Registered Nurse (RN) - Med Surg
Austin State Hospital
Austin, TX

Nurse III

Nurse III Under the limited supervision of the Assessment, Compliance, & Evaluation Group Manager within the Immunization Unit, responsible for coordinating the perinatal hepatitis B prevention program in the State of Texas. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of imitative and judgment. Works with Health Service Region (HSR) perinatal hepatitis B prevention staff, local health departments (LHDs), and programs within the DSHS Immunization Unit, to develop processes to improve program performance and evaluate results. Develops trainings and provides guidance to HSR/LHD perinatal hepatitis B prevention staff to conduct trainings within their jurisdictions. Oversees the completion of required reports from HSRs and LHDs, analyzes information provided, and recommends appropriate changes. Participates in quality assurance evaluation of all immunization contractors, including LHDs. Represents the program at stakeholder meetings and fosters relationships to enhance program effectiveness within the state. Promotes coordination of services between HSR and LHD perinatal hepatitis B prevention staff. Conducts program reviews of HSR and contracted LHDs, including follow-up reviews and potentially site visits. Identifies program needs and determines appropriate mechanisms to address needs. Supports Group Manager in developing contractual scopes of work. Prepares federal reports and submits to Group Manager for review. Assigns and reviews work of perinatal hepatitis B prevention program staff. Provides guidance to staff, HSRs, and LHDs in the development and integration of new methods and procedures. Prepares policies and procedures in line with the vision and mission of the programs and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Serves as the liaison to the CDC's Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program. Vaccinates DSHS laboratory staff and possibly staff from other DSHS programs. Essential Job Functions: Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. (25%) Program Lead. Updates perinatal hepatitis B prevention manual in line with DSHS guidelines. Assigns work. Reviews assignments for completion and accuracy. Determines program needs and identifies available resources. Adheres to reporting timelines. Schedules monthly HSR and quarterly LHD conference calls. Reviews surveillance and case management data. Prepares federal reports. Prepares monthly performance reports. Develops and updates standard operating program procedures. Oversees development of perinatal hepatitis B database. Provides technical support to HSRs and LHDs. Act as subject matter expert on perinatal hepatitis B for Immunization Unit. (25%) Program Monitoring. Develops program review tools to assess HSR and LHDs' performance. Conducts program reviews of HSR and contracted LHDs including follow up reviews. Reviews database for completion and accuracy. Runs data reports to determine program performance in case management activities. Maintains standardized monthly and quarterly reports to assess HSR and LHDs' performance. Analyzes database to identify performance trends and makes appropriate recommendations. Develops tools to conduct chart audits. Develops surveillance strategies to improve reporting among hospitals, birthing centers and physicians of HBsAg (+) pregnant women. Evaluates processes to improve surveillance strategies. (20%) Education & Training. As needed, update standardized trainings for health professionals to include hospitals, birthing centers and pre-natal care providers on hepatitis B transmission, reporting laws, vaccination schedule, case management, surveillance methods and contact investigations. Updates standardized trainings and in-services that are appropriate to each audience. Develops and revises policies and procedures to guide training sessions conducted by HSR hepatitis B prevention nurses and LHDs. Provides framework to develop in-services for HSR and LHD perinatal hepatitis B prevention programs. Evaluates training sessions and makes appropriate changes. Develops and hosts bi-annual perinatal hepatitis B prevention conferences. Develops and revises orientation training format for newly hired perinatal hepatitis B prevention staff. Acts as a resource for education materials to HSRs and LHDs. (15%) Program Services Coordination. Works with HSR/LHD perinatal hepatitis B prevention programs to foster coordination of services. Works with HSRs and LHDs to identify best practices for their jurisdictions. Coordinates with Immunization and other DSHS programs to provide resources that enhance service delivery. Works with stakeholders such as Medicaid, CHIP, Texas Immunization Stakeholders Working Group (TISWG), the CDC, etc. to increase perinatal hepatitis B awareness and reduce transmission. (10%) Medical Consultant. Reviews medical records, laboratory results, and patient assessments to determine accuracy and completeness of the information. Provides consultation and interpretation of medical information. Reviews the DSHS immunization policy to ensure it is in alignment with medical recommendations. May coordinate or assist with the annual employee immunization clinic. May serve as the HIPAA liaison for the Immunization Unit. May vaccinate staff in the DSHS laboratory. Provide vaccination to other staff, as needed. (5%) Other Duties as Assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities: * Knowledge of the immunization program; public health practice; medical/legal issues involving immunizations; pediatric and adult immunization practice standards. * Comprehensive knowledge of perinatal hepatitis B. * Knowledge of program administration techniques; process improvement and outcome measures; data management processes. * Skill in developing presentations using PowerPoint. * Skill in aggregating data, conducting data analysis using Excel and Access and presenting results both verbally and in writing. * Skill in using word processing packages and other electronic communications such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, etc. * Skill in develop trainings for a diverse audience. * Skill in data interpretation. * Ability to communicate technical information to a variety of individuals and groups. * Ability to explain public health laws. * Ability to provide guidance to stakeholders on matters related to perinatal hepatitis B prevention. * Ability to manage program activities. * Ability to exercise independent judgement in analyzing situations and interpreting findings. * Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. * Ability to adhere to DSHS policies and procedures including those pertaining to confidential documents and information. * Ability to interpret public health laws, rules, regulations, and recommendations related to immunizations; to plan educational offerings for nurses; to train medical and nursing staff; to evaluate administrative policies and procedures; to interpret DSHS policies and implement Unit procedures; to work effectively with all people. Registration or Licensure Requirements: Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Texas recognized under the Compact Licensure Agreement. License is current and in good standing. Must have a current and valid driver's license for the State of Texas. Initial Selection Criteria: * Bachelor of Science in Nursing required. * Master of Science in Nursing degree is preferred, but not required. * Experience in pediatric, obstetric/labor and delivery, infectious disease, or public health nursing. Additional Information: Agency salary policy, budget and candidate's qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. MOS Code: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX, 43EX HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS