At-will position appointed by the Benton County Board of Health and reporting to the Public Health Director. Performs advanced knowledge work which requires the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment in regard to public health clinical duties; responsible for monitoring core public health functions and essential services to County residents.

Education & Experience:

1. Registered Nurse licensed to practice in the State of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience; OR a Registered Nurse licensed to practice in the State of Iowa and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience

OR

2. Paramedic licensed to practice in the State of Iowa and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience

• Must be trained or willing to be trained in appropriate public health functions, such as: National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), epidemiology, foodborne outbreak, OSHA-10, and as a Public Information Officer.

• Must maintain a valid licensure to practice in the State of Iowa as applicable to educational background, a valid State of Iowa driver’s license and be insurable under the County’s guidelines as operating a vehicle is required for travel.

Position Responsibilities:

• Coordinates public health programming, disseminates up-to-date information when appropriate to other departments, county officials, the community, and the Board of Health.
• Maintains public health emergency plans as necessary, according to state and federal guidelines.
• Assists consumers by providing information and assistance on tasks such as promoting healthy lifestyles as a means of disease prevention.
• Performs health promotion programming to assist in increasing the health of the community.
• Reports observed or suspected instances of child or adult abuse pursuant to mandated requirements.
• Coordinates and performs public health functions within the department including preventative services such as, but not limited to: blood pressure screenings, vaccine administration, communicable disease investigation, and planning.
• Assists in emergency preparedness and planning by taking an active role during disasters; i.e. flooding, communicable disease outbreak, etc.
• Gathers and completes required reports and paperwork regarding departmental activities; assists in evaluating data for program improvement.
• Upholds confidentiality in all public health programs and day-to-day work.
• Assists in initiating Quality Assurance when weak areas are discovered. Follows up on the Quality Assurance process until complete.
• Maintains knowledge of vaccines for adults and children, educates clients about vaccines, their benefits, side effects, and complications, and remains up-to-date on vaccination schedules.
• Works collaboratively with department personnel, department heads and other courthouse employees, community leaders, business associates, the general public, and medical community in a proficient and professional manner.
• Facilitates communication between appropriate community resources providing services to mutual program participants.
• Assists the general public with questions, concerns, and inquiries.
• Any other duties as assigned or required by the Board of Health or Public Health Director.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skill and abilities.

• Ability to use logical thinking to solve problems and reach conclusions.
• Ability to perform assessments and make independent decisions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain composure while working under pressure and adapt quickly to change, and to plan, organize and prioritize tasks with numerous interruptions.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public through media release, TV or radio interviews, or other forms of communication.
• Ability to interact positively with staff, program participants, Board members and the public, and guide them to a specific source of action.
• Ability to teach subject matter to staff, participants, and the public by explanation, demonstration, and supervised practices.
• Ability to comprehend public health laws, regulations, medical practices, equipment and systems, government operations and policies related to specific programs.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and participate in policy and procedure development.
• Ability to collect program data objectively, record and interpret concisely and accurately; formulate objectives, goals, and evaluate participants’ progress.
• Ability to receive and follow directions either verbally or orally and with proficiency and accuracy.
• Ability to work in a team environment or individually.
• Knowledge of state and local regulations, laws, and policies that govern public health program services; i.e. epidemiological information through the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services
• Knowledge of basic office practices and the use of personal computers and varying computer software, and office equipment.

 

Required Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid State of Iowa license as applicable to educational background.
• Possession of a valid State of Iowa Driver’s license.
• Certified in CPR (or receive certification in first 90 days of employment).
• Dependent Adult and Child Abuse training (or receive certification in first 90 days of employment).
• Must pass background check for child and dependent adult abuse.

 

Physical Demands/Work Hours:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; sit; turn twist body; bend; use hand to finger manual dexterity, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk and hear. The employee must frequently push/pull or lift/carry up to thirty (30) pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by the job include near vision, far vision, depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Hours of work are equivalent to 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday.  May be required to work additional hours or to change hours with minimal notice because of operational needs. Work hours may change with minimal notice.

 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to many unpleasant tasks and responsibilities. Environments can vary, but mainly work is performed inside. There is moderate exposure to contagious disease and potential violence on the part of the participants/clients. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

 

THE ABOVE DECLARATIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN “ALL-INCLUSIVE” LIST OF THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB DESCRIBED OR OF THE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE JOB. RATHER, THEY ARE INTENDED ONLY TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB.

 

Benefits:

• IPERS retirement with 6.29% employee contribution and 9.44% employer contribution
• 10 paid holidays
• Vacation time, sick time & 2 personal days
• Opportunity to earn compensatory time
• Health Insurance as low as $180 per pay period for a family plan
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flex Spending
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Wellness program with opportunity to earn up to $350 in incentives
• EAP

FLSA Status: Exempt

This position requires frequent travel within Benton County, and on occasion outside of Benton County.

Please email resume, cover letter, contact information for at least 3 professional references, and proof of licensure by clicking apply