings, educational workshops, and symposiums relevant to congenital syphilis prevention and treatment.
• Performing “On Call” duties during holidays and weekends on a rotating basis
• Provides professional consultation to healthcare providers regarding congenital syphilis diagnosis, treatment, and management. Responds to inquiries via the congenital syphilis hotline and offers evidence-based guidance. Coordinates with regional nurses to ensure appropriate follow-up on specific cases, including re-testing and evaluation as needed. Maintains close liaison with other state and agency programs to ensure coordination.
• Provides professional follow-up of women of childbearing age and infants with syphilis diagnoses, as required by the Congenital Syphilis Provider Consultation Hotline Director and the Community Health Improvement Division. Enters clinical care coordination notes into the central case management system following policies and procedures. Maintains electronic reports and documentation of the consultation as required by the Congenital Syphilis Provider Consultation program.
• Answers telephone inquiries testing and treatment history for medically complex syphilis cases from emergency departments, OB/Gyns, delivery hospitals, primary care providers, and pediatric specialists. Provide up to date guidance and support for disease management, treatment protocols, and access to additional resources. Assigns tasks to Regional Congenital Syphilis Response Nurses for field follow-up, care coordination, and provider support.
• Develops and provides resources, educational materials, and literature to providers about congenital syphilis prevention. Participates in planning, developing, and executing meetings for consultant workgroups. Performs other congenital syphilis program support activities as assigned by the Director of Operations.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees