Public Health Nurse/Outreach Director

Tule River Indian Health Center Inc•Porterville, CA

5d•$110,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Medical Director, the Public Health Nurse will plan and provide public health nursing services for the Purchased Referred Care Delivery Area. This role involves developing and overseeing outreach-based plans, programs, and communication venues to identify and address the healthcare needs of the Tule River Indian Reservation community. The position also includes providing health promotion, disease prevention, case management, and health care coordination services. Additionally, the Public Health Nurse will train Community Health Representatives, respond to public inquiries, assist in staff training, and advocate for community members. Planning injury prevention programs, assisting in policy development, and preparing reports are also key aspects of this role. The Public Health Nurse will also guide health planning efforts, establish partnerships with community agencies, provide primary health care and skilled nursing services, oversee health status assessments, and serve as an active member of TRIHCI’s Leadership Team.

Requirements

Knowledge of effective public health models, medical terminology; medical processes, and medical procedures sufficient to perform routine patient care.
Good communication skills, ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations, and willingness to convey responsibilities to patients.
Ability to work independently in carrying out assignments while remaining reliable and dependable.
Professional competency in office and healthcare abilities, including the maintenance of client confidentiality.
Ability to demonstrate basic levels of computer literacy, with a functional understanding of Microsoft Windows Operating Systems in an office environment, and demonstrate a working knowledge of routine office hardware and equipment (e.g. printers, copiers, fax machines, etc.).
Ability to maintain accurate records and preparing clear and accurate reports for informational, auditing, and operational use, including capacities for attention to detail and for reviewing and verifying accuracy of data.
Ability to organize and follow one’s own work schedule (i.e. setting priorities, being available during work hours, and meeting critical deadlines).
Ability to perform well in group problem-solving situations and use reason even when dealing with highly emotional topics.
Ability to become knowledgeable of health needs and services provided to the Indian community both on and near the reservation.
Competency and integrity to maintain the confidentiality of organizational, employee, and client records.
Ability to deliver effective training and presentations on technical subjects to large and/or small groups of various educational and cultural backgrounds.
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations governing public health, principles of mental health. Laws and regulations relating to the practice of medicine and nursing.
Knowledge of causes, means of transmission, and methods of control of communicable disease, principles and practices of diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems, child growth, and development.
Nursing skills and ability to apply them in a home or clinic setting.
Knowledge of commonly prescribed pharmacological preparations used in the treatment and care of patients with diabetes, hypertension, and/or hyperlipidemia.
Ability to construct a complete nursing care plan including assessment, problem identification, and the provision of appropriate nursing interventions.
Familiarity with entering data into a healthcare database program (EHR).
Graduation from an accredited four-year nursing program with a bachelor’s degree (BSN).
Possession of a valid Public Health Nurse Certificate issued by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Registered Nursing AND two (2) years of public health and/or community health nursing experience OR three (3) years of nursing experience may be substituted for the two (2) years of public health and/or community health nursing experience.
Two (2) or more years’ experience in an ambulatory health care setting.
At least one (1) year of experience as a healthcare supervisor.
A current California driver’s license, a good driving record, and be insurable with the Tule River Indian Health Center Inc. insurance agency.
First Aid/BLS/CPR certification required or must be obtained within 3 months of hire.
A valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing with the State of California is required.

Nice To Haves

ACLS & PALS is required or must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.

Responsibilities

Assumes responsibilities of the Tribal Public Health Officer, if designated.
Develop, implement, and oversee outreach-based plans, programs, and communication venues to identify and address the healthcare needs of the Tule River Indian Reservation community.
Provide health promotion and disease prevention services to individuals and families in a variety of settings, appropriate to client age, development, risk, geographic location, and culture.
Assist with the prevention and control of communicable diseases including tuberculosis, venereal disease, and acute communicable diseases, by carrying out epidemiological investigations.
Assist individuals and families in implementing medical treatment plans designed to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Provides case management services to assigned caseload.
Conducts outreach and case findings within the Purchase Referred Care Delivery Area.
Establishes baseline data for evaluating health care services and participates in policy development and policy enforcement.
Provides health care coordination for individuals and families through referral, collaboration, and liaison activities with local service providers and community agencies or organizations.
Provides and/or coordinates ongoing training for Community Health Representatives (CHRs) on various topics including home visiting, taking vital signs, initiating referrals, charting, and assessment using SOAP.
Responds to inquiries made by the public and local provider network regarding current public health information and practice.
Assists in the training of assigned staff; directs and delegates functions as appropriate for their training.
Sets up special programs; participates in community and health organizations, and acts as an advocate for those who cannot act on their own behalf.
Plans and recommends injury prevention programs, including but not limited to car seat safety, child safety, bike safety, and home safety.
Assists in development of division policy, procedures, and quality improvement activities within the clinic as directed.
Assists in completing required reports, program reviews and accreditation preparation. Adheres to accreditation and compliance standards/guidelines.
Collects, compares, and analyzes data; maintains records and prepares reports.
Develop and guide health planning efforts based on individual care plans and community profiles.
Identify and establish linkages/partnerships with other community and county agencies to increase community health awareness and the provision of related services.
Provide primary health care services and intermittent skilled nursing services as required by community members, and in accordance with prevailing policies and regulations.
Coordinate and oversee efforts to assess the general health status and health practices of the patient population.
Serve as an active member of TRIHCI’s Leadership Team, including attendance and contribution to Leadership Team meetings and initiatives.
Performs clinical procedures when necessary such as administering medication(s), administering immunizations, taking vital signs, measuring height and weight, testing capillary blood glucose, obtaining blood draw, wound care, comprehensive diabetes foot exams, setting I.V.’s, and other Registered Nursing skills that may be required in the clinic as well as in the patients home setting.
Participate in all required staff meetings and trainings.
Provides nurse home visitations services to assigned caseload.
May provide nursing assessment, education, and counseling for individuals such as high risk maternal, infants and adolescents in health situations.
Acts as a lead over junior level staff.
Provide health services to the community as directed during a local, state or federal emergency or disaster.
Perform other duties as assigned.