Public Health Nurse II

Job Summary The Public Health Nurse II works in a population-based practice setting in Clark County. The position provides expertise in assessing infection prevention practices and capacity, case investigation and outbreak management, preparation efforts for highly pathogenic infections (e.g. Ebola, measles), and surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) with the primary focus on non-hospital settings (e.g., ambulatory care, long-term care facilities).

This position is cross trained to support other areas within the Infectious Disease portfolio as needed, including immunization promotion and other communicable disease focused efforts. This position is a represented union position that reports directly to the Infection Prevention and Immunization Program Manager. This hybrid remote position will work an 8-hour schedule Monday through Friday. KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Partner with facility leaders, physicians, and local, state, and national agencies on activities related to infection prevention.

• Participate in the development and dissemination of educational resources tailored for specific care delivery settings (adult family homes, other long term care settings, community based, urgent care) based on gaps identified through assessments and engagement with local partners. • Provide consultation, assessment and technical expertise to public health partners, health care providers, and community stakeholders and collaborate with local, state, and regional partners to effectively prevent and control HAIs, respiratory and GI illnesses, and multiple drug resistant organisms (MDROs).

• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and ensure that the facility leaders are informed of appropriate issues; understand and comply with public health, infection control, safety, and OSHA procedures and regulations. • Support the planning and implementation of Infection Prevention and outbreak response control strategies, programmatic outreach activities and other special projects.

• Participate in the development and implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program or other antibiotic utilization management program across Southwest Washington. • Conduct outbreak investigations with a focus on healthcare, workplace, and congregate settings. • Develop partnerships with Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), relevant Department of Health (DOH) programs (Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Public Health Laboratory, Information Resources Management Division, Communications Office, Health Systems Quality Assurance Division), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other national associations.

• Participate in (and coordinate when needed) local and regional preparation efforts for highly pathogenic infections (e.g. Ebola, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, measles). • Performs laboratory result interpretation and conduct surveillance activities related to infectious diseases and reporting. • Assist in the processing, packaging, and shipping of human specimens as needed. • In the event of a disaster, Public Health is considered a first responder and public health staff may be asked to respond accordingly.

May participate in incident command system response to control disease outbreaks. May serve a command position in incident command system response or participate in mass vaccination clinics on-site and emergency response drills. • Must be able to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave. In addition, leaves may be cancelled under public health emergencies • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education and Experience:  Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. The degree must have been conferred by an institution of higher education and have National Recognition of Accrediting Agencies by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and official transcripts will be required at the time of hire. Licensure in the sta