PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE IV                                                                                                   2026

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision of a Division director or designee of the Department of Health Services, an employee in this class acts as chief of the assigned bureau or program and is responsible for its overall functions, including both clinical and non-clinical aspects.  The employee is responsible for the overall evaluation, monitoring, and work to improve the quality of public health and home health programs.  The employee is responsible for the training and supervision of Public Health Nurses III and other staff within the bureau or program.  Work requires considerable independent judgment and initiative, and is reviewed by a Division Director or a designee of the Department of Health Services through conferences, review of reports and observation.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

             Serves as the chief of the assigned bureau or program;

             Oversees both the clinical and non-clinical aspects of the assigned bureau or program;

             Develops the policies and procedures for the bureau or program under the guidance of a Division director or departmental designee;

             Interprets related federal and state directives for the assigned bureau or program;

             Oversees and maintains responsibility for performance improvement program for the bureau or program;

             Interprets the needs and accomplishments of the bureau or program and communicates these as appropriate;

             Acts as a liaison between the Department of Health Services and federal, state and private agencies;

             Consults with and provides clinical assistance to health professionals and other personnel;

             Oversees preparation of the budget for the assigned area of responsibility and interprets statistical data for the bureau or program;

             Participates in the preparation of proposals for obtaining funding for assigned bureau or program;

             Oversees the development of contracts for the bureau or program;

             Attends community meetings and professional conferences to promote better understanding of the functions of public health and public health nursing programs in the community;

             Participates in community-wide emergency public health preparedness activities and public health responses to emergency events;

             Participates in community public health education and disease control programs;

             Participates in county-wide surveys on health programs;

             May work in the field in settings away from the office. 

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of management of a bureau or program including clinical and administrative aspects; comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public health nursing; comprehensive knowledge of the epidemiological approach to the prevention and control of disease; comprehensive knowledge of the administrative organization of public health procedures and social services within a community; comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the physical behavior of individuals throughout a normal life span; ability to establish and maintain effective working and interpersonal relationships with federal, state, and private agencies; ability to supervise the assigned bureau or program staff members in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. 

            

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

             OPEN COMPETITIVE

             Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Master's Degree in Nursing, Public Health, or a health related field and six (6) years of nursing experience, at least four (4) years of which must have been served in an administrative or supervisory capacity.

 

             PROMOTIONAL

             Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Master's Degree in Nursing, Public Health, or a health related field, and;

             Either:

             (a) One (1) year of permanent competitive status as a Public Health Nurse III;

             (b) Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Clinical Nurse Practitioner;

             (c) Three (3) years of permanent competitive status as a Public Health Nurse II.

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS           

             At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, candidates must possess a Professional Registered Nurse's License issued by the New York State Education Department.

             Candidate must complete 15 hours of continuing education in public health and management related topics approved by the New York State Department of Health within the first year of employment.

             At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, candidates will be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

             Candidates must meet federal and New York State employee health requirements, including but not limited to immunizations, for the programs in which they are assigned.

 

R 7/15/16

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive