Birth defects are a significant health concern, affecting one in every 33 babies, and are the leading cause of infant deaths.  Every year in New Jersey, about 3,000 children, or 3% of all live births, are born with one or more birth defects.

Accurate tracking of birth defects and analyzing the collected data is a critical first step in prevention. The New Jersey Birth Defects Registry is a population-based registry of children with specific birth defects, and the primary entry point for children with birth defects to receive case management services through Special Child Health Services and Early Intervention.  As the Registry contributes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's statistics on birth defects, complete, timely and accurate data is essential to understanding the impact of birth defects in families and communities. 

The Nursing Consultant provides guidance and technical assistance to healthcare facilities and hospitals that register children with birth defects, to ensure they meet federal and state regulations on the reporting of birth defects.  Primary responsibilities include: 

Reviewing and processing incoming registrations submitted by healthcare facilities to the Birth Defects Registry for completeness; conducting follow up activities as needed to request additional information/clarification; utilizing the Birth Defects Registry's electronic registration system. Participating in implementation of quality improvement activities, including internal audits of records, and external quality assurance audits. Providing technical assistance to facilities via online meetings, phone calls and webinars as necessary. Assisting in completion of annual deliverables for birth defects surveillance activities; participating in development of reports, special projects, and budgets. Participating as a member of task forces and work groups involving long-term services and supports for children with birth defects. Remaining informed of current literature and developments in the field of birth defects (risk factors, treatment, and prevention). 

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing or related health field and a Master's degree with a major course of study in Nursing Supervision, Administration, Public Health, Medical Care, Nursing, Health Education, or related health field.

NOTE: Applicants who do not possess the required Bachelor's degree but possess an Associate's degree in Nursing or graduated from an accredited School of Nursing may substitute two (2) years of additional clinical nursing experience as indicated.

NOTE: Applicants who do not possess the required Master's degree may substitute one (1) year of additional clinical nursing experience as indicated.

EXPERIENCE: Six (6) years of clinical nursing experience in an acute care, long-term or community-based setting.

LICENSE: Current registration as a Professional Nurse in the State of New Jersey.

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position. 

About NJ Department of Health

New Jersey Department of Health Improving health through leadership and innovation The Department’s priority is improving population health by strengthening New Jersey’s health system. The Department’s five branches, Public Health Services, Health Systems, Integrated Health, Office of Population Health and the Office of Policy and Strategic Planning work collaboratively toward that goal. Population health focuses on keeping healthy New Jerseyans well, preventing those at risk from getting sick, and keeping those with chronic conditions from getting sicker. Population health promotes prevention, wellness and equity in all environments, resulting in a healthy New Jersey.

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