Public Health Nurse - Communicable Diseases

Kenosha County • Kenosha, WI

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Kenosha County Public Health is seeking a self-directed, nurturing, and adaptable Public Health Nurse to join their team. This role focuses on Communicable Diseases and the Childhood Lead Program. The Public Health Nurse will provide nursing services in various settings, manage a complex caseload, advance health equity, and promote a healthy environment for Kenosha County residents. The position involves delivering equitable, quality education and healthcare both virtually and in-home, providing clinical case management, health promotion, disease prevention, and health screening to clients across the lifespan. Collaboration with community partners and development of collective impact strategies are key. The role requires sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, and economic differences among clients. This position reports to the Public Health Nurse Supervisor – Communicable Diseases.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)
• At least 1 year of nursing experience
• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within 90 days of hire
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Access to a personal vehicle for use in the performance of the job
• Knowledge of principles and practices of professional nursing
• Knowledge of health promotion and health prevention
• Knowledge of population health practices and community health improvement
• Knowledge of health equity, racial equity, and the social determinants of health
• Knowledge of mental health conditions and treatment options
• Knowledge of health education behavior change theories and use
• Knowledge of cultural competency: supporting diverse perspectives in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, programs, and services that affect the health of the community
• Skill in critical thinking, systems thinking, analytical and problem-solving, as well as sound judgment
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Time management and prioritization skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Basic internet and computer usage skills
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently, making nursing decisions within the scope of practice
• Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, and lifestyles
• Ability to remain professional and courteous at all times, especially in high-pressure situations
• Ability to effectively plan, organize, and manage competing priorities and challenges under pressure
• Ability to engage, establish, and maintain collaborative partnerships with multi-cultural/multi-disciplinary staff, management, community partners, and the public
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and serve the public with honesty and integrity
• Ability to operate with a high degree of flexibility, initiative, attention to detail, and commitment
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, robust organization
• Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment

Nice To Haves

• 1 – 2 years of nursing experience
• Experience caring for clients who are un- and under-insured
• Experience caring for clients with substance use disorders, formerly incarcerated, and/or dealing with a wide variety of personal and/or mental health concerns
• Bilingual proficiency (English and Spanish)

Responsibilities

• Investigate, monitor, and provide case management services to individuals and groups with communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted infections.
• Assess health status and plan treatment regimens in coordination with medical providers.
• Maintain records related to treatment plans and ensure proper medication regimens are followed and documented per physician orders.
• Develop and maintain therapeutic community and client relationships.
• Provide home visits to clients for education, medication administration, and assessment.
• Enforce communicable disease codes in accordance with state statutes and ordinances, health authority guidelines, and in consultation with the Health Officer.
• Conduct home visits to a child’s residence or other sites where the child spends significant time to assess homes and identify factors impacting blood lead levels.
• Provide education and lists of interventions to parents or caregivers regarding childhood lead poisoning prevention.
• Complete assessments of a child’s health and developmental status; refer families to primary care providers and/or additional resources as necessary.
• Coordinate care with other members of the case management team, including Environmental Health and Lead Programs.
• Perform initial intake assessments and conduct appropriate health screenings for clients.
• Aid in the assessment, coordination, planning, and evaluation of care plans and treatment goals.
• Research and refer clients for additional medical care and community services and resources.
• Assist clients with enrolling in state assistance programs.
• Collect and prepare laboratory specimens for microbiologic monitoring.
• Research, investigate, and manage communicable diseases.
• Adhere to the nursing process and the fidelity of model programs.
• Ensure adherence and compliance with HIPAA policies and procedures regarding protected health information.
• Provide education and community awareness on behalf of Kenosha County Public Health.
• Network with other public and private community groups, coalitions, and organizations.
• Participate in the planning, development, and implementation of public health policies, procedures, programs, and services.
• Collaborate with other public health programs and community organizations to strategically develop collective impact strategies.
• Participate in off-site mobile health missions.
• Assist with identifying, developing, and advancing public health interventions to improve social determinants of health and health equity.
• Provide gender-inclusive sexual and reproductive health care services through education, disease prevention interventions, anticipatory guidance counseling, and community outreach.
• Utilize various information technology systems, including electronic medical records, internet databases, spreadsheets, and word processing programs, to collect data and maintain client information.
• Provide analyzed statistical data at the county, state, and federal level to meet reporting requirements.
• Participate in ongoing community assessment, including collection, assembly, and analysis of community health statistics to identify needs and trends.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment
• Ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Volunteer Paid Time Off
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level