Public Health Nurse Trainee

CAREER DESCRIPTION PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE TRAINEE In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates: Effective June 28, 2024 - 4.25% increase Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization. This recruitment is Open to the Public. This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the County's needs are met. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately for first consideration. This recruitment is being held to establish an Open eligible list to fill current and future Public Health Nurse Trainee positions within the Health Care Agency. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange. HEALTH CARE AGENCY The County of Orange, Health Care Agency (HCA) is a dynamic organization dedicated to creating and supporting an environment that promotes the achievement of optimal individual, family and community health. Under the leadership of the Agency Director, a new and dynamic executive team with an organizational structure comprised of seven service areas - Administrative and Financial, Strategy and Special Projects, Mental Health and Recovery Services, Correctional Health, Director's Office, Medical Health and Public Health - is committed to meeting the health needs of the diverse Orange County community. THE DEPARTMENT Through assessment, policy development and assurance, Public Health Services provides a wide range of services aimed at reducing death and disability by reducing the transmission of communicable diseases, preventing and lessening the impact of chronic diseases, and ensuring healthy and safe environments. THE PROGRAMS Clinical Services The Clinical Services Division promotes the health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, adults and families through service delivery within specialized medical and dental clinics, and provides prevention, care, and treatment services for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB). Public Health Nurses (PHN) work within the clinical environment to assist with the assessment, linkage and case management for clients within the Family Health Clinic. PHNs assist with the investigation and treatment of the reportable communicable disease of TB, HIV and sexually transmitted infections to prevent spread in the community Communicable Disease Control The Communicable Disease Control Division is responsible for monitoring the incidence of reportable communicable diseases in the community; preventing communicable diseases and promoting disease prevention. In addition, the division has responsibility for registering Orange County births and deaths and issuing associated certificates and permits. PHNs assist with the investigation and treatment of reportable communicable diseases to prevent the spread in the community. Community and Nursing Services The Community and Nursing Services Division provides public health nursing and social services in the home and community using public health principles, nursing, and social and behavioral health knowledge focusing on the provision of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention and health and social services. PHNs, Social Workers, Behavioral Health Clinicians and Community Health Assistants work with individuals, families and community groups to promote health and to provide for referral to appropriate services based on identified needs. Staff collaborate with community organizations and groups in conducting community health and social assessments, conduct outreach to at-risk populations, and in health care policy development and assurance. Staff also provide assessment, case management, client advocacy, preventive health teaching, and assistance with health care and social services access to clients during home visits. Current priorities include clinical and social support for high-risk and teen pregnancies, infants and children with potential life-impacting health conditions, children and youth in foster care, and adults and older adults needing assistance in securing medical care or help with chronic disease. THE OPPORTUNITIES The PHN Trainee is the entry level class for employees who hold the necessary education, licensure and certification, but do not possess the work experience to qualify for the PHN classification. The PHN Trainee will receive on the job training with nursing services provided in the assignment. The positions provide services during the normal business days (Monday through Friday) and may be assigned to work evening hours. As a PHN Trainee, the incumbent will: Acquire and maintain knowledge of federal, state, programmatic, and Division regulations, policies, procedures and protocols' inform, accurately interpret and implement applicable rules and program requirements to children, families, and providers Provide education and consultation to medical providers and community partners Participate in community organizations representing programs to advocate for health care needs of children and adults, including the sharing of local program standards and services and pediatric and adult outcome trends Organize and/or participate in discussion groups or on committees to develop educational programs; research and compile material for class presentation; prepare teaching aids, deliver lectures and perform demonstrations DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES The ideal candidate will have knowledge and/or experience, skills, and abilities in the following core competencies: Technical Knowledge l Technical Experience Understanding and application of case management and/or care coordination principles Interpreting and/or implementing federal, state, local, grant or clinical program regulations or policies in a clinic, community or public health environment Knowledge of the three (3) core functions and ten (10) essential services of public health Experience working with Electronic Medical Records Serving as a participant in program design, development and evaluation Ability to solicit information from clients on sensitive information Interpreting and maintaining confidentiality of client records Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook Interpersonal Skills l Relationship Building Working collaboratively with other programs, agencies, individuals, multi-disciplinary teams, families, communities, or other community-based programs Collaborating with people from all cultures, socio-economic levels, ethnic background, and others Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with clients, medical professionals, peers, supervisors, and managers to achieve service goals. Communication Skills Communicating effectively with medical professionals, community agencies, and public and private sector providers Presenting information clearly and effectively in both oral and written forms of communications Representing the program to individuals, groups, and community organizations Applying teaching principles and provide education to clients and other medical professionals Problem Solving and Analysis Collecting, analyzing, and using data metrics to support the program and track for continuous operational and outcome improvement Under some supervision, assessing the situation of a patient (i.e. environmental and social conditions) to identify factors of being non-compliant to medical treatment Developing and implementing a plan to optimally support patient compliance and adherence to medical treatment and/or personal goals, and evaluates the outcome of the plan being administered MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Please click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications for the Public Health Nurse Trainee classification as well as the physical and mental requirements and the environmental and working conditions. RECRUITMENT PROCESS Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all applications to identify qualified applicants. After screening, only those applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the next step in the selection procedures. Candidates will receive notification via e-mail of further procedures applicable to their status in the competition. Veterans Employment Preference The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy. Based on the Agency/Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure. Eligible List: Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Please see below for important information regarding COVID-19 related requirements. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and laws, regulations, and policies regarding COVID-19 are subject to change. The County of Orange is required to comply with all applicable State or County Public Health Orders, some of which require vaccination and boosting as follows: Workers, who provide services in certain Health Care Facilities or in a correctional facility or detention center where health care is provided . click apply for full job details