Public Health Licensed Vocational Nurse - LT

Under supervision provides licensed vocational level nursing to support public health clients within a range of public health programs.

Incumbents must have requisite licensed vocational nurse education, certification, and licensure. Nursing duties are performed in support of program activities and are typically carried out in communicable disease investigation, immunization administration and coordination, oral and injectable medication administration, direct observation therapy, emergency preparedness and response, and maternal and child health. The Public Health LVN is distinguished from Public Health Nurses in that an employee in this class provides technical and coordination support to PHNs and other public health staff.

The LVN may also function as a team leader over other nonprofessional public health personnel.

Public Health Officer, Public Health Nursing Manager, Deputy Director of Health and Human Services Agency, or designee.

This is not a supervisory classification.

Sit and stand for extended periods; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of medical and office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

Work is performed in clinical, office, and home environments; exposure to communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens; continuous contact with other staff and the public. Incumbents are expected to follow universal precautions. Incumbents may be required to drive to remote areas of the County in all weather conditions.

(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)

• Provide and facilitate group and/or individual health education of a general or specific nature.
• Provide one to one para-professional level counseling of a specific nature, as directed, for clients requiring lifestyle or nutrition modifications.
• As part of a “team” approach, assess and evaluate client medical histories, risk behaviors and/or test results to determine educational/counseling needs.
• Monitors clients’ medical and psychological status and behavior and keeps case managers informed as to their status.
• Performs venipuncture for the purpose of drawing blood samples; may give immunizations under physician or mid-level practitioner orders, collects and transports various specimens for laboratory testing; performs other nursing duties required to obtain information in support of counseling/education activities.
• Develops and maintains communication with relevant community and government organizations which provide services to clients; serves as client’s advocate for obtaining services.
• May visit clients at home in order to carry out assignments or provide transportation so client may participate in program activities.
• Responds to questions from the public and informs prospective clients about specific program activities.
• Keeps records and statistical data, and inputs case management information into personal computers as required.
• Participates in developing and evaluating educational materials, curriculum and sessions.
• Refers clients to providers of service according to protocol or under the direction of the Public Health Nursing Manager.

One year of experience as a community worker or related position, which included outreach education within a public health or voluntary non-profit health, related agency preferably dealing with ‘at risk’ populations.

• Possession of a valid California license as a Vocational or Registered Nurse.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an…