Human Resource Services
Alameda Skyline

Registered Nurse IV (PHN Option)

Recruitment #17-5320-01

Introduction

THIS IS A NEW ASSEMBLED EXAMINATION. The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list and may last approximately one year, but can be extended.

Applications must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing. Applications will only be accepted on-line.

Supplemental Questionnaire: A properly completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each application. Applications and Supplemental Questionnaires must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing. Applications will only be accepted on-line. Failure to submit the Application or Supplemental Questionnaire will result in disqualification.

DESCRIPTION

HEALTH CARE SERVICES AGENCY
Alameda County's Health Services Program is administered by the Health Care Services Agency and includes the following program areas: Behavioral Health Care, Public Health, Environmental Health, and Agency Administration/Indigent Health. The ultimate mission of the Health Care Services Agency is to provide fully integrated health care services through a comprehensive network of public and private partnerships that ensure optimal health and well-being and respect the diversity of all residents. Health Care Services Agency currently has multiple career opportunities for experienced licensed professionals to become part of a service delivery team dedicated to the optimal health and well-being of Alameda County residents.

PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT (PHD)  
Alameda County Public Health Department has worked for over 80 years to improve the health and safety of its residents and the neighborhoods they live in. Traditional public health concerns such as disease epidemics and outbreaks, environmental health, health education and access to care and support have been joined by contemporary concerns: poverty, crime, violence, bioterrorism and natural disasters. Each of these poses a threat to public health and wellness and calls for short and long-term solutions that lie well outside traditional public health boundaries.  For more information about our Alameda County Public Health Department, please visit the Alameda County Public Health Department Website and latest Annual Budget document found on www.acgov.org

THE POSITION
Registered Nurse IVs work under general supervision, to direct, coordinate and supervise the nursing and other health care services of a program; exercise functional and administrative supervision over a program, including the professional, para-professional and support staff, provide nursing services, and perform related work as required.  

THE VACANCIES
There are currently three Registered Nurse IV vacancies within the Alameda County Public Health Department. Each of the positions are Supervising Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in the Field Nursing and In-Home Supportive Services programs. However the eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in other program areas.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications below, these positions require possession of a current and valid Public Health Nursing (PHN) Certificate issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

FIELD NURSING UNITS
The Field Nursing Units are under the direction of the Public Health Nursing Division of the Public Health Department and are based in Oakland (Northern Region) and Hayward (Southern Region). The Field Nursing Units are supported by a multidisciplinary staff, including generalist public health nurses (PHNs), community health outreach workers, a social worker, a medical translator, and specialist clerks. The Supervising PHNs (RN IVs) will oversee the work of generalist PHNs who are responsible for providing case management and care coordination services to diverse, low income populations, such as single adults, families with children, older adults, persons with chronic disease(s), persons with disabilities, and pregnant women with high risk behaviors and/or circumstances such as substance use, mental illness, homelessness, history of abuse or neglect, failure to use healthcare system, and/or lack of knowledge of parenting or health condition(s). Services are provided in a variety of settings, such as in the client’s own home, school, clinic, and/or other community setting.  In addition, the PHNs conduct immunization clinics, perform health screenings at health fairs/community events, conduct jail inspections, and other activities. As disaster service workers, PHNs may assist with communicable disease surveillance and response.

IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS) PROGRAM
The IHSS program is under the direction of the Department of Adult and Aging Services of the Social Services Agency. The IHSS program provides assistance to eligible aged, blind and disabled individuals who are unable to remain safely in their homes without in-home supportive assistance. The objective of IHSS is to prevent premature institutionalization and/or nursing home placement. The public health nurses within the IHSS program provide medical case planning and coordination to clients through direct and indirect services. The PHNs are assigned a caseload of clients who have a variety of medical needs, mental health issues, and transitional support needs that fall between long term care/acute care facility and the home. Services are provided in a variety of ways, including telephone, mail and fax correspondence, multidisciplinary meetings, as well as home visits.

IDEAL CANDIDATE
In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications below, the ideal candidate will be a skilled Registered Nurse with professional nursing experience involving planning, implementation and evaluation of health services through collaboration and partnership with a diverse group of stakeholder agencies as well as analysis and development of activities and tools to maintain and encourage new partnerships, increase community awareness and to maintain the program effectiveness. The candidate will also be a pro-active, self-motivated, and committed individual who can work in a fast-paced, and sometimes spontaneous environment, and can consistently deliver work plans and program deliverables on a timely basis with experience working with diverse, underserved populations and programmatic reporting responsibilities to various stakeholders including state and national agencies. 

Critical attributes to the success of the Registered Nurse IV (PHN) include:

  • Experience in Public Health Nursing and ability to train staff to meet division and programmatic objectives and outcomes, which may include conducting comprehensive needs assessments, creating individualized care plans, referral and linkage to resources, as well as monitoring and follow-up.
  • Experienced problem solver and decision maker who formulates a plan of action that is consistent with state and national public health guidelines and California regulations relating to Public Health, and who continues to think logically, take initiative and react calmly to urgent situations.
  • Proactive performance manager who coaches team members by providing direction, timely guidance, and regular feedback to help them reach optimal performance.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently and in a timely manner.
  • Effective communicator who presents technical and policy information in clearly-written documents and oral presentations.
  • Team-builder who is able to develop and maintain effective relationships with others, and who relates well to people of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, motivations, or backgrounds.
  • Systems-thinker who evaluates the effectiveness of program activities and interventions to improve community health, and has used quality improvement methods such as plan-to-do-check act to strengthen programs.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from a recognized four-year college or university (180 quarter-units or semester 120 units).

And

Either I
Experience:


The equivalent of two years of full-time, recent experience within the last five years as a Registered Nurse III in Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney's Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of three years of full-time, recent experience within the last five years as a Registered Nurse II in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney's Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or III

The equivalent of four years of full-time, recent nursing experience within the last five years in a clinical and/or public health setting, which has included at least one year of full-time lead/supervisory experience.

Substitution:

Master's Degree in Nursing or closely related field from an accredited school may be substituted for one year of experience.

License/Certificate:
Possession of a current and valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.
Some positions may require possession of a current and valid Public Health Nursing (PHN) Certificate issued by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing.
Some positions may require a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, these positions require possession of a current and valid Public Health Nursing (PHN) Certificate issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Special Requirements:


1. In compliance with the Administrative Simplification provision of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), employees in this classification are required to possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number prior to their first day on the job.

2. In Compliance with Medicare regulations, employees in this classification are required to complete the "Medicare Enrollment Process for Physicians and non-Physician Practitioners" through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, prior to their first day on the job. Active enrollment in Medicare is a condition of employment. Failure to attain or maintain active enrollment will result in termination.


NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

· Wellness to illness continuum, including major disease processes to evaluate the condition of clients or community.
· Nursing Practice Act rules and regulations and other related health care disciplines and procedures.
· Local, state and federal regulations as it relates to public health nursing.
· Theories, principles, procedures, techniques, standards and practices of public health nursing.
· Quality assurance and quality improvement indicators.
· Principles and processes of personnel management which include leadership, supervision, performance evaluations, counseling, and coaching staff.
· Principles and practices of effective organization, management, monitoring, and quality assurance.
· Interviewing, assessment, counseling and teaching techniques.
· Health systems, institutions and community resources and referral systems.
· Safety and infection control principles, practices and methods.
· Complex health care systems and techniques of collaboration.
· Cultural, environmental, sociological and psychological differences and problems encountered in public health nursing.
· Medical terminology and documentation.

Ability to:

· Plan, organize, prioritize and implement.
· Analyze and problem solve.
· Assess the health status and concerns of clients and communities.
· Evaluate the effectiveness of program services and nursing interventions.
· Exercise interpersonal sensitivity to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, clients, other agencies and the public.
· Communicate through writing and oral communication.
· Maintain confidentiality.
· Supervise staff and program operations.
· Exercise independent judgment within the scope of authority and practice.
· Prepare, analyze and monitor program budget and other data.
· Organize and present reports.
· Utilize basic modern office equipment and technology related to work.

EXAMINATION COMPONENTS

The examination will consist of the following steps: 1) A review of candidates' applications to verify possession of minimum requirements. Those candidates who possess the minimum requirements for the class will move on to the next step in the examination process. 2) A review of candidates’ Supplemental Questionnaires to select the best qualified applicants to continue in the process. 3) An oral interview which will be weighted as 100% of the candidate's final examination score. The oral interview may contain situational exercises. CANDIDATES MUST ATTAIN A QUALIFYING RATING ON EACH PORTION OF THIS EXAMINATION. We reserve the right to make changes to the announced examination components.

Alameda County utilizes a Civil Service Selection System founded on merit. Such a system is competitive and based on broad recruitment efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to test in an examination process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position. Many of our recruitments are targeted and specific to the needs of a current vacant position, in which case, the eligible list may be exclusively used for that current vacant position. Other recruitments may be more broadly used for both current and future vacancies, or for other alternate jobs with comparable scopes of work.

To learn more about our recruitment and selection process, please visit the “What You Need to Know” section of our website, www.acgov.org/hrs.  

Selection Plan

Applicants will be informed via email with reasonable notice in advance of any examination process which will require their attendance. The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the Agency.

TENTATIVE SELECTION PLAN:

Deadline for Filing:                                                                  5:00pm, Monday, August 14, 2017 
                                                                                                  5:00pm, Monday August 28, 2017
Minimum Qualification Review:                                                                                              TBD
Review of SQ for Best Qualified:                                                                                            TBD
Panel Interviews:                                                                                                                    TBD

* Updated 7/18/17
**Updated 8/14/17

Alameda County and the Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination and/or selection process to accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Alameda County’s Reasonable Accommodation Policy and applicable statutes. To request an accommodation due to a disability/medical condition during this or other phases of the examination/selection process, please contact the assigned Human Resources Representative listed on the job announcement before the last date of filing. Alameda County requires applicants to provide supporting documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation. In order to qualify for a reasonable accommodation, applicants must have a disability/medical condition pursuant to the ADA, FEHA and applicable statutes.

For more information regarding our Reasonable Accommodation procedures, please visit our website, www.acgov.org/hrs.  

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Welfare Benefits

  • Medical – HMO & PPO Insurance
  • Dental – PPO & DHMO Insurance  
  • Vision
  • Basic Life Insurance 
  • Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage) 
  • County Allowance (Employer Credit)
  • Health Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity
  • Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

  • Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan – (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
  • Deferred Compensation Plan

For your Work/Life Balance

  • 11 paid holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave accrual
  • Vacation purchase program
  • Management Paid Leave**
  • Group Auto/Home Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits Program
  • Group Legal
  • Guaranteed Ride Home
  • Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
  • Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
  • Child Care Resources
  • 1st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.

Conclusion

All notices related to County recruitments for which you have applied will be sent/delivered via email. Please add @acgov.org and alamedacountyHR@acgov.org as accepted addresses to any email blocking or spam filtering program you may use. If you do not do this, your email blocking or spam filtering program may block receipt of the notices regarding your application for recruitments. You are also strongly advised to regularly log into your County of Alameda online application account to check for notices that may have been sent to you. All email notices that will be sent to you will also be kept in your personal online application account. You will be able to view all of your notices in your online application account by clicking on the "My applications" button on the Current Job Openings page.

Please take the steps recommended above to insure you do not miss any notices about a recruitment for which you have applied. The County of Alameda is not responsible for notices that are not read, received or accessed by any applicant for a County recruitment.

NOTE: All notices are generated through an automated email notification system. Replies to the email box alamedacountyHR@acgov.org are routed to an unmonitored mailbox. All notices are generated through an automated email notification system. Replies to the email box are routed to an unmonitored mailbox. If you have questions please go to our website at www.acgov.org/hrs. You may also contact the Human Resources Analyst listed on the job announcement for the recruitment for which you have applied.

Lindsay Christopher, Human Resources Analyst
Human Resource Services, County of Alameda
510-272-6393
Lindsay.christopher@acgov.org

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity Employer