Nurse Educator - Public Health Preparedness and Response

Job Description:

Nurse Educator - Public Health Preparedness and Response

Description

The Job

The Department of Public Health (DPH) is recruiting for a Nurse Educator to support the County’s Preparedness and Response Program . Nurse Educators develop, implement, and evaluate training for Public Health in the use of emergency-based procedures, equipment, and county/state/federal protocols. They assess the educational needs of the County from a Public Health perspective, and plan and implement programs required for an emergency response to meet clinical needs; prepare instructional materials; and develop and revise policies and procedures. As certified trainers, they lead departmentwide certification courses on N95 respirators, AHA Basic Life Support, and First Aid Training and AED courses. As a Nurse Educator, you will play a crucial role in strengthening Public Health’s response to emergencies.

Under general direction, essential duties will include:

• Support public health emergency capabilities and emergency support functions (ESFs): The nurse educator will coordinate planning and response activities related to mass care, first responder safety and health, mass fatality, medical surge and other capabilities or emergency support functions that have a clinical and/or nursing component.

• Developing Educational Programs: Design, develop, and implement comprehensive educational programs that address the specific needs of healthcare and non-health professionals involved in public health emergency response. Review and provide feedback or approval on clinical based materials developed by the health education or marketing team related to communicable disease, identified emergent diseases or other public health threats (i.e., MPOX, HEP A, etc.).
• Curriculum Development: Create engaging and evidence-based curricula, training materials, standard operating guides, and other resources, incorporating best practices and up-to-date guidelines from relevant authorities.
• Training Delivery: Deliver training sessions, workshops, and presentations to public health professionals or other stakeholders, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and skills development. Oversee the DPH CHEMPACK Program, support with annual school-based and flu vaccinations, and participate with medical/nursing staff training.
• Emergency Preparedness: Collaborate with public health officials and stakeholders to assess and identify clinical needs for emergency preparedness and response. Design materials to enhance the ability of staff to respond to emergencies efficiently and effectively. During emergency activations, Nurse Educators will be deployed to emergency responses for shelters, Medical Point of Dispensing (MPOD) sites, and Government Authorized Alternate Care Sites (GAACS) to serve as medical support staff and/or medical lead.
• Evaluation and Medical Supply Oversight: Conduct regular evaluations of training and daily operation programs to assess teams’ effectiveness and impact. May support with the ordering and maintains an inventory of medication and supplies provided to assigned PRP clinics while ensuring medical-based supplies are up to date.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, nursing schools, public health officials, medical professionals, pharmacists and DRIC team, and emergency response personnel, to ensure a coordinated and integrated response to public health emergencies. Participates in the following collaboratives: Partnership meetings, Mass Vaccination Planning, and Statewide Medical Health Training and Exercises Planning.
• Research and Knowledge Dissemination: Stay updated on the latest research, advancements, and best practices in public health emergency response. Partner with the PRP health education specialist to disseminate relevant information to public health professionals through various channels, such as newsletters, workshops, and online platforms.
• Mentorship and Support: Provide guidance and support to healthcare professionals involved in emergency response efforts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. Coordinates the onboarding and training of student nurses for field events.
• Documentation, Reporting, and Clinical: Maintain accurate records and documentation of training activities, participant feedback, and program outcomes. Prepare reports for program evaluation, funding agencies, and stakeholders as required. Assesses the need for and gives immunization injections and other nursing practices, as needed; updates the California Immunization Registry (CAIR) database within required timeframe. Serves as the primary Designated Representative in Charge (DRIC) with the main responsibility of ensuring the integrity of medical supplies and medication within the Public Health Medication Room. In collaboration with the pharmacy team, provide oversight of medication room support staff and activities including the proper storage, handling, and transport of medications and medical ancillary supplies. During emergency activations, instruct, educate and counsel patients on a variety of medical and health care topics related to communicable diseases and other general medical/nursing issues. Write, update, and train staff on the use of Public Health standing orders.

For more detailed information, refer to the Nurse Educator job description.

Preparedness & Response - DPH

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Preparedness and Response Program works to prepare for emergencies caused by bioterrorism, infectious disease, and other public health threats through the development and exercise of comprehensive public health emergency preparedness and response plans.

As an alternative to the traditional benefits package, you may also be eligible to elect the Modified Benefit Option (MBO) that provides an increased base rate of pay ($2.00 per hour above the base rate of pay) with modified benefits. For more detailed information on the MBO for Nurses Unit, refer to the MBO - Nurses BbOU - Benefits Summary Guide .

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Licensure/Certification: Incumbent must possess a valid Registered Nurse License issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing (CA BRN) and a valid Healthcare Provider level Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire and maintain the certification throughout employment. Nurse Educators may be required to obtain additional certifications depending on the needs of the department.
Work Schedule: Candidates must be available to work a flexible schedule as education and training will be provided to clinical staff at various programs and work locations within the department. During emergency responses, alternative work schedules will be implemented which may include evenings and weekends. Regular work schedule will be 9/80s flex schedule with one weekday off per pay period.
Travel: Travel throughout the County is required. A valid California Class C driver license and proof of automobile liability insurance are required and must be maintained throughout employment.
Pre-employment Process: Applicants must successfully pass a background check and a job-related physical exam, including a drug test, prior to employment.
Work Conditions: Working conditions may involve exposure to infectious materials.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must possess all of the following:

License: Must possess and maintain a current license as a Registered Nurse with the State of California Board of Registered Nursing.

Certification: Must possess and maintain a Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support certification.

Education: Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.

Experience: Three (3) years (within the past five years) of full-time experience as a Registered Nurse.

Substitution: A Master's Degree in Nursing may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience: The ideal candidate has experience as a Nurse Educator in any setting and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of public health emergency response, infectious disease control, disaster management, and healthcare system operations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. Strong presentation and facilitation skills are essential.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate healthcare professionals in emergency response settings.
• Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations, adapt to changing circumstances, and manage multiple priorities while maintaining an optimistic attitude.
• Technology Skills: Proficient or willing to advance in the use of technology for instructional design, e-learning platforms, and virtual training/meeting participation.
• Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Familiarity with research methodologies and the ability to translate evidence-based practices into training programs.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness and understanding of cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic factors that impact healthcare delivery during public health emergencies.

Selection Process

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. It is to your advantage to be explicit in your responses on the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire.

Application Procedure: Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by 5 PM, Friday January 10, 2025 . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application we have not received your application.

If you require technical assistance, please click HERE to review the Government Jobs online application guide , or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application.

EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans’ Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) who are not current County employees may be awarded additional Veterans’ Preference points. Click here for information and instructions to request Veteran's Preference points.

Please click HERE for important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process .

Nurses Unit

The County of San Bernardino offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

For a summary of benefits,* please click here .

Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the Benefits website for more detailed information at hr.sbcounty.gov/employee-benefits/ .

*Retirement benefits subject to change.

Closing Date/Time: 1/10/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$102,252.80 - $134,180.80 Annually