Harm Reduction Nurse Epidemiologist

Division:HEALTH AND HOSPITAL CORPORATION  

Sub-Division: MCPHD  

FLS Status: [[JOB_REQUISITION_CUSTOM27]]

Req ID:  24215 

Marion County Public Health Department is an organization that celebrates diversity, and seeks to employ a diverse workforce. We actively encourage all individuals to apply for employment and to seek advancement opportunities. Marion County Public Health Department also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by law. For additional questions please contact us at: hrmail@hhcorp.org.

Job Role Summary

Responsible for investigation of selected vaccine preventable diseases and implementation of interventions for the control and prevention of disease. Also, responsible for maintaining surveillance systems and community education relative to prevention and control of infectious diseases. Serves as consultant to physicians, public health nurses, hospital infection control personnel, school representatives and the general public in matters related to vaccine preventable diseases and immunizations.

Essential Duties

• Administer immunizations to clients of the program, ensuring vaccines are administered safely and accurately.
• Perform point of care testing for viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency testing, complete communicable disease report forms, and provide assistance with linkage to care.
• Connect clients with health and social services appropriate to their needs.
• Provide education to members of the public on disease risk management.
• Help plan and implement public, promotional and community education activities. 
• Assist in the collection of statistics, preparation of evaluation reports, correspondence and other administrative tasks.
• Attend meetings, training courses and other activities as directed by the Assistant Administrator. 
• Serve as Peer Support Specialist back-up when needed.
• Conduct disease surveillance and initiate epidemiological investigations to further describe the characteristics of certain infectious diseases and disease clusters. 
• Accurately enter data into MCPHD’s client management system and the Indiana State Department of Health’s electronic disease surveillance system. 
• Collaborate and develop partnerships with other healthcare professionals and public health colleagues to address and control certain infectious diseases. 
• Serve on county or state-wide taskforces, coalitions, and boards as the public health representative and infectious disease resource. 
• Implement disease investigation policies and procedures in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations. 
• Maintain confidentiality of client’s information at all times and comply with all HIPAA rules and regulations. 
• Treat clients respectfully and professionally in all encounters. 

Associated Job Duties

• Assumes responsibility for self-growth by attending in-services and/or conferences, and engaging in other educational activities related to harm reduction. 
• Participates in public health emergency preparedness exercises and in the response to public health emergencies, as directed; 
• Participates in a minimum of two H.O.P.E. events totaling a minimum of eight (8) hours annually;
• Travel between district health offices, clinics, hospitals, schools, and public health agencies ad necessary.
• Must comply with HIPAA policies and procedures for the handling of all protected health information (PHI).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a National League for Nursing accredited program with emphasis on epidemiology, infectious diseases, microbiology, statistics, or related courses. (Master’s degree in nursing or epidemiology is preferred.)  
• Three years of experience as a professional nurse, including at least one year of hospital practice and two years of practice in a public health setting with progressive disease management responsibilities.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Current Indiana license as a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Current CPR certification
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and access to vehicle for frequent in-county travel.  Must meet the “Driver Requirements” as stated in the Health