Congenital Syphilis Nurse Consultant

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Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Congenital Syphilis Nurse Consultant 
Job Title: Public Health Nurse II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Regional & Local Hlth Ops 
Posting Number: 11090 
Closing Date: 02/09/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $7,761.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 30% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Nurse II performs complex nursing work that includes the delivery of congenital syphilis and HIV/STD direct patient services and case management services working under the general supervision of the Director of Public Health nursing and located within the DSHS central Austin offices. The Nurse II is authorized to have their job duties include the coordination of services, technical consultation and clinical support for Communicable Disease, in particular, STI/HIV activities. Primary responsibilities include developing and implementing CS education for regional CS nurse positions, covering regional CS nurse position duties and responsibilities when absent, developing community STI/HIV education, patient care, reporting/documentation and disease intervention activities under the general supervision of the Director of Public Health Nursing. Nurse II duties include participation in current and long-range planning for HIV/STI prevention with central DSHS programs and supporting STI/HIV activities in assigned areas that include central programs, the Public Health Regions and Local Health Entities. In coordination with the Communicable Disease Manager and Program Manager of Public Health Regions or central DSHS offices supports the program goals and objectives. Works under limited supervision of the Director of Public Health Nursing with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. This Nurse II position will be based in the central DSHS Austin office and report to the Director of Public Health Nursing.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Support, Education and Consultation 30%

• Supports the CS regional nurses, regional medical directors and Texas DSHS recognized medical experts on complicated Congenital Syphilis cases or HIV/STD cases

• Distributes technical guidance and education to regional CS nurses and their patients, according to the guidance from DSHS and DSHS recognized experts on Congenital Syphilis and STI/HIV.
• Develop implement and support high quality Congenital Syphilis and STI/HIV education to the Public Health Regions.
• Provide case management and patient coverage(physical or virtual) for Congenital Syphilis cases in regions when regional CS nurse is not available.
• Analyze data from PHR studies on CS/HIV/STI assessments and other studies to make recommendations and prepare reports for PHR leadership.
• Collaborate with internal DSHS syaff and community leaders in PHRs to address Congenital Syphillis/ HIV and STI case management needs. 
• Consult with DSHS agency staff and contractors regarding the analysis of statewide CS/STI/HIV health needs, CS/STI/HIV program issues and the interpretation of state and federal rules, regulations and statues.

• Participate in quality assurance monitoring reviews of CS data to determine compliance with policies and procedures.

Community Education: 25%

• Serves as a support resource to individuals, providers and stakeholders by providing information on CDC/DSHS standards regarding the current testing, diagnoses and treatment of Congenital Syphilis, as well as other STIs and HIV.

• The facilities supported can be health facilities, county correctional facilities, residential substance abuse facilities, and other community agency facilities.

• Communicates with private healthcare providers as directed by the Public Health Region, in the community providing CS/STI/HIV clinical guidance according to the recommendations given from the CDC and DSHS.
• Participates in multidisciplinary meetings and trainings to review all aspects of Congenital Syphilis case management and provide support to promote consistent and optimal patient care.

• Collaborates with local health entities, community leaders within PHRs and internal DSHS staff at both the central and regional level to address educational needs for CS/HIV/STIs.

Disease Intervention Activities: 20%

• Under limited supervision and in adherence with Public Health Region's Standard Delegation Orders, performs detection, intervention, reporting, surveillance, notification, and referral activities related to persons with HIV/STI infections and their contacts, at high risk for HIV/STI transmission.

• This includes injection drug users, and other hard-to-reach and special populations, including, homeless persons, sex industry workers, transgender and intersexed persons, incarcerated populations, and persons whose primary language is not English.

• Supports statutory disease reporting, achievement of Regional and Central DSHS program performance standards, and abides by the DSHS DIS guidelines, DSHS HIV/STI Surveillance guidelines, DSHS Congenital Syphilis guidelines and HHS HR manual.

Patient Care: 20%

• Under limited supervision and adherence to the SDOs, evaluates patients for Congenital Syphilis/STI/HIV risk factors, clinical presentation, and screening results.
• In collaboration with the authorizing physician develops a treatment plan; establishes mutual goals, and monitors the patient’s treatment response.
• Engages patients in behavior modification to promote treatment adherence.

• Performs other duties as assigned 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Have working knowledge and be familiar with the Outbreak Response Plan, the STD program objectives, the CDC Program Operation Guidelines for STD prevention and adheres to all relevant DSHS policies and guidelines.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Department of State Health Services HIV/STD Program standards of operation, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the CDC HIV/STD treatment protocols and guidelines
• Knowledge and understanding of current social, economic and public health issues.
• Knowledge of HIV/STD epidemiology and transmission, and case management techniques.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with Texas DSHS confidentiality guidelines.

Skill in:

• Skill in performing basic adult and pediatric physical assessment and obtaining relevant clinical history.
• Skill in case analysis and providing clinical case management services.
• Skill in interpreting treatment, radiographic and bacteriological data.
• Skill in communicating effectively with others (internal / external) both orally and in writing.
• Skill in performing phlebotomy; obtaining and processing specimens; administering medications and immunizations.
• Skill in using a personal computer and applicable software programs (Microsoft Office and Adobe)

Ability to:

• Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations;
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions;
• Ability to conduct objective, comprehensive nursing assessment plans;
• Ability to direct and conduct contact and outbreak investigations;
• Ability to function independently;
• Ability to apply time management principles to tasks;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public and medical community using tact and diplomacy;
• Ability to work independently exercising sound judgment
• Ability to work well and effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be licensed and registered as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas with an active, unrestricted license.

Current and valid driver's license for the State of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria:

RN licensed in Texas or compact license equivalent (Required)

Registered Nurse with a minimum of two years’ experience with at least one year experience within the last five years working with persons at risk for HIV/STD. (Required)

BSN (Required)

Experience in working with communities. (Required)

Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. (Required)

Preferred:

Bilingual in Spanish and English (Preferred)

Experience in developing and/or providing health education presentations/training. (Preferred)

Experience with computer software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, electronic health/medical records systems and the internet. (Preferred)

Additional Information:

Primary headquarters location will be DSHS Headquarter in Austin, TX. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equioment. including an N95 or equilivant. 

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form