Public Health Nurse

Our Role: Want to do meaningful work that has a real impact in our community? Come join our team-oriented, family-friendly organization of over 125 talented professionals. We work hard every day to keep Kitsap County healthy and safe.

The Position: Under the direction of the Sexually Transmitted Infections and Hepatitis C Program Manager and Program Coordinator, the incumbent, in the role of Public Health Nurse, performs communicable disease investigation and surveillance activities using current disease investigation protocols with a focus on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and hepatitis C. These investigations are authorized by Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-101). The purposes of the investigations are to determine the source(s) of illnesses and to eliminate or reduce the spread and effect of these illnesses. 

The incumbent will provide community outreach to improve communicable disease response strategies with a focus on STIs and hepatitis C. The incumbent will also provide targeted health education, resources, referrals, and linkages to appropriate health care providers for persons who may be homeless, have mental health problems, and substance use problems in a variety of community settings. 

The successful candidate is a licensed, registered nurse in the State of Washington and is expected to have working knowledge of communicable disease control, public health practices, care coordination, and outreach strategies. The position requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to comfortably and effectively interact with diverse populations. 

Hours: 40 hours per week – 100% FTE, requires occasional evening and weekend hours. 

Status: Permanent full-time position.

Benefits: The District offers a comprehensive health benefit plan which includes medical, dental, vision, and life coverages, including several voluntary plan selections through The Standard, MetLife, and Aflac. The District provides medical and dental coverage contributing percentages of the average medical and dental insurance premium cost for full-time employees as follows: Employee @ 100%, Employee & Spouse @ 90%, Employee & Child(ren) @ 90%, and Full Family @ 85%. Benefits include generous paid time off and twelve paid holidays per year. Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan managed by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security. Several deferred compensation retirement savings plans are also offered.

Other: This position requires in-person interactions with staff and members of the public. After a successful trial service period of at least three months, the successful candidate may establish a hybrid telework arrangement as mutually beneficial. 

The ideal candidate aspires a Public Health career path. 

Please note: Interviews will be held on August 22 and/or August 25. Please plan accordingly.

Essential Functions:

• Interviews persons diagnosed with communicable disease, including those with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or hepatitis C, to ensure the understanding of their condition, the need to complete treatment as prescribed; the need to return for necessary follow-up exam(s) and the need to notify and/or assist in the notification of appropriate contacts.
• Provides counseling to persons concerning their risks for exposure to communicable disease.
• Participates in special project and educational presentations related to communicable disease, including STIs, hepatitis C, HIV, public health emergency preparedness and immunizations. Provides public health support to community-based programs.
• Conducts field or telephone investigations to identify index cases, contacts and persons named as partners of individuals with known communicable diseases. Arranges for the medical examination for infected person: conducts follow-up contact of untreated persons. Documents findings and completes reports which may include the Expedited Partner Therapy Program in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
• Provides disease surveillance by monitoring the reporting of laboratories, private providers and military providers through the public health electronic data reporting system.
• Performs blood draws via fingerstick and venous phlebotomy per standing orders of Health Officer. Documents actions as required per policy and procedures. 
• Distributes and/or administers medications per standing orders of Health Officers. Documents actions as required per policy and procedures.
• Assists doctors and clinics in public, private and military communities in obtaining necessary information and materials for communicable disease testing, screening, reporting, and treatment plans.
• Conducts community outreach to enhance disease prevention, detection, and treatment efforts. Locations may include encampments, shelters, community-based agencies, and may be provided in collaboration with contracted mobile syringe services and harm reduction providers. 
• Drives, as needed, to conduct field investigations, outreach, or other essential job functions.
• Provides and makes recommendations to the public, educators, healthcare professionals, and other community leaders regarding policy and systems changes that will improve disease prevention, transmission prevention, and disease management efforts.
• Educates clients and populations about health risks and promotes behavioral changes to reduce risks.
• Keeps current with changes and updates from DOH, the CDC, and local health officials in regard to communicable disease and best practices.
• Accurately drafts and sends effective written communication in a timely manner.
• Attends appropriate continuing educational courses and program-specific training opportunities sponsored by DOH.
• Stays current on HIPAA and ensures confidentiality of personal health information, maintaining compliance as required by statute.
• Utilizes various HIPAA compliant resources to locate and/or engage with cases and contacts who may be difficult to reach or reluctant to engage in conversation.
• Uses computer applications to produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts, using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Completes timely and accurate random moments to comply with contractual requirements of Medicaid Administrative Match.

Please refer to the job posting for all essential functions, physical demands, & working conditions.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from a school accredited by the National League of Nursing with coursework that includes a community health component; or
• The combination of a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as public health or health education, and at least four years of public health nursing experience, may be substituted for the BSN requirement, provided the candidate graduated from a school of nursing accredited by the NLN (diploma, AA or AS).
• Degrees must be from appropriately accredited institution

Licenses, Certificates, & Other Requirements:

• Possession of valid Washington State Registered Nurse licensure through the Washington Department of Health is required.
• The incumbent must obtain the digital certificate required for access into the WDRS secure reporting system.
• Performance of job duties requires driving on a regular basis, a valid Washington State driver’s license, the use of a District fleet vehicle, and proof of appropriate auto insurance. 
• All required licenses must be maintained in an active status without suspension or revocation throughout employment.

To view the opportunity and complete the required electronic application, please visit the Careers page of our website or GovernmentJobs.com.