PROGRAM DIRECTOR - SAFE SYRINGE ACCESS AND SUPPORT

Job Role Summary

This position is responsible for the administration, coordination, and promotion of the Infectious Disease SASS (Safe Syringe Access and Support) Program. Duties include programmatic planning, implementation of objectives, needs assessment/evaluation, policy development and special projects as assigned.  This individual serves as a consultant to physicians, public health nurses, hospital infection prevention personnel, schools, media, and the general public on issues related to this specific population.  This position oversees the syringe service program to assure: compliance with grant goals, community engagement and updates to funders and other key officials. This individual will supervise all program staff including the Peer Support Specialists.

Essential Duties

Assessment

• Directs, manages and coordinates all efforts of all programs.
• Coordinates the work of SSAS staff and assures compliance with appropriate Indiana laws.
• Tracks disease incidence in SSAS population monthly for viral hepatitis.
• Tracks expenditures and manages budgets.
• Communicates and collaborates with internal and external partners such as ISDH, CDC, MCPHD public health nurses, Damien Center, Step Up, Inc., HealthNet, and other healthcare providers and professionals.
• Coordinate and supervise two (2) Be A Good Neighbor Events throughout the calendar year in collaboration with partner organizations  
• Serves as a resource on health issues, current data, and policies
• Assures accurate data entry for both Peer Support Specialists and partner organizations.

Policy Development and Leadership

• Develops, tracks and monitors annual program goals and objectives.
• Develops and maintains a program mission and vision. 
• Identifies and obtains foundation, private, state, and federal grant support in collaboration with the Grants Department to sustain and improve the activities of all programs.
• Develops, updates, and maintains departmental policies and procedures assuring accordance with current public health practice and evidence-based science. 
• Provides organizational leadership for the program.
• Supervises daily activities of all program staff, approves time and mileage, and completes periodic staff evaluations.
• Maintain state and City-Council approval for program operations on a biennial basis
• Operate syringe exchange when one or more staff members are not available

Assurance

• Oversees the confidentiality of all client and employee health information in accordance with HIPAA.
• Assures access to recommended and required immunization services for SSAS clients.
• Provides appropriate orientation to all supervised personnel.
• Monitors program budgets.
• Monitors grant progress and attends necessary meetings in conjunction with grant members.
• Ensures that all supervised personnel actions are in accordance with corporate policies and procedures.
• Reports on grants status quarterly and annually or as designated by each grantor.

Associated Job Duties

• 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.
• Occasional disease investigation during outbreaks.
• Other duties as assigned.
• May serve on committees, task forces or boards as appropriate
• May provide direct nursing services if necessary and applicable
• Will have access to confidential patient information and is permitted to transport this protected health information when appropriate
• Assist with outreach events with SSAS team as needeD

Qualifications

Education

• Required: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Preferred: Master of Science

Experience

• Required: 5 years of experience in both public health and nursing leadership

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Required: Current Indiana license as a Registered Nurse (RN), valid Indiana driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• This individual must incorporate the Code of Ethics for Nurses maintained by the American Nurses Association into daily public health practice.
• http://www.nursingworld.org/codeofethics
• Knowledge of Public Health 10 Essential Services
• Knowledge of Epidemiological principles
• Knowledge of recommendations issued by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
  • https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/
• Knowledge of both state and local administrative code related to communicable disease
  • http://www.in.gov/isdh/files/Final_Rule_LSA_.pdf
  • http://www.hhcorp.org/hhc/images/HHCcode/codechapter7.pdf
• Basic nursing skills expected
• Proficient in Microsoft Office platform
• Critical thinking, autonomy, and professionalism
• Commitment to non-stigmatization of substance-using clientele.

Working Environment

• Must be able to work with deadlines balancing any potential immediate response needed for infectious disease prevention/containment
• May be required to perform physical activities associated with provision of nursing care in conjunction with disease prevention/containment activities
• May need to travel both in-state and out-of-state for conferences, meetings, or workgroups
• Standard office environment with occasional clinic settings.
• Must have valid personal transportation for travel throughout county.