Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Coordinator

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Arlington, TX

12d • $4,801 - $6,281 • Onsite

About The Position

Performs complex (journey level) public health nursing (PHN) work under general supervision of the Assistant Regional Nurse Manager, Regional Nurse Manager and Regional Medical Director, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Responsible for coordination of perinatal hepatitis B prevention program (PHBPP) activities in Regions 2/3 and 7. Works with the State PHBPP coordinator, regional nurses, local health department (LHD) departments and DSHS Immunization program managers to develop processes to improve program performance and delivery of services. Provides training, guidance and inservices for LHD's, hospitals, laboratories, and health care providers. Implements quality assurance activities to measure program performance. Fosters relationships to promote adherence to program guidelines and standards. Monitors program operations in assigned jurisdictions. Provides specialized nursing consultation for individuals and families. Oversees the completion of monthly mandatory reports to Central Office. As a member of the PHN team may provide traditional PHN services for immunizations, tuberculosis and HIV/STD. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies. This position is office-based but employee must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job functions. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
• Must be currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver’s license or equivalent from another state.
• Knowledge of DSHS confidentiality guidelines; nursing techniques and procedures; public health laws and regulations; community health and nursing care principles, practices and procedures; accepted medical treatment patterns
• Extensive knowledge of hepatitis B virus, perinatal transmission including screening guidelines, case management procedures and contact tracing; program regulations and procedures; utilization review and control measures
• Knowledge of computer use and software applications, including MS Office Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, the internet and electronic mail
• Skill in reasoning to identify problems, considering appropriate resolution of situations
• Skill in collaborating with patients, families and the community; providing program specific and public health information; communicating effectively with others (internal/external) both orally and in writing
• Skill in case analysis and providing clinical case management services
• Skill in phlebotomy; obtaining and processing specimens; administering medications and immunizations; using a computer and applicable programs
• Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations; plan, provide and/or coordinate the delivery of direct public health services
• Ability to conduct contact investigations; prepare and maintain records
• Ability to apply time management principles to tasks; maintain effective working relationships using tact and diplomacy
• Ability to work independently exercising sound judgement; work well and effectively in a team environment; plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others
• Ability to explain complex information at an appropriate level for individuals and groups
• Ability to travel to meet essential job functions
• Must provide transportation.
• If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas Driver License for the appropriate type vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• A minimum of three years of experience in nursing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the local subject matter expert for perinatal hepatitis B prevention activities.
• Works with DSHS Central Office and local health departments to coordinate surveillance, reporting, contact tracing and case management activities.
• Determine best practices based on geographic and epidemiologic assessments.
• Coordinates trainings for regions, local health departments, health care providers, patients and their families to increase perinatal hepatitis B prevention awareness and reduce transmission.
• Coordinate referrals to minimize interruption of case management services.
• Provides technical support and consultation to regions and local health departments in Regions 2/3, & 7.
• Evaluates and monitors surveillance strategies to improve reporting among hospitals, birthing centers and health care providers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive pregnant women.
• Reviews medical reports and reporting forms to ensure compliance with program policies, state regulations and reporting laws.
• Reviews case management reports for accuracy and completeness and submits to Central Office.
• Prepares monthly reminder list and submits to local health department and regions 2/3,& 7 field offices to monitor case management activities.
• Plans and develops the implementation of educational activities using state approved training presentations and brochures for health professionals to include hospitals, birthing centers, laboratiories, and prenatal care providers on hepatitis B transmission, reporting laws, vaccination schedule, case management, surveillance methods and contact investigations.
• Develops new partnerships to increase screening of pregnant women and report HBsAg positive and unknown status results to DSHS.
• Performs and oversees all case management activities related to perinatal hepatitis B prevention in Region 2/3, and 7.
• Receives lab reports of HBsAg positive and unknown status results; determines pregnancy status and locates infected mother.
• Educates mother on hepatitis B transmission, case management process and elicit household and sexual contacts.
• Assures infants born to HBsAg positive and status unknown mothers receive the hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and the first hepatitis B dose within 12 hours of birth.
• Performs case management of infants born to HBsAg positive and status unknown mothers including susceptible household and sexual contacts.
• Conducts serology testing of infants and contacts to determine infection status.
• Assures post partum serology testing is done to determine the mother’s infection status.
• Documents all case management activities on the appropriate reporting and case management forms and submits to DSHS Central Office.
• Works closely with physicians to identify HBsAg positive pregnant women as well as ensure infants receive the hepatitis B vaccine according to schedule.
• Provides PHN services in the clinic, home or community utilizing the nursing process according to policies, procedures, program standards, physician orders and SDO's including lab testing, home visits, medication administration,education, and case management.
• Performs communicable disease prevention and intervention activities around Immunzation, TB, HIV/STD and other identified diseases.
• Documents service delivery using available electronic record platform and agency approved program forms.
• Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
• Maintains compliance with all DSHS Policies including but not limited to Fleet Operations Management & Procedures and Standards inlcuding holding a valid Texas Driver's License and a valid, current Registered Nursing License from the Texas Board of Nursing or recognized compact state, maintaining CPR certification.

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