Public Health Nurse I

Overview

The Public Health Nurse is responsible for infectious disease epidemiology and improving vaccination rates in Rutland County. Epidemiology job duties include conducting contact tracing interviews, working with community partners in the reporting and surveillance of infectious diseases, and providing public health recommendations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In the management of some infectious diseases, the Public Health Nurse may be asked to perform in-person case management and Directly Observed Therapy. Immunization job duties include training healthcare providers enrolled in the Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults programs in immunization best practices, supporting providers in the use of the Vermont Immunization Registry and working with practices to increase vaccine coverage rates.

The Public Health Nurse will also provide support to schools and childcare facilities regarding vaccination requirements and vaccine-preventable illnesses. The Public Health Nurse is responsible for organizing and conducting vaccination clinics. This aspect of the job requires vaccine ordering and management as well as vaccine administration. In all aspects of the job, the Public Health Nurse will strive to provide equitably, linguistically, and culturally appropriate care to meet the needs of all Vermonters. During public health emergencies, Public Health Nurses are expected to support public health activities. Extended workday or weekend hours may be required.

As part of the Vermont Department of Health, the Rutland District Office is in Downtown Rutland Vermont. We are committed to building and maintaining a multicultural and diverse workforce, and we strive to offer a supportive, professionally challenging, and healthy workplace to our employees.

*Starting rate may be negotiable based on experience and qualifications. 

DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL HEALTH - WHO WE ARE

The Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve the equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions necessary to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all, thus ensuring healthy Vermonters. The Division of Local Health is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and celebrates every person's strength, assets, and values. The Division of Local Health is committed to leading organizational change efforts that address avoidable inequities and injustices as we work towards the elimination of health and health care disparities.  

TELEWORK 
State of Vermont telework policy requires at least three days a week working in the office. The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment which combines both in person and remote work.  Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit and complies with State of Vermont policy. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and greater work/life balance. 
 

MISSION - Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies. 

VISION - All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.    

VALUES 

• Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce.      
• Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.  
• Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.  
• Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve. 
• Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Health Nurse I (Job Requisition #54450), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
 
Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition. 

• Public Health Nurse I: 54450
• Public Health Nurse II: 54434

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Jennifer Wedin at jennifer.wedin@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.
 

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties primarily performed in a standard office setting. Work may be performed in clinic settings and possibly client homes. Exposure to communicable diseases and other stressful situations may occur. Private means of transportation is required. May be required to work evenings, weekends and 12 hour shifts.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in nursing AND two (2) years or more of professional nursing experience.

OR

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

OR

College senior in the final semester of a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) program. (Graduation from the BSN program must occur prior to hire and continued employment will be contingent on the employee passing the Nursing Licensure Exam (NCLEX).

Possession of, or eligibility for, licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Vermont OR eligible to practice in the state of Vermont via a multi-state license.

NOTE: Must maintain Vermont licensure or multi-state license as a Registered Nurse as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with applicable hiring standards, fingerprint supported criminal record checks, adult and child abuse registry checks, the Office of Inspector General exclusion database, and motor vehicle driving record checks, as appropriate to the positon under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion, or demotion into a classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer