SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Nurse Practitioner serves as the Health Care Advisor for the Chambers County Jail and is responsible for the administration, coordination, and delivery of inmate healthcare services. Under the administrative direction of the Jail Administrator and in coordination with the County Health Authority, this position provides advanced clinical care, supervises healthcare personnel, develops and implements medical protocols, advises Office leadership on inmate healthcare matters, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, Texas Commission on Jail Standards requirements, and Office policy.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Jail Administrator. County Health Authority also provides clinical supervision and direction as necessary. Directs: Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, and Medical Assistants. Location: Chambers County Health Services Other: Has frequent contact with healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, other correctional facilities, inmate patients, correctional staff, other county departments, regulatory agencies, vendors, and the general public.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Provides advanced nursing care, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptive services within the scope of licensure and applicable law. Serves as the Health Care Adviser for the Chambers County Jail and oversees the administration, coordination, and delivery of inmate healthcare services in accordance with applicable laws, Texas Commission on Jail Standards requirements, accepted standards of care, and Office policy. Supervises, directs, and evaluates healthcare personnel, ensuring the delivery of timely, appropriate, and continuous healthcare services to the inmate population. Develops, implements, reviews, and updates healthcare policies, procedures, protocols, and treatment guidelines in coordination with the County Health Authority and Jail Administrator. Oversees inmate receiving screenings, health evaluations, sick call, chronic care, medication management, emergency medical services, specialty referrals, and continuity of care. Reviews inmate health assessments, treatment plans, suicide risk assessments, medical records, and other clinical documentation to ensure continuity of care and compliance with established standards. Establishes and oversees procedures for the storage, security, accountability, dispensing, and disposal of medications and medical supplies. Oversees communicable disease prevention, infection control, tuberculosis screening, exposure control, and other public health initiatives within the facility. Coordinates healthcare services with the County Health Authority, physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, mental health providers, emergency medical services, and other healthcare partners to ensure continuity of inmate care. Develops and oversees programs for inmates with chronic medical conditions, mental illness, substance use disorders, pregnancy, and other special healthcare needs. Develops and provides healthcare-related training to correctional staff and healthcare personnel. Oversees the management, security, confidentiality, retention, and authorized release of inmate health records in accordance with applicable laws and Office policy. Ensures required medical equipment, supplies, medications, first aid equipment, and diagnostic services are available, properly maintained, and compliant with applicable standards. Prepares reports, conducts quality assurance activities, and recommends improvements to inmate healthcare services and medical operations. Performs the duties of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse when operationally necessary to ensure the continuity of inmate healthcare services. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: provide advanced nursing assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptive services within the scope of licensure; supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate healthcare personnel; develop, implement, and evaluate healthcare policies, procedures, and treatment protocols; coordinate inmate healthcare services with correctional staff, the County Health Authority, healthcare providers, hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, and other healthcare partners; operate medical and office equipment; maintain accurate medical records and documentation; prepare reports and maintain administrative records; demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; and maintain all required licenses, certifications, and a Texas driver's license applicable to job responsibilities.

Skill to: provide advanced nursing assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptive services within the scope of licensure; supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate healthcare personnel; develop, implement, and evaluate healthcare policies, procedures, and treatment protocols; coordinate inmate healthcare services with correctional staff, the County Health Authority, healthcare providers, hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, mental health providers, and other healthcare partners; operate medical and office equipment; maintain accurate medical records, reports, and administrative documentation; effectively communicate both orally and in writing; and maintain all required licenses, certifications, and a Texas driver's license applicable to job responsibilities.

Ability to: accept responsibility and be accountable for actions; follow instructions, safety practices, accepted standards of care, and Office policies in performing assigned duties; be punctual and attend work regularly; work effectively with people regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type; perform work accurately and thoroughly; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; make critical decisions while following established procedures and exercising independent clinical judgment; demonstrate conduct conforming to accepted professional standards and ethical principles; maintain honesty, professionalism, and credibility in the workplace; identify and resolve clinical, operational, and administrative problems using available information; formulate sound decisions regarding inmate healthcare services; supervise, lead, mentor, and evaluate healthcare personnel; maintain confidentiality of inmate medical information and protected health information in accordance with applicable laws and Office policy; establish and maintain effective working relationships with inmates, correctional staff, healthcare providers, outside medical facilities, regulatory agencies, and the general public; work effectively in a collaborative team environment; walk, stand, or sit for extended periods of time; reach, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, twist, crouch, climb, or run as necessary when performing job duties; carry, balance, lift, push, pull, or move medical supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; assist inmates with movement or positioning as necessary; operate medical and office equipment necessary to perform assigned job functions; and maintain hearing and vision sufficient to perform duties safely and effectively.

Apply At:

Chambers County Sheriff’s Office
201 North Court
Anahuac, Texas 77514
ccsotraining@chamberstx.gov
(409) 267-2500

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program recognized by the Texas Board of Nursing. Current licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and authorization to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in the State of Texas. Current prescriptive authority recognized by the Texas Board of Nursing. Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation and any other examinations or screenings required by the Office. Three (3) years of progressively responsible nursing experience, including at least one (1) year as a Nurse Practitioner. Experience in correctional healthcare, emergency medicine, family practice, internal medicine, urgent care, or other applicable clinical setting. Supervisory or healthcare management experience. Experience developing or administering healthcare policies, procedures, protocols, or quality improvement initiatives. Experience supervising or coordinating multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Experience with electronic medical record (EMR) systems. Current licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and authorization to practice as a Nurse Practitioner by the Texas Board of Nursing. Current prescriptive authority recognized by the Texas Board of Nursing. Current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration, if required to perform assigned duties. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Valid Texas Driver License with an acceptable driving record. Successfully complete the Basic County Corrections Course and pass the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Jailer Licensing Examination within one (1) year of hire. Successful completion of a TCOLE-approved First-Line Supervisor Course, or equivalent supervisory training recognized by TCOLE, within one (1) year of appointment. Maintain all licenses and certifications required to perform the duties of the position.

Special Requirements

Work is performed primarily within a secure correctional facility, including inmate housing areas, medical treatment areas, and administrative office environments, with occasional work in outdoor settings. May be exposed to inmates with communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, biohazardous materials, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious or hazardous conditions. May be exposed to inmates exhibiting aggressive, assaultive, disruptive, suicidal, or unpredictable behavior and other stressful or emotionally challenging situations. May be required to respond to medical emergencies, critical incidents, disasters, and other operational needs, including evenings, weekends, holidays, extended hours, or on-call assignments as directed. Frequent interaction with inmates, correctional staff, the County Health Authority, healthcare providers, hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, emergency medical services, mental health providers, regulatory agencies, vendors, and the general public. Any applicant conditionally selected for this position will be required to submit to a physical and drug testing, before commencing employment.

Miscellaneous Information

Chambers County is an equal opportunity employer. The County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services.