Community Outreach Public Health Registered Nurse (Tiered Sign-On Bonus up to $5,000)

Wake County Public Health is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and community-focused Public Health Registered Nurse to join the HIV/STI/Hepatitis C Community Outreach Team. This position provides nursing care, health education, outreach, screening, prevention, and care coordination services for individuals at risk for or affected by HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and Hepatitis C.

Working as part of an interdisciplinary public health team, the Public Health Registered Nurse collaborates with healthcare providers, internal programs, and community organizations to improve access to care, reduce health disparities, promote health equity, and improve population health outcomes throughout Wake County. Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to facilitate full access to high-quality and effective health and human services for Wake County residents.

The HIV/STI/Hepatitis C Community Outreach Program is recognized as one of North Carolina''s most innovative public health outreach programs. Through community partnerships, education, screening, prevention, linkage to care, and harm reduction strategies, our team works to reduce the spread of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and Hepatitis C while improving access to healthcare for individuals and communities throughout Wake County.

Essential Functions:

Clinical Nursing Practice

• Provide comprehensive nursing assessments and evidence-based care for individuals at risk for or affected by HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis C.
• Perform nursing assessments, specimen collection, testing, counseling, and follow-up services in accordance with standing orders and clinical guidelines.
• Provide client-centered education regarding disease prevention, treatment, risk reduction, medications, and healthy behaviors with an emphasis on vulnerable populations including, but not limited to, people who are unhoused and/or use substances.
• Coordinate referrals and linkage to primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, and community resources.

Community Outreach and Prevention

• Deliver outreach services in community settings to improve access to HIV/STI/Hepatitis C prevention and care.
• Conduct community education and health promotion activities using evidence-based prevention strategies.
• Collaborate with community organizations, healthcare providers, and local agencies to reduce barriers to care.
• Participate in screening events, evening outreach clinics, and prevention initiatives targeting underserved populations.

Care Coordination

• Coordinate follow-up care for clients with positive test results.
• Assist clients with navigating healthcare systems, insurance resources, and treatment services.
• Promote continuity of care through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.
• Verify competencies, delegate tasks within scope of practice, and provide clinical oversight of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), including, but not limited to, certified medical assistants (CMA).

Program Quality and Documentation

• Maintain accurate documentation within the electronic health record.
• Monitor program outcomes and quality measures.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and agency policies.

Emergency Preparedness

• Participate in emergency preparedness activities and public health response efforts.
• Support temporary assignments during public health emergencies as directed.

Professional Development

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive orientation and program-specific training to support the delivery of evidence-based HIV, STI, and Hepatitis C prevention, education, outreach, screening, and clinical services. Wake County Health and Human Services is committed to supporting ongoing professional development and continuing education in public health nursing.

Due to the nature of the work, a North Carolina driver's license and the use of a personal vehicle will also be required for this position.

NOTE: (i) If you work in the Health Clinics and Public Health Division, influenza immunization is a condition of initial and continued employment, subject to compliance with federal law, (ii) actively supports and participates in department emergency preparedness and response activities, which may include temporary changes in responsibilities and working hours.

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.