PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE - 40009127

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The primary responsibility of this position is to function as a STI/HIV clinic nurse who will provide client-centered interviews, provide risk reduction counseling, provide treatment of reportable and non-reportable STIs according to the NC Public Health Program Manual in accordance with the CDC and per standing orders written and signed by the agency Medical Director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.
• Part of the Communicable Disease Program, the Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) Clinic,
• Provides medical examination, screening, evaluation, and treatment to clients with a focus on sexually transmitted infections (STI), HIV, and syphilis;
• Provides STI/HIV education to encourage and promote prevention;
• Provides referrals for immunizations, substance abuse, sexual abuse, mental health or other medical issues (hypertension, diabetes, asthma, etc.) as needed;
• Participates and facilitates research activities through collaboration with the University of North Carolina (UNC) Division of Infectious Diseases and Duke University Medical Center;
• Reports all cases of bacterial STI, HIV, syphilis, and other communicable diseases to the NC Division of Public Health;
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Basic knowledge of, and skill in, the application of nursing theory, principles, and techniques employed in the field of public health and related programs.
• Understanding of best practices, safety standards, and therapeutic outcomes related to the specific area(s) of practice.
• Working knowledge of current social and economic problems relating to public health, including health disparities.
• Working knowledge of available resources and organizations.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others and to exercise good judgment in appraising situations and making decisions.
• Ability to work in partnership with patients and with other service providers to elicit needed information and to maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to accurately record services rendered and to interpret and explain records, reports and medical instructions.
• Some ability to oversee the work of others.
• Adequate computer skills to allow communication, patient record documentation, accessing information.

STANDARD CLAUSES:
May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.
To further the mission of the Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) to partner with our community to advance health equity, protect the environment, and promote health and wellness for all, DCoDPH is implementing the employee vaccination and tuberculosis screening policies. All DCoDPH employees are considered healthcare personnel (HCP) working in a health care setting with the potential for exposure to patients and/or infectious materials and, therefore, are required to comply and provide documented proof of the following:
o Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) vaccination/immunity
o Varicella-Zoster Virus (Chicken Pox) vaccination/immunity
o Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
o Tuberculosis (TB) baseline screening within the last twelve (12) months prior to employment
o Hepatitis B vaccination/immunity – only required for DCoDPH employees with potential Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) exposures.
Identified DCoDPH HCP with potential Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) exposure have an additional requirement for the Hepatitis B vaccination. Required vaccination, serological testing to determine immunity, and baseline tuberculosis screening are available for all Public Health employees who elect to become DCoDPH patients upon request and at no cost.
Proof of vaccination and tuberculosis screening must be provided to Human Resources within seven (7) business days prior to the date of employment.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT COMPLIANCE:
Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:
This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing and one year of professional nursing experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:
• A current license to practice as a registered nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s license and acceptable driving record.