Family Health Nurse

Incumbent is responsible for nursing practices in all areas of Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health. Works directly with pregnant and post-partum women, children, adolescents, and their families while also engaging with community partners, organizations, and other stakeholders to promote health, increase access to services, and strengthen community connections.

The position requires initiative, sound independent judgment, strong communication and relationship-building skills. The ability to identify needs and opportunities, develop solutions, and move work forward with limited day-to-day direction is essential for success.Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Identifies opportunities to expand awareness and participation in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health programs; builds and maintains relationships with community organizations and service providers; and independently plans and conducts outreach, engagement, and program activities. Takes appropriate action within scope of position without direction.
• Identifies community needs, service gaps, and opportunities for program improvement through interaction with clients, community partners, stakeholders, and other available information. Recommends and implements strategies to address identified needs.
• Independently plans, organizes, and serves clients in community locations and clinics, including establishing priorities, coordinating logistics, communicating with partners, following through on commitments, and evaluating outcomes.
• Administers direct client care, including but not limited to: breastfeeding classes, health education, risk assessments, mental health services, oral health services, and care coordination to pregnant and post-partum women, children, adolescents and/or their parents/guardians.
•  Completes accurate and timely documentation of Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health services in required record systems. Submits reports of actions/outcomes to supervisor on routine basis.
• Refers clients to appropriate resources and maintains a directory of community services and emerging resources. Shares resource information with team members and participates in ongoing review and updates to ensure current options are available for client referrals.
• Develops, implements, and coordinates specific health promotion/health education programs as assigned. Adapts activities and approaches based on community needs, participant feedback, and program goals.
• Participates in meetings and committees (internal/external) as appropriate or requested. May act as a liaison to external agencies/organizations to monitor/represent the Health Department's responsibilities and provide assistance.
• Maintains proper operation, maintenance and upkeep of assigned program supplies and equipment.
• Participates in department efforts related to accreditation/reaccreditation, performance management, quality improvement, and workforce development.
• Performs other duties as needed and/or assigned.
• Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Associate's degree in nursing. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Must possess licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa. Certification in CPR required. Minimum of one (1) year related work experience. Two years of nursing experience in maternal, pediatric, school, or public health preferred.
 
 Essential Skills:

• Ability to organize community activities, coalitions and collaborate with partner organizations. 
• Ability to serve the public in a professional manner, regardless of the situation.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet established deadlines.
• Ability to effectively communicate, orally and in writing.
• Ability to tailor services to address client choice, preference, and special needs to overcome barriers to care. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to follow protocols and adhere to appropriate safety and security policies in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines.
• Must have or complete state mandated training including but not limited to Abuse Identification and Reporting.
• Ability to identify work that needs to be done and take appropriate action without requiring continual direction.

Physical/Environmental Conditions

Work performed in office setting or in the field. Possible exposure to communicable diseases and/or physical hazards.