Communicable Disease Nurse
The Communicable Disease Coordinator focuses on preventing, controlling, and treating infectious diseases (STD/HIV, TB, flu, etc.) within Phelps/Maries County. The nurse is responsible for patient care, infection control protocols, data analysis, education and collaboration with DHSS and CDC.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Investigates reports of communicable diseases according to state and CDC guidelines, including interviewing, educating and testing patients and their contacts, maintaining records, communicating with/reporting to CDC, and conducting follow-up interview as needed.
- Documents CD reportable information into ShowMe WorldCare and checks the status of CD results in the LabWeb Portal (MSPHL).
- Conducts client home visits and performs case management for clients and/or families affected by conditions such as lead poisoning and tuberculosis.
- Monitors/maintains tuberculosis prevention and treatment program, including administering/interpreting Mantoux tests for adults.
- Assists in disease outbreak investigations and other public health emergencies.
- Collecting biological specimens, delivering health education, and providing guidance to medical providers, schools, and congregate living facilities on screening, treatment, and infection control practices.
- Provides lead direction to other nurses, clinical staff, or paraprofessional staff for broader outbreak investigation and preparedness and implementation of disease control and prevention measures.
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to prioritize, be adaptable, and diverse working with the general public and staff.
- Ability to become familiar with local and state health guidelines.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, community groups, and the public.
- Ability to teach about health topics.
- Interpersonal and organization skills.
- Must have a high level of competency.
- Current, active State of Missouri Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse license required and ability to certify under state programs, and a valid driver’s license, required.
- Ability to acquire appropriate certifications through DHSS or other agencies offering required, professional licensure (including, but not limited to, CPA for WIC, temporary Medicaid certifier, principles of epidemiology course, CPR Instructor).
Physical Demands: Ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, hear, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Also required to perform operations of a clinic, including standing and sitting, using hands to prepare and administer vaccines, and transporting supplies.
Typical Working Conditions: Normal office, clinical environment, and community-based work.
Special Note: All employees of the Phelps/Maries County Health Department are considered First Responders in the Event of a Disaster Response Situation. All employees must report for duty upon request of the Director or designee during a public health emergency.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
- Infectious Disease
- Public Health
- 8 hour shift
- Evenings as needed
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
To Apply: email CV and cover letter to healthdept@phelpscounty.org
