Harm Reduction Nurse Epidemiologist

Job Role Summary

The Safe Syringe Nurse Epidemiologist will be responsible for staffing Safe Syringe Access and Support with the duties of providing immunizations, point of care testing, and wound care education. The individual in this position will be responsible for the investigation and implementation of interventions to control and prevent certain infectious diseases in accordance with Indiana Administrative Code. This individual will serve as a resource to the public through community education and as a consultant to other healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, public health professionals, and infection prevention partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing and minimum one-year work experience in HIV, STDs, syringe exchange, Public Health and/or harm reductions strategies, or a very closely related field.
• Current Indiana license as a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Current CPR certification
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and access to vehicle for frequent in-county travel. Must meet the “Driver Requirements” as stated in the Health and Hospital Corporation, “Vehicle/Driver Safety Program Policy 200-1”.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Effective response to stressful situations; and appropriate response in dealing with difficult clients
• Excellent verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to communicate effectively and tactfully with the public, Indiana State Department of Health personnel, clinic staff at referral sites, coworkers and clients both orally and in writing
• Basic nursing skills expected
• Sound judgement is essential in contacts with public, medical, and public health community to ensure accurate information dissemination.
• Extensive knowledge and commitment to principles of harm reduction
• Must effectively orient and instruct new employees.
• Ability to judge the safety of a situation and respond appropriately.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office platform
• Knowledge of Public Health 10 Essential Services
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse races, socio-economic statuses, housing statuses, variations in hygiene, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, and people who are current or former injection drug users

Working Enviornment

• Possible exposure to communicable diseases, infections; and other hazards, involved in clinic and community site visitations
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• May be exposed to inclement weather.
• Frequent external contacts with health care and social service agencies concerning referrals and care coordination
• Hazards such as animal bites, allergens, unsafe dwellings, difficult or hostile clients.