Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing

Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing

Salary

$51.80 - $66.47 Hourly

Location

Eureka, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

25-00248

Department

Department of Health and Human Services

Division

400 - Public Health Admininistration

Opening Date

06/09/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DEFINITION

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING

Department of Health & Human Services

This position is a leadership position within the Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Branch- Nursing Division. The division consists of 59 allocated positions of nursing and paraprofessional/administrative and clerical staff. The division operates the following programs: Communicable Disease Prevention and Response Unit, Maternal Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH), California Children Services (CCS), Medical Therapy Unit (MTU), and Foster Care Nursing. The position of Assistant Director of Nursing is a newly developed position within the public health branch.

What Youll Do:

• In coordination with the Director of Nursing, oversee division/program operations, performance management, and ensure alignment with strategic plans and branch initiatives.

• Develop and implement initiatives with staff to ensure compliance with program regulations pertaining and policies and procedures.

• Coordinate the preparedness of public health nurses disaster response, including mass prophylaxis, health services for sheltering, and disease investigations.

Where Youll Do It:

A typical work schedule for this position is Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM.

This position is located at 529 I St., Eureka, CA 95501.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, assists the Director of Public Health Nursing in planning, organizing, and directing nursing and related functions in support of the County's Division of Public Health Nursing within Health and Human Services; assists in coordinating and integrating nursing services with the activities of other divisions, departments, and agencies; participates in departmental and team meetings to discuss patient care and progress; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Director of Public Health Nursing. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating public health nursing services in the Division of Public Health Nursing within Department of Health and Human Services. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include assisting in developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting, and program evaluation. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.

• Assists in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, procedures and work standards for public health nursing staff and multiple nursing programs, including the PH Clinic Program and Communicable Disease, Maternal Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Program, The Children Medical Services Programs, Foster Care Nursing (HCPCFC), and Home Visiting Programs. pertaining to Public Health Nursing functions, and mandates.
• Organizes, assigns, directs, reviews and evaluates the work of assigned staff and/or an interdisciplinary team.
• Participates in the selection of personnel and provides for their training and professional development.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs division personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with division standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Oversees the day to day treatment administered and operations of the County Public Health Facility, as needed. Execute patient care policies in the absence of the medical director, the family nurse practitioner, and the director of nursing, or as may be otherwise authorized.
• Prepares or directs the preparation of a variety of periodic and special reports related to divisional actions.
• Supports Public Health Accreditation by attending meetings, conducting performance management, quality improvements, and strategic planning; provides input into the Community Health Assessment and performance management systems; documents delivery of the three core functions of Public Health and the ten essential Public Health Services and other ongoing processes to help meet standards for ongoing audits by the National Public Health Accreditation Board.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public health nursing; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to County needs.
• Monitors changes in legislation, regulations and technology that may affect programs, services and operations; recommends and implements policy, procedural and training changes to meet mandated requirements.
• Develops statistical information and analyzes data for special projects; makes recommendations for improvements to enhance services for out-patient care.
• Coordinates the utilization review program; reviews admission and continued patient stays for medical necessity and appropriateness as outlined by Short Doyle/Medi-Cal procedures; organizes and participates on the utilization review committee.
• Coordinates and implements the infection control program; participates on the infection control committee; conducts in-service training for staff; evaluates new products; reviews methods and practices for program compliance; maintains and reviews relevant records; prepares required reports, as needed.
• Maintains prescribed standards of public health treatment and ensures services are rendered in conformance with policy and procedural guidelines.
• Assists in interpreting and reviewing federal, state and insurance provider rules and regulations, and recommends appropriate internal policy and procedures.
• Assume the authority, responsibility, accountability of directing the nursing division in the absence of the Director of Nursing
• Assists with the development of plans pertaining to the role of a Public Health Nurse in Disaster Service Work not to include- Mass Care Shelters, Points of Dispensing, Continuity of Operations for the Nursing Division and Programs and training of staff about operational plans as they pertain to DSW role of a Public Health Nurse.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Organization and management practices of comprehensive public health nursing programs.as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of general public health nursing care, as defined by the State of California licensing requirements.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
• Principles, practices and methods of community public health treatment, including interviewing and assessment.
• Principles and practices of budget and grant development and administration.
• Funding streams for public health nursing programs.
• Roles and responsibilities of nursing staff during public health crises and/or disasters.
• Principles of public health nursing and provisions of the California Nurse Practice Act.
• Principles and practices of public health education and teaching.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to public health nursing programs.
• Applicable guidelines for laws affecting public health treatment, services and reporting procedures.
• Principles and alternative approaches to health disorders and institutional and aftercare programs.
• Methods and procedures for collecting, compiling and analyzing statistical and demographic information and data.
• Nursing treatment and therapeutic intervention best practices.
• Theories, techniques and practices of professional nursing.
• Trauma Informed Care principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of utilization review.
• Community needs and resources.
• Methods and procedures for developing and evaluating program quality control and effectiveness of patient treatment.
• Requirements for specialized nursing functions including utilization review and infection control.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Assist in the day to day management of staff and operations within the public health nursing division.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Evaluate regulations, and public health problems, and develop effective courses of action.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the County's public health nursing programs.
• Coordinate public health nursing programs with other departments and agencies.
• Assess health status and develop effective patient treatment plans.
• Plan, develop, implement, evaluate and direct in-patient treatment programs and services.
• Interpret, explain and apply laws, regulations and policies related to public health programs and services.
• Analyze complex public health problems, evaluate alternatives and make sound judgments and recommendations for treatment.
• Performing specialized nursing functions including Utilization review and infection control.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in nursing from a National League for Nursing accredited four-year college or university, or other educational standards as set forth by the California State Board of Registered Nursing

and

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in public health nursing, two (2) of which should be in a supervisory or program management capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations. Must possess a valid Registered Nurse license issued by a US State Board of Registered Nursing upon date of application. Must obtain a California Registered Nurse license prior to date of hire.
• Must possess a valid State Public Health Nursing certificate issued by a State Board of Registered Nursing upon date of application. Must obtain a California State Public Health Nursing certificate prior to date of hire.
• Must possess valid CPR certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting, or clinical setting, and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and medical equipment; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required, and travel to visit various cultural, physical, behavioral, and environmental settings may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 45 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to assess emergency situations, including medical incidents and to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office and medical equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Employees work in an office and clinic, environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may work outdoors and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels and cold and/or hot temperatures.
• Employees interact with clients with behavioral disorders/erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.
• Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids in performing their assigned duties.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening, physical examination, etc.).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you dont miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your applications progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

RETIREMENT

The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program:

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.

COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

Our generous benefits package includes:

• Health Insurance

• Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS

• County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage

• Additional Insurance Coverage

• Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents

• Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents

• County-Provided Benefits

• Life Insurance

• Longevity Pay

• Educational Reimbursement

• Deferred Compensation

• Employee Assistance Program

• Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits

Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:

• Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire
• Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION

1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)

4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)

11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)

16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)

21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)

HOLIDAYS

Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.

SICK LEAVE

Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

10 days of administrative leave per fiscal year.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.

INCENTIVE PAY

County employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.

Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at Human Resources | Humboldt County, CA - Official Website for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.

01

This position requires a Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by a US Board of Registered Nursing upon date of application, a California RN license prior to date of hire, AND a valid Public Health Nursing (PHN) certificate issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing.

• Yes
• No

02

If you answered "yes" to question #1, please provide your RN license number and PHN certificate number:

03

This position requires a valid CPR certification. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

04

Considering the totality of your nursing experience, including experience outside of a countys public health branch, how many years of equivalent public health nursing experience do you possess?

• No experience
• Less than six (6) months
• Six (6) month - one (1) year
• One (1) - Two (2) years
• Two (2) - Three (3) years
• Three (3) - Four (4) years
• Four (4) - Five (5) years
• Five (5) years or more

05

Please indicate your years of experience in a supervisory or program management capacity in public health nursing:

• No experience
• Less than six (6) months
• Six (6) months - One (1) year
• One (1) - Two (2) years
• Two (2) or more years

06

Please describe your experience in a supervisory or program management capacity in public health nursing.

07

Describe any experience you may have with program planning, budgeting, monitoring/implementing and then evaluating the outcome of a program.

08

Describe any experience with leading a leadership team, and your experience coaching leadership staff.

09

Describe your understanding of public health nurse's role within public health and community health.

10

Describe your experience with deployments as a nurse in a disaster situation, including any experience you have had with mass prophylaxis (vaccine or medication) or evacuation centers.

11

Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position.

12

This position requires driving on behalf of the County of Humboldt. Do you possess, or can you obtain, a valid California drivers license, prior to your date of hire per California Department of Motor Vehicle regulations?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer County of Humboldt

Address 825 5th Street, Room 100

Eureka, California, 95501

Phone 707-476-2349