About the Department
General Statement of Duties
This position serves as a central support role within the Polk County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), providing both programmatic leadership and operational support across public health nursing programs. The Public Health Nurse II works closely with, and supports, the Director of Nursing and associated program areas, helping to ensure coordination, quality, and effective service delivery across the division. The role emphasizes communicable disease coordination, health education, community outreach, and program oversight in an integrated care model, leveraging HHSA and community resources and partnerships to promote holistic health outcomes. The employee serves as a key liaison between clients and clinical services, helping to connect individuals and families to appropriate care and resources. This position will be trained as a Public Health Nurse upon hire and may be called upon to support clinical operations during emergency response, particularly in emergency shelter settings.
Employee must exercise diplomacy and good judgment while working within licensure boundaries. Employee must also exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with employees, patients, vendors, and representatives of outside agencies and organizations. Employee must understand public health concepts, nursing theory, evidence based practice and administrative responsibilities.
Distinguishing Features of the Position
Work requires performing a variety of duties in accordance with applicable North Carolina public health laws, communicable disease regulations, and agency policies. This position blends program coordination, public health education, and administrative responsibilities, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, improving quality of and access to care, and population health strategies.
The employee supports communicable disease coordination efforts under Director of Nursing leadership, while advancing health education, outreach, and community health improvement initiatives as assigned.
Collaborates with other Division Supervisors, Units such as WIC, and Contractors to accomplish work plan goals in a cooperative, consistent and efficient manner. Follows all departmental policies and procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Position Duties
Essential Duties and Tasks
Communicable Disease Coordination
- Coordinate the Communicable Disease (CD) Program to prevent and control disease spread
- Conduct communicable disease investigation, reporting, and follow-up in NCEDSS
- Coordinate response activities for communicable disease cases and outbreaks in partnership with the Director of Nursing
- Serve as liaison to the NC Epidemiology Section, healthcare providers, and community partners
- Ensure compliance with communicable disease laws, reporting requirements, and program standards
- Plan, coordinate, and facilitate health education initiatives aligned with community needs
- Lead and support community outreach efforts, including events, campaigns, and engagement activities
- Assist in the development and dissemination of health communications and public messaging
- Support and help advance Healthy Communities initiatives and population health strategies
- Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, schools, providers, and local agencies
- Gather community input to inform programming and identify emerging health needs
- Serve as central support to the Director of Nursing across programs and initiatives
- Support division-wide program planning, coordination, and implementation
- Assist with accreditation documentation, reporting, and compliance activities
- Maintain records, prepare reports, and document meetings and program activities
- Assist with budget awareness and reconciliation for assigned programs and initiatives
- Act as a liaison to help connect clients with HHSA – Public Health Division / Blue Ridge Health clinical services and community resources
- Support care coordination efforts across public health and social services programs
- Assist clients in navigating available services and addressing barriers to care
- Participate in public health preparedness activities and planning efforts in support of Director of Nursing/Public Health Nurse I
- Support response operations during public health emergencies, including mass clinics and sheltering
- Serve in emergency shelter settings and provide clinical support as needed
- Provide backup support for programs such as WIC and Vital Records as needed
- Maintain strong working relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders
- Participate in on-call or after-hours responsibilities related to communicable disease reporting as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of and skill in supporting health and human services functions.
- Ability to obtain an in-depth nursing history and physical examinations; and apply nursing theory, practice, principles, and techniques employed in the field of public health and related programs including communicable diseases and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work.
- Ability to analyze data and apply findings to program improvement.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage multiple priorities.
Other Qualifications
Minimum Requirements and Experience
Required
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services, Nursing or Public Health from an accredited institution and 1 year of related work experience; or an associate’s degree in human services, nursing, or related education from an accredited institution and 2-4 years of related experience.
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Reliable Transportation and a valid driver’s license, and ability to travel for meetings and trainings
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
- Able to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends as needed
- Successful pre-employment drug screen.
- Successful criminal Background check.
Preferred
- Experience in community service work, communicable disease or public health programs, or health education
- Program coordination experience
- Experience working with non-profits and government organizations.
Physical Requirements
The ability to perform all duties associated with the position including, but not limited to lifting, prolonged standing, driving, sitting, bending, stooping, and operating or performing work with associated tools and machines.
Special Requirements
A current and unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the NC Board of Nursing.