HD Public Health Nurse III

Williamson County and Cities Health District•Round Rock, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position performs complex public health nursing work involving the management of the overall tuberculosis program and individual patient case management of active cases. The role involves following and assisting in the development/updating of Standard Operating Guidelines and Procedures for surveillance, case investigation, and tuberculosis care and treatment. The nurse will address local health needs in consultation with stakeholders and professional organizations, advocacy, and consumer groups. As a subject matter expert and programmatic resource for tuberculosis, this role provides support to clinical services staff. Patient care includes disease investigations and prevention, such as blood draws, sputum collection, TB screening (skin and/or blood testing, radiology), and treatment for clients with tuberculosis. This position operates under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. This position is funded through September 23, 2027, and employment beyond that date is not guaranteed.

Requirements

RN registered to practice in the state of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact required.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Professionals certification required.
2 years of clinical experience with direct patient care required.
Valid Texas driver’s license and access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations.
Knowledge of TB case management.
Knowledge of infection control practices.
Knowledge of infectious diseases.
Knowledge of general clinical practices and procedures.
Skill in positive and constructive public relations.
Skill in conducting disease and outbreak investigations.
Skill in using a computer, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Professional.
Ability to work in a collaborative manner.
Ability to design and execute evaluation processes.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and to devise solutions to problems.
Ability to prepare concise reports and to adapt reports to various educational levels.
Ability to facilitate meetings and groups and to direct planning processes.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally; skill in public speaking.
Ability to adapt communication style and prevention strategies to a client.
Ability to prioritize activities and manage multiple responsibilities; time management.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public health or case management preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
BSN preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts investigations and follow-up of reported and suspected TB cases.
Assists in investigations of case contacts.
Oversees collection and reporting of TB data.
Works with the TB Program Manager on compiling, sharing, and reporting TB data.
Interviews and triages clients referred for positive TB screening.
Ensures systems are in place to identify persons with clinically active TB according to DSHS guidelines.
Manages persons who have or are suspected of having TB disease.
Identifies and manages persons infected with M. tuberculosis.
Differentiates infections caused by M. tuberculosis from those caused by Nontuberculosis Mycobacterium (NTM).
Provides laboratory and diagnostic services for TB.
Responsible for education, assessment, and consultation for initiation of treatment for inmates with TB and LTBI at the Williamson County Jail and T. Don Hutto (if agreements are made).
Participates in quality assurance activities related to tuberculosis.
Participates in developing and implementing plans to improve reporting from local providers and other reporting sources.
Ensures systems are in place and working to meet reporting requirements of DSHS and CDC for TB.
Works to educate Williamson County Jail and T. Don Hutto staff on tuberculosis screening, identification, and treatment.
Assists Public Information Officer (PIO) in responding to media inquiries.
Serves as a subject matter expert regarding tuberculosis for community partners.
Works to develop effective working relationships with centers or facilities with high-risk populations to screen and identify those with latent and active TB.
Maintains contact with DSHS regarding disease surveillance.
Attends meetings as needed or requested to provide updates and guidance related to tuberculosis.
Acts as a resource for Williamson County Jail and T. Don Hutto with respect to TB control.
Provides or coordinates DOT (directly observed therapy).
Provides direct patient care for clients suspected of or diagnosed with TB in Williamson County.
Acts as a resource for WCCHD staff for the coordination of TB patient treatment plans and education regarding program requirements.
Participates in required training related to tuberculosis.
Provides training and orientation to new staff, volunteers, and students.
May participate on a WCCHD committee or task force.
In the event of a public health emergency, may be called upon to support WCCHD’s response in ways that are outside the usual scope of their job responsibilities, potentially involving working hours outside of usual work hours, but not duties outside of competence or professional licensure.