Geriatric Health Nurse presso Town of Concord, MA

Geriatric Health Nurse

The Town of Concord seeks a Geriatric Health Nurse to provide clinical and administrative support in health promotion, disease prevention, emergency preparedness, and health education. Responsibilities include running weekly blood pressure clinics, assisting with vaccine clinics at the Council on Aging, coordinating wellness programs, conducting home visits, supporting emergency preparedness efforts, and collecting and analyzing health data.

Part time position*, 24 hours/ week, full payrange: $30.99-$37.06/hr., starting pay rate depending on qualifications.

Applications will continue to be accepted until filled.  All applications will be reviewed and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to one or more interviews and/or other assessments. Applicants will be notified of their standing in the process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual application.

Appointment of the final candidate will be contingent upon the results of pre-placement conditions including credit, criminal and motor vehicle record checks, a drug screening and CORI check.  Costs for these pre-placement requirements will be borne by the Town.

The Town of Concord, MA is an EEOEmployer.  The Town of Concord seeks employees who embody our values ofintegrity and respect, value service and collaboration, and support innovationand accountability. We are dedicated to fostering a workforce that embracesdiverse identities and perspectives, strives for excellence, and upholdsresponsibility in all we do. A racially, ethnically, and culturally diverseteam strengthens our organization, enriches our community, and advances equityand opportunity for all.

*Applicants must be authorized to work in theUnited States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Social Services Supervisor will perform technical and administrative work for the Council on Aging in the areas of health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, health education and emergency preparedness.   Responsible for planning and implementing weekly Wellness Clinics and regularly scheduled programs.   Responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under the direction and control of the position.  Performs varied and responsible duties requiring a thorough knowledge of town, departmental operations, and community resources and exercises good judgment and initiative in completing tasks, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.  Follows department guidelines and procedures to deliver the proper level of services, maintain public relations and ensure the safety of older residents or the public.

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

The essential duties and responsibilities listed below are intended as various types of responsibilities that may be required.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar to, related or a logical assignment to the position.

•  Collaborates with the Board of Health and Public Health Nurse to plan and administer clinics such as immunizations, health screenings including blood pressure, hearing loss, vision and glucose screening, podiatry clinics, individual consultations, and health education.
•  Helps promote and organize support groups for issues related to health concerns such as but not limited to changing health, vision and hearing loss.
•  Collaborates with COA outreach workers and other relevant staff to coordinate care for COA participants.  Maintains list of most vulnerable senior residents with an emphasis on emergency preparedness.
•  Assesses the health, medications, as well as emotional and social needs and encourages further medical attention or other services as needed.  Communicates as appropriate with family members and medical offices.
•  Oversees the Patient Navigator Program where volunteers provide support and advocacy to seniors during medical appointments.
•  Works with the Volunteer and Public Relations Coordinator to recruit and train volunteer nurses and lay people to assist with aspects of the wellness programs.   Ensures that volunteer nurses have current credentials and training.  Schedules nurses and volunteers for wellness programs. Provide ongoing support and coordination to volunteers.
•  Responds to injury or illness on site as necessary; perform basic first aid, CPR, defibrillation and other medical care appropriate to R.N. license, assesses the need for additional emergency services.
•  Researches and plans appropriate health and wellness topics of interest for presentations relating to health and wellness.   Coordinates with area resources for speakers and programs.  Maintains awareness of evidence-based programs that could be offered at the COA.
•  Working with COA custodian, maintains durable medical equipment loan program.   Ensures compliance with appropriate liability and release forms.   Assists seniors/families with decisions around the use of loan equipment in their home.
•  Collaborates with the Volunteer and Public Relations Coordinator to prepare publicity (i.e., fliers, press releases, and interviews) for all Wellness Programs and services.
•  Conducts home visits and assessments of Concord seniors related to issues such as home safety, medication management, hoarding and fall risks.   Hosts monthly “Ask a Nurse” at the COA.
•  Prepares monthly health and wellness articles for COA newsletter.
•  Works with fitness instructors to ensure participant safety and well-being in COA fitness classes as well as compliance with Town’s policies and procedures.
•  Maintains personal, confidential records for all residents who use services.
•  Maintains current knowledge of community resources and services.
• Performs special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.
•  Performs other related duties as required, directed or as the situation dictates.
•  Regular attendance and punctuality at the workplace is required.

 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

No direct supervisory responsibility.  Provides functional oversight to and coordinates the services of volunteers for clinics, events and programs.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

•  R.N. degree with a minimum of three years of experience in gerontology and community nursing/health.
•  Valid motor vehicle operator’s license and use of own vehicle for transportation during working hours; mileage reimbursement will be provided.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

•  Enthusiasm for elder services and ability to generate interest in health maintenance and the promotion of wellness in the elderly population.
•  Knowledge of community health resources and services and of methods used to provide health education within the community.
•  Computer literate, including experience with Microsoft Office.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Strong interpersonal skills.  Ability to interface effectively, professionally, and with patience, tact and discretion with a wide variety of individuals including clients, the public, officials and coworkers.
•  Strong organizational skills.  Ability to work with a high level of detail and prioritize multiple tasks.  Ability to change direction and rearrange tasks according to deadlines and circumstance.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the physical demands (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

Community nursing work is performed in a clinic environment or in clients’ homes, requiring the ability to travel to and access a variety of locations and work in diverse conditions.  Administrative work is generally performed in an office environment that is also used as clinic space, not subject to extreme variations of temperature, odors, etc.  Work is performed in a moderately noisy and sometimes loud environment, with constant interruptions.  Has frequent contact with the public and with clients both in person and by telephone.  Frequently subjected to the demands of other individuals and the volume and/or rapidity with which tasks must be accomplished.

Operates computer, printer, facsimile machine, copier, calculator and other standard office equipment, medical screening and lifesaving equipment and an automobile, requiring eye-hand coordination, visual acuity and finger dexterity.  Standing, walking, balancing, crouching, grasping, pulling, reaching and stooping are also required on intermittent basis.

Work may involve moderate physical effort involved in moving or lifting file boxes and equipment, physically, assisting clients and performing first aid/lifesaving functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.