Harm Reduction Nurse Epidemiologist

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 and Hospital Corporation, “Vehicle/Driver Safety Program Policy 200-1”.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Language Skills:

• Able to compile pertinent information and prepare and present oral and written technical reports to all levels of the organization and the general public.
• Able to effectively communicate with and provide direction to health care providers, including physicians and nurses.

Mathematical Skills:

• Demonstrate basic data management analysis.

Reasoning Ability:

• Demonstrate accuracy in interpreting/presenting data.
• Has the ability to prioritize work and the flexibility to respond to frequent crisis situations related disease containment and control.
• Accurate interpretation of laboratory data.

Knowledge of:

• Basic nursing skills expected
• Extensive knowledge and commitment to principles of harm reduction
• Proficient in Microsoft Office platform
• Effective response to stressful situations; and appropriate response in dealing with difficult clients
• Ability to judge the safety of a situation and respond appropriately.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse races, socio-economic statuses, housing statuses, variations in hygiene, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, and people  who use drugs

Working Environment

• Able to work under pressure of deadlines and respond to immediate needs of infectious disease prevention/containment activities.
• May be exposed to inclement weather.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Hazards such as animal bites, allergens, unsafe dwellings, difficult or hostile clients.
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases, infections; and other hazards, involved in clinic and community site visitations
• Frequent external contacts with health care and social service agencies concerning referrals and care coordination.