Public Health Nurse I



Public Health Nurse I

Salary

$91,833.28 - $111,640.05 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

22/04-2563-OC

Department

Department of Health Services (DHS)

Opening Date

04/18/2022

Closing Date

7/1/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

75

Position Information

Grow Your Career While You Make a Positive Difference in the Health of Our Community!

Join the Department of Health Services' Public Health Division
 as a Full-Time Public Health Nurse!

Starting salary up to $53.49/hour ($111,640.05/year), a cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package!* 

This recruitment is being conducted to fill Public Health Nurse (PHN) vacancies within the Public Health Division of the Department of Health Services (DHS). This vacancy will be filled at either the PHN I or II level. NOTE: If you are interested in applying at the II level, you will need to apply to the separate, concurrent recruitment being conducted for that classification.

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to excellent benefits* including:
 
  • Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $850 and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
  • May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
PHN I is the entry-level position in the PHN series. The position requires qualified candidates to possess a California State Public Health Certificate. Through on-the-job training and experience, a PHN I will gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to promote to PHN II.  PHN's provide a wide range of services on behalf of vulnerable families and populations, including systems planning and coordination, disease investigations, comprehensive case management, referrals, facility reviews, and technical assistance to health care agencies.

Public Health Nurses provide services in the following programs:

  • Children's Medical Services - California Children Services (CCS), Child Health Disability Prevention (CHDP), Foster Care Nursing, and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)
  • Disease Control - Immunization Coordination, Tuberculosis Case Management, AIDS Surveillance and HIV Reporting, and Infectious Communicable Disease Investigation, Tracking, and Reporting
  • Family Health Services - Comprehensive Perinatal Services; Maternal, Child, & Adolescent Health (MCAH) Planning & Coordination; and Home Visiting Programs, including Maternal Child Field Nursing and Nurse Family Partnership (NFP)
  • Senior Health Services – Co-located within the following Human Services Department Adult and Aging programs: Multipurpose Senior Service Program (MSSP), In Home Supportive Services, Care Transitions, Public Guardian, and Adult Protective Services
Please visit the DHS website for additional information about the programs, services, organization, and partnerships at www.sonoma-county.org/health.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have past experience working in community settings with one or more of the following groups: high risk pregnant women; medically fragile pediatric, adult, or vulnerable senior populations; and disease management.  In addition, they will have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment; strong planning and organizational skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills; current knowledge and understanding of evidence - informed public health nursing practices; the ability to work independently and in close collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team.

Please Note: The PHN I classification requires possession of a California State Public Health Nursing Certificate. Nurses with school, hospital, clinic, or other community based nursing experience are encouraged to apply.

Why Work For The Department Of Health Services? 
 
Our mission matters. Public health is a top priority in Sonoma County. And our PHNs play a pivotal role in growing our robust array of public health programs, while innovating new programming that continues to raise the quality of life throughout our community.

We are bigger than you think. DHS is the County of Sonoma’s second largest department, allowing for a wide variety of dynamic nursing roles to challenge and engage you at every step of your career.

Our work-life balance is real. Our PHN staff typically work standard business hours (read: no soul-crushing 14-hour shifts!). And whenever possible, we support our staff by offering alternative or “flex” schedules, giving you more freedom to manage your life how you want.

We believe in equity above all. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than a commitment at the County of Sonoma—they are at the heart of who we are and what we do.

Our community is vibrant. Why not live, work, and play in one of the most desirable places in California and beyond, where simple pleasures abound, from sampling world-class food and drink to hiking amongst towering redwoods and paddling the Russian River. It’s time to live your dreams.

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Engineers and Scientists of California Union Local 20 Memorandum of Understanding (ESC MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill three full-time positions in the Department of Health Services. The employment list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, and extra-help (temporary) vacancies as they occur during the active status of the list.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a California State Public Health Nursing Certificate.

Driver’s License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Working Conditions
Duties may require exposure to hostile, emotionally disturbed or mentally ill persons and/or confrontational interpersonal situations; intermittently sit at a desk for long periods of time while reviewing patient charts and histories and preparing patient charts and reports; intermittently walk, stand, bend, climb and reach while making field visits, conducting clinics or making educational presentations or demonstrations; twist to reach equipment surrounding desk or treatment areas; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see and hear with sufficient acuity to examine and assess patient conditions; lift moderate weight; may work in dangerous, high crime areas of the community; and/or standby, callback and work during non-routine hours.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working Knowledge of: Modern principles, methods, and practices of public health nursing, including preventive medicine, epidemiology, public health education, gerontology, and sociological problems involved in public health nursing. Community aspects of public health nursing programs. Prevention, detection and treatment of communicable and chronic disease, handicapping conditions, mental illness and other disabling conditions; environmental, sociological, and psychological problems related to public health nursing programs. Principles and procedures involved in family planning, sexually transmitted disease control, and pre and post-natal care; and current literature and trends in community health.

Ability to: Organize and carry out public health nursing activities in assigned district or program; differentiate medical problems requiring immediate consultation with a physician rather than a deferred consultation; to follow prescribed protocols set up by physicians and to consult with physicians and other medical personnel; work effectively with families and individuals to assist them in solution to health problems; develop and maintain effective public relations with clients, staff, community groups and organizations; exercise independent judgment, analyze and evaluate situations independently and take appropriate actions; instruct in the prevention of disease and promotion of public health; and write and speak effectively and prepare and maintain clear and concise records and reports.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying


  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all your employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application and should be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.
 
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses which state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
 
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
 
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (Weight 100%). Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation will be required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer are contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Positions that are assigned to one or more facilities with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate pursuant to the California Department of Public Health must meet all vaccination requirements. Documented proof of vaccination(s) will be required. 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted on-line at: 
www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement.  Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst: DP
HR Technician: KC

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
 
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution towards the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.

Cash Allowance: A cash allowance of approximately $600 per month, in addition to monthly salary.
 
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
 
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
 
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • CalJobs
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • Goggle Jobs
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Instagram
  • Job Fair
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Start Here!
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • ZipRecruiter
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
  • I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
  • I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
  • I am only interested in full-time positions
03
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
  • Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position
04
A Public Health Nursing (PHN) Certificate is required prior to hire for this position.

Do you possess a current California PHN Certificate?

(NOTE: If you have a valid PHN Certificate, please provide details about the number, and date of issue in the Certificates and License section of the Application above.)

  • Yes
  • No
05
For this question and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications.

Please describe any public health, community health, and/or hospital-based nursing experience you have. Include the name of your employer(s), job title(s), and dates employed (mo/yr to mo/yr) when you gained this experience, and the specific populations you served. If you do not have paid experience, please list any volunteer, internship, or other experience you have gained while in school.

06
Please describe your public health nursing experience in any of the following areas. Be sure to provide sufficient detail to allow for a full evaluation of your qualifications in these areas.
  • School/volunteer experience
  • Working with low-income seniors
  • Working with pregnant women
  • Parenting families with young children
  • Patients of any age with a disability
  • Disease investigation and control
07
Proficiency with computer programs, particularly with word processing, spreadsheets and databases are critical skills for some of the Public Health Nurse positions. Please list the programs with which you have worked, and for each include your level of proficiency (i.e., basic, intermediate, expert) and an example of how you have used this program.

Required Question

Agency
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331