Public Health Nurse I - (Open Until Filled)

Salary : $80,070.20 - $98,476.25 Annually
Location : Madera County, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Public Health
Division: Public Health Administration
Opening Date: 07/23/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PROFS

You may also qualify for Public Health Nurse II! Review the minimum qualifications and apply through the link below:
Under general supervision, performs public health nursing duties in one or more assigned programs, units, clinics, or districts; provides nursing, health assessments, education, case management, and counseling services; records data and maintains client case files; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from an assigned Supervising Public Health Nurse. The Public Health Nurse II may exercise technical and functional supervision over and provide training to lower-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
Examples of Duties

The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Types of work performed shall be within the scope and licensure (if required) for the classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Manages client caseloads with multiple health problems in assigned area and establishes priorities for services based on the risk of the condition to the individual and to the community; updates data, records, and reports; submits information to various databases and registries.
• Makes home visits in assigned areas; meets with clients to provide assessments, health education, and counseling; reviews patient history, medications, and evaluates medical needs; documents assessed findings and interventions provided.
• Performs selected diagnostic tests, using standardized procedures; administers prescribed treatments and medications, following established protocols.
• Collects information and documentation from clients and/or providers for use in determining eligibility for various medical or rehabilitative care; identifies the need for and makes referrals to public assistance programs and services; explains program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as participant rights and responsibilities; ensures the accuracy of application and declaration forms.
• Monitors community health for themes and patterns in relation to assigned public health program; tracks infectious and preventable illnesses; identifies risk factors; evaluates community needs.
• Applies established rules and guidelines for case determination; verifies information with other agencies and sources; resolves discrepancies by securing documentation, medical records, and confirmation from other agencies; confers with supervisory or professional staff in complex cases; ensures documents are processed within specified time frames.
• Facilitates coordination between families, clinics, hospitals, and specialists to ensure continuation of care and services; coordinates efforts with other agencies to ensure maximum service and support for clients.
• Confers with County staff and outside agencies to evaluate client needs and the type, extent, and cost of medical care.
• Researches and provides consultation on various health topics and applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements; keeps abreast of developments in the field of nursing and assigned area; makes recommendations for changes and updates to enhance service delivery and ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of reports and records related to client intake activities and patient information and treatment.
• Provides guidance to assigned nursing students and training in nursing practices and procedures for other staff as required.
• May be designated as nurse-in-charge or nurse-of-the-day for specific shifts or clinic assignments; provides direction to other employees in this capacity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Community aspects of nursing programs, including community resources and teaching of preventive medicine techniques.
• Community resources available for public health programs.
• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Budget development and expenditure control.
• Principles of program coordination.
• Principles, methods, and procedures of nursing as applied to public health needs and practices.
• Current trends and practices in professional nursing.
• Preventive medicine.
• Causes, treatment, prevention, and early detection of communicable diseases, chronic diseases, and handicapping conditions.
• Child growth and development and procedures involved in promoting maternal and child health.
• Common diseases in the geriatric population and appropriate education and intervention.
• Sociological, psychological, and physical problems involved in public health nursing.
• Social determinants of health.
• Impacts of socioeconomic and cultural differences in public health.
• Principles of health equity as it applies to public health practice.
• Safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform the full range of professional public health nursing services.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
• Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
• Serve as a resource for nursing problems and issues.
• Plan and conduct clinic services.
• Provide instruction in disease prevention and promote proper nursing care services.
• Interview clients and gather data and information.
• Effectively represent the Department of Public Health and nursing services to the public, community organizations, boards, commissions, and other government agencies.
• Plan, organize and conduct treatment programs.
• Explain and interpret goals, objectives and methods to patients, caregivers, and family members.
• Adapt various functions to the therapeutic requirements of individual patients.
• Exercise appropriate independent judgment and monitor quality of own practice.
• Demonstrate strong professional ethics.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly as directed and trained.
• Collaborate with other professional staff to secure continuity in the treatment and training of patients.
• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures, and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
• Prepare and maintain accurate, concise case records and other necessary reports, documents, and files.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and County regulations.
• Follow and efficiently adapt to current and changing program policies, procedures, software, and forms.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in nursing or a closely related field.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid California State Public Health Nursing Certificate.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid CPR certificate.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate California driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in office, clinic, and community settings, treat patients, and use varied medical and office tools and equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various sites; vision to evaluate patients and read printed materials and computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. The work requires wear and use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees predominately work in an office and clinic environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and may have direct exposure to hazardous substances. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Application Process

The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training and experience relative to the required knowledge and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.

Only the most qualified applicants, who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the examination process which may be administered by a written examination, oral interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.
Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for the assessment listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100%.
THE APPRAISAL PANEL WILL BE SCHEDULED ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS

To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website All job postings are also included via the TDD phone at 559-675-8970 and the 24-hour job line at 559-675-7697. Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.
Those applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 form along with the application. Candidates who attain ranking on an eligible list and are involuntarily called to active duty may be considered for eligibility reinstatement upon their return.

Placement on Eligible List:
The Civil Service Commission may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the examination process. If two or more candidates have the same total final score on an examination, they shall be ranked in order of their scores in that portion of the examination which has the greatest weight. The names of two or more eligibles having final ratings which are identical shall be grouped on the eligible list as tie names with equal rank for certification and appointment purposes.

Candidates who are successful in all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligible list, in rank order based on a calculation of their total score from the examination process. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of six (6) months or one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to section 6-4 (b) and may be extended for up to an additional year by the Commission.