Nurse III

Brief

Job Description

The Nurse Consultant performs highly advanced professional and administrative functions. The work involves: 1) determining health care service requirements for persons infected with (or at risk for) sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, statewide; 2) planning, developing, coordinating and assisting in the implementation of STD service delivery systems statewide; 3) monitoring the performance of local agencies that deliver these services; and 4-assisting in the evaluation of these services. Under the general direction of the Public Health Follow-Up Team Manager, the Nurse Consultant works with extensive latitude and is expected to use initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Plans, develops, implements, coordinates, and evaluates the service delivery programs of state funded grantees and their major subcontractors statewide that provide clinical services to persons infected with (or at risk for) sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, and their families/significant others.

Activities include

• Conduct annual and follow-up quality assurance reviews of funded Infertility Prevention Projects (IPP) and Syphilis Elimination Projects (SEP) as directed by supervisor.
• Analyze statistical studies and reports and reports on STD infection in order to evaluate the STD burden of disease and effectiveness of preventive efforts within local communities.
• Locate and evaluate research finding on STD health service delivery models and applies these to initiate new and/or improve existing STD services statewide.
• Conduct extensive medical record reviews of clients served by grantees and subcontractors to evaluate compliance with professional standards of care, HIV/STD policies and procedures, and to evaluate the quality of contracted clinical STD services. Use the computer to prepare correspondence and written reports. (40%)

Provides extensive consultation, training and technical assistance on issues related to STD/IPP/SEP to grantees, medical and nursing providers, the general medical community, and other health care organizations/individuals that deliver services to persons infected with (or at risk for) sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, and their families/significant others. Advises public health regions, local health departments, and other STD service providers on clinical problems related to nursing for client populations at risk for, infected with, or affected by STDs. Serves as a resource for clinical information related to STDs, co-morbidity of HIV/AIDS and STDs, and provides consultation on STD clinical services to the general public. Consults and provides technical assistance to the staff from the HIV/STD Section and others within DSHS.

Serves as the Laboratory Liaison to ensure concerns and issues are addressed appropriately. Works with the Laboratory staff to provide training and technical assistance to contractors including, but not limited to, submission of samples and accessing results. (35%)

Coordinates the development, dissemination, and implementation of STD clinical care standards for use in evaluating the quality of care delivered by contract providers to persons infected with (or at risk for) sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

• Development of standards may include facilitating clinic expert panels, locating and evaluating applicable research findings, and publishing documents for stakeholders.
• Maintains electronic files related to nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines, protocols for STD services, and current research on STD disease management and elimination and distributes this information to clinical providers and others, as appropriate.
• Coordinates the development of model physician standing delegation orders (SDO) for STD services.
• Assists in the development of policies and procedures related to the SDO and disseminates the model SDO to clinical providers, as appropriate.
• Directs and oversees clinical field investigations conducted by the HIV/STD Outbreak Response Team, as directed by supervisor. (10%)

Develops and delivers in-services and educational programs related to STDs. Presentations are given at the annual IPP workshop, the STD/HIV Integrated Programs meeting, and the Texas HIV/STD biennial conference. Serves as a member of the Conference Planning Committee to ensure STD clinical presentations are appropriate for the Texas HIV/STD biennial conference. (5%)

Coordinates the development, dissemination, and implementation of quality assurance records and tools used to evaluate STD clinical services delivered by grantees. Research existing materials, pilots new products, procures management approval to implement changes, and orients staff and external customers to use of the products. (5%)

As requested, provides input into the policy development of the HIV Program Operating Procedures and Standards; represents the Public Health Follow-Up Team on workgroups and advisory committees related to HIV/STD. Interprets and implements policies and directives of the HIV/STD Section and DSHS. Performs related work as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (KSAs):

Knowledge of

• Public health policies, structure and functions of public health organizations
• Current trends in public health
• Nurse Practice Act, and laws and ordinances governing public health
• Universal precautions
• Contract development process, including budgets, objectives and workplans.
• Local, state, and federal laws relating to HIV/STD/HCV
• Grant application and review process.
• Customer service philosophy, displaying ability to provide customer friendly services to agencies and the public.
• Cultural competency issues and methodologies.
• Research methods used in developing assessment tools, curricula and program evaluation.
• Principles of public health and program planning.
• Quality assurance and improvement techniques.

Skills in

• Using computer to prepare documents and reports
• Providing clinical and/or case management services
• Problem solving
• Monitoring and evaluating health care programs
• Developing clear and effective oral and written communication with culturally and professionally diverse audiences.
• Organizing and writing reports using business English grammar and a professional/business writing style.
• Conducting program oversight and evaluation.
• Using internet, MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and other computer applications.
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships across organizational lines.

Ability to

• Function without direct supervision
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Must be licensed as a registered nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Initial Screening Criteria

Experience in nursing work. Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in nursing or from an accredited nursing education program as required for licensure.

Additional Information

N/A

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/ [https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/].

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com [HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com].

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form [https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-9.pdf]