Congenital Syphilis Nurse Consultant

Brief Job Description The Public Health Nurse II performs complex (journey-level) public health nursing work in a clinical or non-clinical setting. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Duties include the delivery of congenital syphilis and HIV/STI clinical and case management services for the areas designated, including coordination and direct delivery of patient services, technical consultation and clinical support for Congenital Syphilis activities, STI/HIV activities and other activities as determined by the regional Communicable Disease program. Responsibilities include community education, direct patient care (including case management), reporting/documentation and disease intervention activities. The Nurse II supports services in the region, participates in planning for HIV/STI prevention and intervention, and ensures program goals and objectives are met in coordination with program managers and/or supervisors. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Direct patient care - 40%: Evaluates patients for Congenital Syphilis risk factors, clinical presentation, and screening results in various settings (e.g. patient’s home or public health clinic). In collaboration with the authorizing physician develops a treatment plan; establishes mutual goals, monitors the patient’s treatment response. Engages patients in behavior modification to promote treatment adherence. Provides consultation, training, and technical assistance to agency staff, care recipients, provider agencies, and the medical community to ensure treatment is completed. Collects specimens for laboratory testing including urine, blood via venipuncture or fingerstick, and self-collection swabs. Maintains detailed records of patient encounters in state databases. Community Education - 20%: Serves as a technical consultant and resource to individuals, providers and stakeholders regarding CDC/DSHS standards for current testing, diagnoses and treatment of Congenital Syphilis and other STIs/HIV. Engages with facilities such as health facilities, county correctional facilities, residential substance abuse facilities, and other community agency facilities. Provides clinical guidance to private healthcare providers according to CDC recommendations. Participates or leads multidisciplinary meetings and trainings to review Congenital Syphilis case management and promote optimal patient care. Disease Intervention Activities - 20%: Independently performs detection, intervention, reporting, notification, and referral activities related to Congenital Syphilis infections and contacts at high risk for transmission or other HIV/STI cases. Addresses hard-to-reach populations including injection drug users, homeless persons, sex industry workers, transgender and intersexed persons, incarcerated populations, and non-English speakers. Ensures statutory disease reporting and adherence to program standards and guidelines. Consulting - 10%: Consults with regional medical director on complicated Congenital Syphilis and HIV/STI cases as needed; may consult with medical experts as needed. Emergency Preparedness and Response – 5%: Performs emergency response duties as assigned, including disaster planning and active participation during disaster response or recovery efforts. Supports continuity of operations during such events. Performs other duties as assigned - 5% Knowledge Of Comprehensive knowledge of DSHS HIV/STI Program standards, policies and procedures. Knowledge of CDC HIV/STI treatment protocols and guidelines. Understanding of current social, economic and public health issues. Knowledge of HIV/STI epidemiology, transmission, and case management techniques. Knowledge of Texas DSHS confidentiality guidelines. Knowledge of DSHS programs related to infectious diseases (Tuberculosis, Immunizations, HIV/STI). Knowledge of behavioral change theories and their application. Skill In Skill in performing basic/abbreviated adult and pediatric physical assessments and obtaining relevant clinical history. Skill in case analysis and providing clinical case management services. Skill in interpreting treatment, radiographic and laboratory data. Skill in communicating effectively in writing and orally. Skill in phlebotomy and processing specimens; administering medications and immunizations. Skill in using a PC and software (Microsoft Office, Adobe, NEDSS/THISIS, CMIS). Ability To Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations. Ability to follow written and oral instructions. Ability to conduct objective nursing assessment plans. Ability to conduct contact and outbreak investigations. Ability to function independently and with sound judgment. Ability to manage time effectively. Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with the public and medical community. Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment. Working knowledge of Outbreak Response Plan and CDC/DSHS guidelines and adherence to policies. Registrations, Licensure, Certifications Must be registered as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas with an active, unrestricted license. Current and valid Texas driver’s license. Initial Screening Criteria Registered Nurse with a minimum of two years of experience, including at least one year within the last five years working with persons at risk for HIV/STD. BSN preferred. Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred. Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. Experience in non-clinical (field) settings preferred. Experience in health education presentations/training. Proficiency with computer software including Microsoft Office and electronic health/medical records systems. Additional Information Travel is primarily day-travel within the region using a provided vehicle; occasional overnight or out-of-state travel may occur. This position is not eligible for telework. Nearest Major Market

San Antonio

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