Public Health Nurse

Town of Andover•Andover, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the policy direction of the Board of Health and the general direction of the Assistant Director of Public Health, perform supervisory and clinical work in the field of public health nursing. The Public Health Nurse is responsible for the promotion of health lifestyles, disease prevention, health education and the coordination of health care in the community.

Requirements

Ability to analyze and use sound independent clinical judgement.
Knowledge of public health laws, rules, regulations and scope of practice.
Leadership, planning management, administrative, organizational and supervisory skills.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, to establish positive public relations for the Town and Division, and to interact with a wide variety of people.
Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and web platforms including Explorer and Chrome.
Social media literacy (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) preferred.
Other skills that facilitate problem solving and data interpretation such as statistical analysis software a plus.
Must have FEMA Incident Command System 100, 200, and NIMS 700 certification or obtain within one year of being hired.
Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with 3-5 years’ experience in public health, school health or community health nursing, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Current licensure as a registered nurse by the Board of Registration in Nursing in Massachusetts.
CPR certified.

Nice To Haves

Social media literacy (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
Statistical analysis software

Responsibilities

Propose and recommend to the Assistant Director of Public Health and the Director of Health and Human Services strategic approaches to communicable disease control, health promotion and intervention, and health education curriculum to address the public health needs of the community.
Investigate the occurrence of communicable diseases, including food-borne illnesses, to verify the existence of the disease, ascertain its source, identify unreported cases through contact tracing and investigation and other means of outbreak control , identify those at risk of disease, determine necessary control measures and inform the public if necessary.
Enforce the State Isolation & Quarantine regulations 105 CMR 300.
Monitor all disease through the MDPH Virtual Gateway program MAVEN.
Investigate and provide case management and follow up care of all active and latent TB cases according to MDPH regulations, including direct observation therapy (DOT) and home visits as required.
Document all follow up in MAVEN and any other case management tools.
Provide Tb skin screenings as required by MDPH guidelines for contacts of an active Tb case, or for a fee as needed and document.
Assist in the coordination and implementation of vaccination clinics for the community and school-based clinics.
Supervise clinical volunteers at these clinics.
Document all immunizations given using the state MIIS program.
Manage Vaccine administration and billing operations, including contracts with Medicaid and Mass Health, conducting and monitoring third party billing programs, and ordering of vaccine.
Operate the Immunization Program for the Department, providing vaccines for both adults and children in a clinic setting as well as individual office appointments.
Enter records into the MIIS system.
Maintain data base of participants and vaccine use.
Maintain enrollment in the Massachusetts Vaccine Program (MIP) annually.
Review Standing Orders yearly and obtain Medical Consultant signature.
Attend yearly MDPH VFC Compliance Training Webinar to maintain MDPH Vaccine Program approval.
Participate in compliance audits as required.
Attend annual Immunization Conferences.
Maintain vaccine management for all vaccines supplied by MDPH or purchased, using the MIIS system to order and control inventory.
Maintain daily temperature logs of the refrigerator and freezer and upload data logger information to the MIIS system monthly.
Conduct health maintenance clinics and promote wellness through education, (blood pressure, diabetic, etc. and others based on needs assessment).
Provide appropriate screenings and referrals for follow-up as needed.
Provide referrals and coordination for appropriate health care to families and individuals in developing self-care skills for improving health.
Make appropriate referrals to other Town professionals/departments, other health professionals, or community agencies as needed.
Audit community health status indicators and evaluate efficacy and efficiency of clinical intervention programs, including program approval, certification and licensing.
Coordinate with the environmental health section to address community health needs, including, but not limited to, hoarding, food-borne illness, elders in need, housing complaints, or other clinical related issues.
Coordinate with the environmental health section on regulations such as recreational camps for children, 105 CMR 430.000, local tattooing regulations, or food code 105 CMR 590.000.
Participate with other staff in completing camp inspections with a focus on the health and wellness requirements.
Act as resource for school health education.
Assist school nursing personnel, day care facilities and pre-schools with enforcing the school immunization laws, health related matters, procedures and State regulations in regards to the Isolation and Quarantine Regulations (105 CMR 300)
Respond to public health issues and emergencies including emergency callbacks.
Participate in drills, tabletop exercises or other emergency preparedness events as needed.
Maintain records and files, prepare monthly activity report and other various or special reports as necessary.
Manage Sharps Collection Program, including ensuring continued operations of deployed kiosks, contract management, & coordinating sharps collection.
Attend continuing education courses and professional development activities to improve own skills and to maintain professional certification and keep current on public health/health care practices and policy.
Mentor community health nursing students in collaboration with local colleges.
Represent the Department in meetings and conferences with Federal, State and local community leaders.
Recommend regulations for adoption by the Board of Health.
Research and assist in application for grant funding for community health prevention and education programs.
Respond to public inquiries and complaints related to health issues such as disease transmission, disease prevention, health promotion, medication, community resources, available services, immunizations etc., including investigation, research and/or follow up.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Perform related duties as assigned or requested.