The city of Vernon public health department and WEA have entered an important partnership to create a public and community health system. The people identified to run this operation will be a part of an important and sustainable program aimed at providing health care access for historically marginalized populations.

As the Lead Public Health Nurse (PHN) you will be required to act in assisting with providing direction, consultation, and coordination of public health initiatives as well as tracking of compliance measures within the clinical operations of the health department. The PHN role includes planning, assisting with implementing, monitoring and evaluating the delivery of public health initiatives and nursing care services to individuals and communities, as well as assisting in the management of various programs and projects that are specific to the population of Vernon, and perform any related duties as required.

This PHN role will include assisting with oversight of clinical compliance with OSHA, CDPH and other required government entities.

Additional duties and responsibilities, and essential functions include (but are not limited to):

• Plans, develops, reviews, monitors, evaluates and directly participates in providing services in a major nursing or health services program for the Health Department.
• Trains, assigns and reviews the work of Public Health Nurses and other staff as appropriate. Provides consultation and assistance and makes decisions on program or administrative problems.
• Provides supervisor with updated information on program planning and implementation regularly.
• Keeps records, prepares reports, compiles statistical information.
• Participates on various committees and as liaison provides information to other County departments and other agencies and organizations.
• Determines needs within assigned projects to make recommendations and implement plans designed to address those needs; participates with community groups in identifying and developing needed public health services.
• Applies the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation when evaluating the public health population for concerns that are detrimental to good health.
• Participates in clinical operations with appropriate physicians, clinical nursing staff, other agencies and community liaison members, and aiding in referring clients to appropriate public and private resources, agencies and clinics for further support.
• Provides case finding, health counseling and instruction, and epidemiological investigation in the prevention and control of disease and the promotion of health.
• Implement compliance policies, procedures, and standards of conduct
• Designate a compliance committee as the program grows and as applicable to manage overarching public health compliance needs
• Maintain effective compliance training requirements documentation and education for employees
• Maintain effective lines of communication that allow employees to report compliance concerns without retaliation
• Track and monitor clinical staff compliance issues that arise within patient care to ensure all appropriate documentation is submitted and recorded as required by law
• Support internal monitoring and auditing of the compliance program to measure effectiveness and address deficiencies
• Formulates written program goals and objectives; recommends program policies and develops and updates program protocols and procedures as appropriate.
• Participate in special screening, training, and community outreach activities as determined
• Provide clinical support as needed

1. Pursuant to Title 17 of the California Administrative Code, possession of a license in active status, to practice as a registered nurse in California and possession of a Public Health Nursing Certificate issued by the State of California.

2. Minimum of five (5) years of extensive public health nursing experience.

3. A thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and procedures of public health nursing

4. Minimum of two (2) years of compliance management or related work in California healthcare space

5. Successful candidates must also possess a working knowledge of:

• Community aspects of nursing programs including provisions for continuity of patient care, nursing services in health programs and nursing care in the home.
• Epidemiologic investigations; causes, control and care of chronic and communicable diseases and illness, handicapping conditions, mental illness and other disabling conditions.
• Environmental, sociological and psychological problems associated with public health nursing clients and families.
• Normal and abnormal human physiological development and behavior patterns.
• Principles and procedures involved with family planning, sexually transmitted diseases, maternal and child health, child growth and development, and communicable diseases.
• Prevention, detection, reporting and treatment to specific public health programs.
• The laws, codes and standards applicable to specific public health programs.
• The use of community resources for assistance in public health programs.

Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification required for entry into position:

1. Must possess an unexpired, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California

2. Must possess an active Public Health Nurse License in the State of California

3. Bachelor's degree in Nursing is preferred

4. Demonstrated history of experience successfully working with diverse cultural backgrounds, in a healthcare capacity

5. Experience with medical Spanish is strongly preferred. Preference to cultural competence with LatinX communities

6. Ability to work both independently and to collaborate with teams of individuals in diverse settings, using a solution-oriented approach.

7. Must possess active Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certifications.