Job Abstract

About the Department Services:
The Health Services division of the HCJPD is responsible for the medical, psychological, and treatment programs within the agency. The services operated within this division include the medical staff that assess and treat youth in the detention center and post-adjudicated facilities. In addition, the division has mental health therapists who provide crisis counseling, and individual, group and family therapy to youth both in the detention center and under community supervision. Lastly, the Health Services division oversees the four specialty courts that operate within the agency to help address some of the underlying factors that may be impacting a youth’s functioning.

About the Position:
The Medical Officer - Licensed Vocational Nurse/Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMT-P) Part Time provides safe and effective medical care for all Juveniles in custody. The Medical officer will practice under the direction/supervision of a Registered Nurse/Physician, providing support to the overall functioning of the medical department. The medical officer will assist in the determination of predictable health care needs of juveniles in custody using a process which includes assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of care and this individual would operate in accordance with the applicable Certifying and/or Licensing agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides care with a focus on resident need, environmental and technical safety; utilizing a four step systemic process to deliver patient care. This includes assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation, Utilizes a problem solving approach as the basis for decision making in practice, including reporting relevant information to supervising Registered Nurse and/or Physician.
• Performs technical nursing skills within the scope of practice for a LVN or Emt-P in accordance with Agency policies and procedures for individual and/or multiple resident assignments. Performs diagnostic tests, administers medications, sets up equipment and applies therapeutic treatments.
• Documents relevant information regarding care in patient records, charts and reports. Documents observations of youth signs, symptoms, test results, behaviors, and response to medications and treatments.
• Informs, explains and educates residents and family members/guardians regarding medications, relevant treatment information, and disease process. Provides pertinent health information at an appropriate level and includes meaningful literature to support understanding.
• Demonstrates behaviors that promote development of positive outcomes in relation to the practice of vocational nursing or para-medicine and provides ethical care in a confidential, caring, non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner.
• Assigns specific tasks, activities and functions and maintains appropriate supervision of unlicensed personnel in structured health care settings for residents with predictable health care needs in accordance with program design and structure.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

Licensure, Certification, and Experience:

• Certified/Licensed EMT-P care OR currently licensed as a Vocational Nurse by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
• Minimum of one (1) year of certified/licensed EMT-P care OR licensed nursing experience (not including clinical hours required for education).
• Current CPR certification.

• Knowledge of scope and standards of paramedic and/or vocational nursing practice where applicable.
• Knowledge of Texas Board of Nurse Examiners Nurse Practice Act and nursing care standards of practice.
• Knowledge of applicable pharmacy rules and regulations.
• Understanding of Standard/Universal Precautions and infection control procedures for dealing with sharp instruments, blood and body fluids and communicable diseases.
• Knowledge and understanding of indications for treatments rendered including medications and the expected outcome, possible side effects and how to identify adverse reactions.
• Understanding of departmental and Agency Policies and Procedures including Standing Orders for care.
• Comprehension of how to use proper body mechanics to avoid injury to self, peers or residents.
• Maintains current licensure and continuing education requirements as established by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
• Abides by Texas Board of Nurses Professional Conduct rules.
• Demonstrates and follows the Nursing Code of Ethics.
• Abides by Harris County Code of Ethics.
• Maintains patient confidentiality, without breeching regulations/guidelines/laws pertaining to the sharing of protected health information.
• Must be 21 years of age.

• Upon receiving a conditional job offer, every applicant undergoes a criminal background check and drug screening.
• Employees who hold this position are required to possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's license. Employee must maintain liability insurance in at least the minimum amounts required by law.
• Certified copies of transcripts of educational credentials and/or college credits will be required during hiring process.
• All applicants are required to present evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test. In the event of a positive test, the applicant will be required to provide additional documentation.
• Every employee is subject to random testing for drug and alcohol or if there is a reasonable suspicion to believe that the employee is under the influence of a substance prohibited by this policy while in the course and scope of employment.
• If public emergency is declared by county, staff could be assigned to other duties and/or facilities and/or under the supervision of another county department.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• This position involves working with challenging youth where use of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure the safety of both youth and staff.

About Harris County Juvenile Probation (HCJPD)

The Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is committed to the protection of the public utilizing intervention strategies that are community-based, family-oriented, and least restrictive while emphasizing responsibility and accountability of both parent and child. HCJPD provides supervision and services to youth between the ages of 10 and 17, who are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. HCJPD is the largest juvenile probation department in Texas with approximately 1,100 employees and over 3,500 youth referred to the department annually.

Make an impact: Working for HCJPD provides the opportunity to serve your community and be a positive role model for young people. Our pace of work enables fast learning and fosters an environment where you can make a positive impact.

Professional Growth: We are committed to growing the capabilities of our staff by building a learning community where you can work with diverse individuals, explore new ways of thinking, and expand your skills. Our employees are Juvenile Justice Practitioners who share their knowledge to enhance each other’s growth.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Part-Time | This is considered an essential staff position

• Typical Workday (Shifts - Day, Evening, Nights, and Weekends)

Open Position Location:

• HCLA - 9120 Katy Hockley Rd, Katy, TX 77493

Salary:

• $35.51 Hourly

• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods