NBS THY Nurse II

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: 

Performs complex nursing and consultative work for the Newborn Screening (NBS) Program, under the supervision of the NBS Thyroid Manager. Responsibilities include follow-up (clinical care coordination) of infants and children with one or more of the disorders identified by the Newborn Screening Program. Work involves consulting with staff, families, physicians, hospital staff, nurses, social workers, consumers, and local and regional health agencies to coordinate re-testing and needed evaluation, and treatment; assisting with policy, procedure, and protocol development and modification; participating in creating and delivering written and verbal program communications and educational materials; assisting in the development of program enhancements designed to improve efficiency and evaluation of services; attending consultant and clinical care coordination meetings, educational workshops, and symposiums; providing backup to ancillary staff of Nurses and Public Health and Prevention Specialists when required; and performing "On Call" work during holidays and weekends on a rotating basis. This position works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(35%) Provides professional follow-up of infants and children with clinically significant disorders identified through the Newborn Screening Program processes. Monitors, modifies, executes, and ensures currency of protocols for use by nursing and administrative staff. Uses appropriate and available tracking procedures to locate infants in need of treatment and/or retesting. Coordinates between central office, regional case management staff, hospitals, physicians, public health professionals, and consultants as well as agencies of other states to track and assist in ensuring infants are afforded appropriate medical treatment. Provides quality assurance activities for Public Health and Prevention Specialists.

(20%) Provides professional follow-up of infants with any of the disorders identified by the Newborn Screening Program as required by the Newborn Screening Medical Director. Enters clinical care coordination notes into the laboratory information management system following policies and procedures. Maintains electronic medical reports and documentation of the case until at which time the case has been cleared or diagnosed by a medical specialist.

(15%) Provides technical guidance to Public Health and Prevention Specialist (PHPS) staff assigned to various teams in the Newborn Screening Program. Assist PHPS staff with language to report cases of borderline results to providers and parents. Provides back up support for contact regional social workers to assist with case notification and identifying resources for families with out of range results on newborn screening.

(15%) Answers telephone inquiries about the Newborn Screening Program from primary care providers, Specialist, Parents and outside organizations. Inquires on how to receive screens, where to have screens collected and next steps for infants that have had abnormal screening results.

(5%) Distributes educational material and literature to professional and laypersons. Participates in planning, developing, and executing workshops for professionals. Develops posters for presentations. Makes formal and informal presentations using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

(5%) Collects, tabulates, evaluates, and analyzes program statistical data for effectiveness. Maintains statistics to respond to information requests and to prepare reports and correspondence. Maintains close liaison with other state programs (Laboratory, Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program, etc.) to ensure coordination.

(5%) Other duties as assigned may include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location.  

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION (REQUIRED)

Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Texas or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED)

Medical knowledge of disorders screened by the Newborn Screening Program. 
Medical knowledge of recommended treatment screened by disorders. 
Knowledge of statistical data collection methods. 
Knowledge of medical care resources in Texas. 
Knowledge of lab issues; interpreting lab results. 
Knowledge of training processes. 
Skill in use of electronic medical record system, Internet, spreadsheets, Word Processing Documents, and Database. 
Skill in oral and written communication. 
Skill in problem solving. 
Ability to work independently. 
Ability to work productively with people from varying socio-economic groups and cultural backgrounds. 
Ability to establish goals, objectives, to organize workloads, and set priorities to meet deadlines. 
Ability to develop educational materials and programs. 
Ability to compile and analyze data for statistical reports. 
Ability to communicate and deal tactfully with the public. 
Ability to execute protocols, procedures, and correspondence for program operation. 
Ability to handle confidential issues and material. Ability to manage multiple and diverse tasks/projects. 
Ability to communicate with others to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

“IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION:

Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.
Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and responsibilities and any special training, skills, and qualifications for each position you have held in the Employment History section of application.
All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.
Agency salary policy, budget, and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.
All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.

Intital Screening Criteria: 

1. Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Texas or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
2. Preferred experience in clinical pediatric or neonatal nursing.
3. Experience in communicating program policy, procedures and medical reports and tests via telephone or in person.
4. Experience handling confidential issues and materials, including medical records, Such as HIPPA.
5. Experience in using computer systems, spreadsheets, Word Processing Documents, and Database.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.