Public Health Nurse Supervisor

This position is in the Community Health Division and will rotate between work locations in Chico and Oroville. This position will supervise nurses and nurse practitioners in the Public Health Clinics as well as staff in the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. 

FLSA: Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, supervises, organizes, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing a variety of nursing care services in the examination and treatment of clients in various settings including health assessments, case management, care coordination, instruction, counseling and referral services, and education to high risk and special populations for the prevention and mitigation of diseases and adverse health conditions; assumes programmatic and budgetary responsibility for assigned public health nursing program(s); provides responsible staff support to management in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Community Health Division Director or designee. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative staff.  

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full supervisory-level class in the Public Health Nurse series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized public health nursing programs and services with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing and evaluating the work of assigned staff and for oversight of a variety of public health nursing programs and are responsible for providing professional level support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.  

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff responsible for the provision of public health nursing care services, including health assessments, case management, care coordination, instruction, counseling and referral services, and education to high risk and special populations for the prevention and mitigation of diseases and adverse health conditions; performs professional nursing duties in support of public health programs. 
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion; acts as preceptor for nursing students from local colleges as they complete their clinical experience in community nursing.  
• Trains staff in work and safety procedures and in the operation and use of equipment; implements training procedures and standards.
• Monitors operations and activities of assigned program(s) or functional area of responsibility; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; provides recommendations concerning best practices and process changes; reviews with management staff; implements improvements.
• Assists with planning, implementing, and evaluating public heath nursing programs and services; coordinates program development and planning according to scope of work; directs the provision of services including direct and indirect services; and evaluates program quality and effectiveness of services; provides recommendations for program modifications and improvements.
• Determines and recommends equipment, materials, and staffing needs for the assigned programs and activities; monitors, controls, and orders supplies and equipment.
• Provides technical consultation and guidance to staff members on difficult client cases and manages the most complex and/or highly sensitive cases; reviews and approves assessments, reports, and other documentation prepared by staff.
• Conducts fiscal planning and budget or grant preparation, including strategic planning for budget or grant implementation; identifies alternative funding sources and coordinates grant applications; secures funding; and tracks grant expenditures in collaboration with the Community Health Division Director.  
• Supervises the preparation and maintenance of reports, records, and files including program activities and accomplishments, projection of future program direction, and intended program plan; ensures compliance with program documentation and reporting requirements.  
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, and complaints regarding assigned programs, activities, and staff; investigates complaints and recommends corrective actions.
• Works collaboratively with partnering agencies and programs, treatment providers, community groups, and others in the coordination and provision of public health programs and services.
• Conducts the full range of Public Health Nurse duties on more complex cases; performs a variety of nursing and coordinative duties in the provision of public health services to special populations and high risk, high acuity clients and their families to enhance the health and safety of the community; treats and prevents the spread of communicable diseases; addresses prenatal, child, and adolescent health care concerns; identifies and prevents child and elder abuse and neglect; provides resources for healthy living choices for the populations served; and participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
• Conducts the full range of Public Health Nurse duties on more complex cases; performs a variety of nursing and coordinative duties in the provision of public health services to special populations and high risk, high acuity clients and their families to enhance the health and safety of the community; treats and prevents the spread of communicable diseases; addresses prenatal, child, and adolescent health care concerns; identifies and prevents child and elder abuse and neglect; provides resources for healthy living choices for the populations served; and participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
• Reviews current developments related to legislation, rules, and regulations impacting public health nursing programs; conducts research; evaluates implications for the County; implements policies, procedures and training programs in response to mandated requirements.   
• Represents the County and department in professional, committee, and partner agency meetings.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public health nursing and other services.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Operations and services of comprehensive public health nursing programs. 
• Principles and practices of public health nursing program development and implementation. 
• Principles and practices of grant sourcing, funding, applications and reporting.
• Principles, practices, and current trends of public health nursing, including population-based nursing practices in high risk and high acuity populations.  
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances relevant to assigned area of responsibility, including the California Nursing Practice Act.  
• Demographic, biostatistical, and data collection methods utilized in evaluating public health needs and problems. 
• Major health concerns and risk factors and predominant diseases of the populations served.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of developing and delivering public health education and outreach in a variety of formats.  
• Principles and practices of public health case management and coordinative care.
• Principles, practices, and techniques used to assess the physical, mental, and developmental health of children and adults.
• Principles and practices of prenatal and postpartum healthcare.
• Detection, prevention, intervention, and reporting requirements for family violence, including child, spouse, and elder abuse and neglect.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of developing and delivering public health education and outreach in a variety of formats.
• Pathophysiology of the major causes of illness and disease.
• The role of proper nutrition in developing and maintaining good health in children, adults, and the elderly.
• Principles, practices, and methods in the treatment and prevention of communicable disease.
• Community resources for the provision of public health services, including social services and financial support resources.
• Principles, practices, and methods in the treatment and prevention of communicable disease. 
• Community resources for the provision of public health services including social services and financial support resources. 
• 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:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Identify community health needs through analysis of demographic and biostatistical data and information.
• Identify risk factors and develop comprehensive health plans for mitigation and prevention of diseases and other adverse health conditions.  
• Identify community health needs through analysis of epidemiological data and information.
• Coordinate programs and services across a broad range of disciplinary practices for patients with multiple risk factors for adverse health conditions.
• Monitor and prepare reports on grant funding.
• Conduct evaluations on nursing program effectiveness and recommend needed changes.  
• Prepare clear, complete, and accurate documentation, reports, and other written correspondence.   
• Perform nursing assessment and selected diagnostic tests; administer prescribed treatments; manage a complex caseload; establish priorities for case management, treatment and referrals; interview and counsel clients on health-related matters.
• Analyze situations accurately and take effective courses of action.
• Apply the principles of epidemiology to a broad range of social, health, and wellness concerns.  
• Prepare concise and accurate reports and charts regarding client care and treatment and program administration.
• Follow established policies, procedures, protocols, and standards, including safety regulations.
• Coordinate services across a broad range of disciplinary practices for patients with multiple risk factors for adverse health conditions.
• Understand, interpret, and apply applicable state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• 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 Experience:

Any combination of training, experience and educational degrees that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Substitutions will be made on a year for year basis. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: 

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in nursing; and 

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible nursing experience in a public or community health setting, including one (1) year in a lead or charge capacity.    

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid license as a Registered Nurse and a valid Public Health Nurse Certificate issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing. 
• Must possess and maintain valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting, or clinical setting, and use standard office equipment, including a computer and medical equipment; to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County sites; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; travel to various clinical, community, and home settings may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
• Vision to assess emergency situations, including medical incidents and to read printed material and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office and medical equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions.
• Incumbents may be exposed to blood and bodily fluids in the performance of their assigned duties. 
• Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, standard office equipment, county car, lab supplies, scale, and other medical and laboratory equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Salary : $86,674 - $116,168