Regional Public Health Nurse

The Regional Public Health Nurse supports the Mill Towns Shared Public Health Collaborative which is comprised of the Towns of Ludlow, Palmer, Warren, and West Brookfield Health Departments. The Health Departments are engaged in an innovative initiative to strengthen core local public health services, to advance the recommendations of the 2019 Special Commission on Local and Regional Public Health and promote healthier communities across the region.

The regional Public Health Nurse will be based in the Town of Ludlow’s Health Department. The Public Health Nurse will report to Ludlow’s Health Director and the Ludlow/Mill Towns Shared Public Health Services’ Board, which will be comprised of the Public Health Directors from each participating municipality. The Public Health Nurse will work on a regional basis to ensure coordination, support and delivery of shared resources for the participating health departments and lead efforts to secure resources for ongoing work of the shared service initiative. This position is funded through the Public Health Excellence (PHE) Grant Program for Shared Services through MDPH, until June 2027 with possibility of an extension.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs disease surveillance, investigation and documentation per the State Department of Public Health’s 105 CMR 300.100 – 300.200.
• Coordinates and conducts regional health related clinics, including but not limited to scheduling staffing (volunteers and paid employees), ordering vaccines, setting up scheduling for patients receiving the vaccine, billing/reporting to the state on administration, etc. through the electronic system COLOR. Performs public outreach and answers questions related to vaccine clinics.
• Develop policies and procedures for all protocols followed by the Mill Towns Coalition using state guidelines.
• Spearhead projects to digitize records in the health departments to include lifelong and time sensitive records within HIPAA compliance. Develop a tracking mechanism to maintain records.
• Utilizes the state-wide electronic MAVEN system to support surveillance and data collection for communicable diseases and provide MAVEN coverage for the Mill Towns communities as needed.
• Administer and interpret Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Tests (Mantoux) to case contacts and case manage all suspected and confirmed cases of TB in accordance with protocol and guidelines set by the MDPH Division of TB Prevention and Control.
• Works closely to investigate and follow-up with all reported cases of tuberculosis, including testing all contacts, home visits when needed, and monitoring patients for compliance with treatment regime. May administer prescribed medications, immunizations, and TB screenings, and educates clients on doses, mechanism of action, interactions, and potential side effects, Monitors clients for adverse reactions and responses according to established standards of care.
• Develop education material for public distribution including social media, health fairs, school network (public and private).
• Work with employees of Mill Towns to develop programs to benefit older adults, families, employees on topics like food borne illnesses, hygiene, hoarding, blood pressure, diabetes, nutrition, etc.
• Supports grant applications and fundraising activities that can provide resources to sustain health initiatives and to increase programming opportunities throughout the Mill Towns.
• Participate and contribute to the Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning including active participation within Regions 1 and 2 and keeping up to date with drills and training.
• Make residential home bound visits as necessary for vaccinations.
• Act as a resource for residents on questions regarding public health and respond to inquiries from the general public, employees, and businesses.
• Coordinate with Senior Centers on older adults’ public health needs.
• Collaborate with the Mill Towns staff to develop a Community Outreach Program in collaboration with town departments, boards and committees, and stakeholders to attain public health goals such as wellness, mental health, etc.
• Attend public meetings as needed.
• Enforce state and local public health laws and rules and regulations.
• Interface with state public health agencies (MHOA, MAPHN) and keep up with membership to understand state-wide risks and issues.
• Develop relationships with community groups including but not limited to daycares, preschools, local businesses for education and information around public health.
• Perform other similar or related duties, as required or as the situation dictates.

Minimum Qualifications

Position requires that applicants must be a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution preferred; an associate degree in nursing will also be considered. One to three years of experience in public or community health nursing or a related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience is required.  Must possess a valid driver’s license for daily access to meetings and travel; must be First Aid and CPR certified or willing to complete certification upon hire; Grant writing experience is preferred. May be required to attend Board of Health meetings upon requested. Bilingual in Portuguese or Spanish a plus. Required to complete Foundations for Local Public Health Practice course within one year of hire. Required to be MAVEN trained within six months of hire.  Ability to pass a CORI background check.  Regular and punctual attendance is a requirement of the position.