Health Services Specialist, RN

Ensures that VNSNY staff are free from any health impairments that are of potential risk to themselves, coworkers, and patients and their families, or that may interfere with the performance of duties, by maintaining compliance with New York State Department of Health, OSHA and other applicable regulations and fostering wellness and safety awareness. Works under general direction.

• 
  Ensures that newly-hired employees, newly associated individual contractors, and volunteers are free of any health impairments that are of potential risk to themselves, VNS patients, families or employees, or that may interfere with the performance of job responsibilities, by reviewing medical findings of physical examinations, laboratory tests and immunizations. Authorizes employees, contractors and volunteers in accordance with Agency policy and procedures, to commence association with VNS. Contacts and counsels staff regarding medical findings when necessary. Recommends medical referrals as needed.
• Develops and maintains library of medical resources for referrals.

Administers immunizations, tests and health assessments in accordance with Agency policies and procedures, New York State Department of Health regulations, OSHA regulations and/or other applicable regulations, including Mantoux PPD skin tests and influenza immunizations, to ensure that employees are free from any health impairments that are of potential risk to VNS patients, their families, VNS employees and themselves.

• Develops and maintains records and individual charts for VNS employees and individual contractors. Develops and maintains various department records and reports, including monthly compliance reports, accident reports and exposures reports.

In conjunction with Manager, Health Services, investigates and manages employees suffering work related injuries, illnesses and exposures to diseases, as assigned.

• Develops and maintains contact with employees on extended sick leaves and disability leaves of absence; provides counsel and guidance to expedite return to work; reviews medical authorizations for employees returning to work for appropriateness and clearance to return to work; takes further action as necessary.
• Works with Clinical Services and Operations to ensure clinical practice standards and guidelines are being applied in order to reduce the risk of work related injuries.
• Conducts training programs about work-related injuries, illnesses and exposures. Conducts presentations, or develops programs on health-related topics of interest employees to promote health awareness and wellness.
• Conducts periodic visits to VNS offices to administer assessments, tests and immunizations, conduct investigations and counsel employees, etc.

Remains abreast of new developments, techniques and regulations (including DOH and OSHA updates/changes) related to Health Services programs and policies. Makes recommendations in anticipation of the impact these changes will have on the Agency.

• Ensures services provided by various medical providers are safe, thorough and cost effective by monitoring services provided. Establishes relationships with other medical providers, as required.

.

Licensure: Current license and registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State required.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, or, Nursing diploma from a State approved program, or, Associate’s degree required.

Experience: Minimum of one year of experience as an occupational health nurse or a staff nurse in a medical-surgical nursing area preferred. Knowledge of government regulations regarding occupational health, including Exposure Control Plans for Blood Borne Pathogens, TB screening and control, Hepatitis and other communicable diseases, and Worker’s Compensation required. Ability to organize, set priorities and direct the work of others required. Strong clinical assessment skills and medical care case management required. Ability to monitor and use computer-based tracking systems required.