Public Health Nurse Case Manager

Since 1970, Indian Health Council, Inc. (IHC) has provided high-quality, compassionate healthcare and support services to the nine Federally recognized American Indian tribes in north San Diego County. With more than 200 employees serving 2 clinic sites, IHC is proud of the diversity of its staff as a reflection of the community it serves. The reward of working at IHC is more than a paycheck and excellent benefits; it is the impact and contribution to the Tribal community that employees value most. If you are passionate about improving the overall health and wellness of our tribal community, IHC is looking for people like you.

Our Philosophy
At IHC, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge to achieve their healthcare goals. We strive to treat the whole person using a multifaceted approach to include physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health and wellbeing.

Our Benefits

PPO medical, dental, and vision insurance with low employee contribution; company-paid life and disability insurance; malpractice coverage for providers; 403B retirement with company matching; generous PTO and Sick time; 14 paid holidays; paid jury service; and paid bereavement leave; reimbursement for professional license(s), and certifications such as CPR and continuing education units. Our facility also qualifies as a high-need area for provider CA State and Federal Loan Repayment Programs.

Job Description

Job Title: Public Health Nurse

Reports To: Nurse Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classification: Regular, Part-Time (20 hrs/week)

Schedule: Monday and Wednesday

Location: Onsite, position may be assigned to work at both IHC locations

SUMMARY:

The Public Health Nurse (PHN) Case Manager promotes health education and disease prevention through home visits and community engagement. This role actively supports the Diabetes Program and Cognitive Health & Wellness initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of employees assigned to this job position. Duties and responsibilities may change (be assigned or removed) at any time with or without notice.

1. Conduct home visits for enrolled IHC patients to assess needs and deliver nursing services.

2. Educate patients and families on health maintenance, disease prevention, and rehabilitation.

3. Develop and implement patient-centered care plans, prioritizing health needs and evaluating outcomes.

4. Teach individuals and caregivers to recognize early signs of illness and take appropriate action.

5. Represent the Medical Department at internal and external meetings as assigned.

6. Participate in community health screenings, perform authorized tests, interpret results, and guide participants toward improved health outcomes.

7. Complete patient documentation per IHC policies within required timeframes.

8. Assess social and environmental factors impacting care; provide culturally appropriate educational materials.

9. Collaborate with the Diabetes Management Team and Cognitive Wellness RN on care plans, screenings, and assessments.

10. Attend educational activities, departmental meetings, mandatory training, and continuing education sessions.

11. Assist with field investigations and research projects as assigned.

12. Work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.

13. Position may be re-assigned during activation of EOP.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

TRAVEL & DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to travel
• Driving is required for this position. Must be able to travel across nine reservations for home visits.
• Occasional travel may be necessary.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• BSN required.
• Preferred: 1 year hospital/clinic experience and 1–3 years in public health (including home visits).
• Public Health Nurse Certification required or in progress.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Language: Strong written and verbal communication; ability to respond to sensitive inquiries and deliver presentations.
• Mathematical: Basic arithmetic and ability to calculate percentages, proportions, and apply algebra concepts.
• Technical: Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Teams, SharePoint, and EHR systems (EPIC/OCHIN preferred).
• Reasoning: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, MEMBERSHIPS AND REGULATIONS

• Active RN license in California.
• PHN certificate required or in progress.
• A valid California driver’s license and a good driving record will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Current CPR, ACLS, PALS certification or attainment within 6 months of hire.
• Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment physical exam, tuberculin skin test or x-ray and urine drug screen test that includes marijuana.
• Health must be adequate to perform all duties of the position.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Indoor clinical setting with occasional off-site, home visits. Working indoors or outdoors, exposures to hazards, PPE required, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS

1. Respond promptly and with caring actions to patients and employees.

2. Maintain professional working relationships with all levels of staff, patients, and the public.

3. Be part of a team and cooperate in accomplishing department/organizational goals and objectives.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

1. Display knowledge of normal signs of human development and ability to assess and provide age-appropriate care.

2. Contribute to the success of the organization by participating in quality improvement activities.

SAFETY

1. Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices.

2. Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions.

3. Use appropriate body mechanics to ensure an injury free environment.

4. Follow all infection control procedures including blood-borne pathogen protocols.

HIPAA/COMPLIANCE

1. Maintain privacy of all patient, employee, and volunteer information. Access such information only on a need-to-know basis and for business purposes only.

2. Comply with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations.

3. Report unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful behavior or activity.

Indian Preference shall be given in accordance with IHC’s Policies and Procedures.