Licensed Practical Nurse - **

Requisition No: 838076 Agency: Department of Health Working Title: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE - 64081383 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 64081383 Salary: $42,575.52 Posting Closing Date: 10/04/2024 Total Compensation Estimator Tool Open Competitive Your Specific Responsibilities: The Licensed Practical Nurse, an employee of the Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades County (DOH-Hendry), represents the agency and its mission and values. This is a highly independent, classified and sensitive position responsible for the investigation of positive HIV/STD cases, including, partners, suspects, and associates. Incumbent will be responsible for educating and scheduling an exam and, when applicable, treatment. Incumbent will also assist Ryan HIV/AIDS and/or STD clinic in nursing capacity and provide outreach, education, testing, and, as applicable, pre-/posttest counseling in the clinic and/or field. Incumbent is expected to maintain confidentiality, security, privacy, and integrity of protected health information by following: * Department of Health Information Security and Privacy Policy, protocols, and procedures. * State/Federal laws governing health information. * Appropriate permission to remove and transport confidential information from the premises of DOH-Hendry/Glades; specifically, DOH 50-10-10 Information Security and Privacy Policy 7, VI Protocols, D-5. Position reports directly to the Senior Health Operations Manager-SES and is headquartered at the Florida Department of Health Department in Hendry County (LaBelle office). This position has access to the following information sets: STD, PRISM, medical records, HMS, hepatitis program, HIV Testing, immunizations, and laboratories. Field Core Services Incumbent is responsible for investigating and contacting clients testing positive for HIV and/or an STD(s) and scheduling an appointment and, if applicable, treatment. As part of the investigatory process, incumbent also contacts/interviews partners, suspects, and associates of positive HIV/STD patients to educate and schedule an in-clinic appointment and, if applicable, treatment. Incumbent will also lead HIV field testing in areas designated as "high-risk." Incumbent is expected to manage and prioritize HIV/STD infection cases with minimal guidance. Contacts physicians, hospitals, clinics, and laboratory personnel to confirm client diagnoses, treatment information, pregnancy status, and client demographic information and arranges for client examination and treatment. Client information used or obtained in the field must be safeguarded from access by unauthorized personnel. Maintaining the minimum required information in their control and in a locked case. Information should be returned to DOH-Hendry/Glades before close of business. If not feasible, with supervisor approval, employee may retain sensitive information until the next business day. Participates in the HRSA, CDC and State of Florida mandated "Test and Treat" program. If transportation is a barrier, incumbent assists clients with transportation to the nearest Hendry/Glades County Health Department for testing and, when applicable, treatment. Administrative Responsibilities Prepares field, interview records, employee activity reports, timesheets and other documents and reports as required. Submits reports, per guidelines and procedures, to the Area 8 STD Program Manager/supervisor including outreach, interviews, investigations, and epidemiological programmatic reports. Incumbent will have access to and be responsible for or components of: (1) STD, (2) PRISM, (3) medical records, (4) HMS, (5) hepatitis program, (6) HIV Testing, (7) immunizations, and (8) laboratories (i.e. blood draw, etc.). Ryan White and STD Clinic Support Assists Ryan White HIV/AIDS and/or STD clinic as needed. Provides direct nursing services, per protocols, including, but not limited to, patient intake, interview, patient flow, phlebotomy, vitals, history, specimen collection, assisting medical providers with procedures, and packaging and mailing of hazardous materials. Educates and counsels clients on lifestyle, compliance, and health practices. Administers medication with concurrent education. Assists with patient referrals to specialty and sub-specialty services and tracking of these referrals. Ensures exam rooms are maintained. Documents accurately and thoroughly in medical records per program guidelines. Coordinates and participates in the Department of Health's Performance Improvement programs (QA/QI). Must be able to multi-task with attention to quality outcomes. Assures a safe and healthy environment, including adherence to OSHA guidelines for prevention of exposure to blood borne pathogens, utilization of universal precautions, and communicable disease surveillance and education to prevent the spread of infections. Maintains confidentiality of all records, client interactions and services according to HIPPA privacy policies. Completes follow-up when indicated by abnormal lab results, missed appointments or other concerns as deemed necessary on an individual basis. Understands and uses HMS and CAREWARE software for data input. Reports any abnormalities to the appropriate medical professional and/or program manager immediately. Maintains schedules including recalls and, as needed, referrals. Outreach: Educational/Networking Provides community outreach and educational services in a myriad of community settings, including but not limited to, Hendry County Jail, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Hendry/Glades schools etc. Incumbent will promote ties with local leaders and ministers to access minority populations within the community and communicate with physicians, hospitals, and laboratory personnel, both public and private, to establish rapport, provide support, and, when applicable, share information vital to outreach efforts. Performs other duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data. * Ability to conduct fact-finding interviews. * Ability to conduct health investigations. * Ability to analyze data. * Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work activities. * Ability to prepare records and reports. * Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. * Ability to identify community resources. * Ability to prepare and conduct training programs. * Ability to communicate effectively. * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. * Ability to draw blood and do finger sticks (will train if necessary) * Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time * Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed Qualifications: Minimum: * Licensure as a Florida Licensed Practical Nurse in accordance with F.S. Statute 464 or eligible to practice nursing in accordance with Florida Administrative Code 210-8.22 or 8.27 is required * Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural. * Able to investigate and contact clients testing positive for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and/or STD (sexually transmitted disease) Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values: Mission: To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. Vision: To be the Healthiest State in the Nation. Values: I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely. C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems. A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect. R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners. E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement. Where You Will Work: Florida Department of Health in Hendry County - LaBelle Office, 1140 Pratt Blvd, LaBelle, FL 33935 The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including: * Annual and Sick Leave benefits; * Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year; * State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options; * Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com); * Flexible Spending Accounts; * Tuition waivers; * And more! For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com. Please be advised: Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process. This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions. Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility. Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women. The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise. Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. Location: LABELLE, FL, US, 33935 LABELLE, FL, US, 33975