Public Health Nurse I

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

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: Public Health Nurse I 
Job Title: Public Health Nurse I 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 1 
Posting Number: 8410 
Closing Date: 09/08/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Salary Range: $4,522.18 - $4,772.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 30% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: DUMAS 
Job Location Address: 501 SUCCESS BLVD 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description

Under the direct supervision of the Nurse Supervisor III, nurse practice/clinical management of the Director of Nursing, and the medical supervision of the Regional Medical Director, performs general nursing duties for the Texas Department of State Health Service (DSHS) - Public Health Region (PHR) I. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing public health nursing services to HIV/STD, Tuberculosis, Immunizations, Preparedness and Response/Epidemiology, and Community Health Improvement program clients.

Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, annual vaccination against influenza (and hepatitis B if applicable).

Essential Job Functions

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1 (40%) Performs public health nursing duties for the Immunization program, including but not limited to:

1.  Administer vaccines and observation of potential adverse effects, unusual symptoms, and reactions.

2.  Conduct immunization clinics in Public Health Region 1 (PHR-1) assigned areas

3.  Collaborate with school nurses, county officials and local coalitions to assess immunization

      service needs.

4.  Maintain clinic records to include documentation of vaccine history, vaccine administration, consent forms,                    

       and other TVFC (Texas Vaccine for Children) required and recommended immunization  

      guidelines.

5.  Facilitate obtaining signature of local authorized medical physician for standing orders and/or contracted   

      services.

6.  Prepare and complete clinical program reports

EJF 2 (30 %) Performs comprehensive case management TB service:

1.  Identifying persons who have clinically active Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

2.  Case managing persons who have or who are suspected of having disease

3.  Identifying and managing persons infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

4.  Providing laboratory and diagnostic services

5.  Providing training and education

EJF 3 (15%) Performs public health nursing duties for the HIV/STD program, including but not limited to:

1.  Performs HIV/STD testing and screening services, appropriate nurse exams and treats patients with STDs

2.  Interpretation of laboratory tests.

3.  Functions as a liaison and consultant to private healthcare providers regarding HIV/STDs.

4.  Provides education on HIV/STD prevention and services

EJF 4 (10%) Performs public health nursing duties for the, Preparedness and Response/Epidemiology, and Community Health Improvement, HIV/STD programs, including but not limited to

1.  Maintain ability and skills to perform duties associated with Preparedness and Response/Epidemiology.

2.  Maintain ability and skills to perform population-based services associated with Community Health  

      Improvement

3.  Attend and participate in all nursing and other associated trainings required by PHR 1 to maintain ability and

      skills associated with public health nursing

(5%) Perform other duties as assigned. Duties may include: Public Health Preparedness activities to include training in POD (Point of Dispensing), RSS (Receiving, Staging, Storage), and ROC (Regional Operations Center) functions; Participation in local, regional, and statewide exercises. Responding in regional emergency situation as needed; and other duties assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of professional nursing theory, nursing processes, nursing science, and clinical skills.
2. Knowledge of principles and practice of public health nursing and health care management.
3. Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures including venipuncture, assessment, and  

   specimen collection, shipping or submission

4. Knowledge of the principles and practices of epidemiology and medical terminology.
5. Knowledge of Communicable Disease reporting laws.
6. Knowledge of computer software (i.e Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Microsoft Power  

   Point)

7. Skill in planning, organization and time management, and problem solving.
8. Skill in collecting and analyzing data.
9. Skill in interpreting and understanding complex policies and procedures.
10. Skill in interpreting laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms and information on medical   

           charts.

11. Ability to train others
12. Ability to administer medication via various routes (I.e. oral, cutaneous, intradermal, topical

    intramuscular)

13. Ability to perform drug calculations, conversation of units of measure, and process of dispensing  

    medications.

14. Ability to work closely with public and private health care providers to enhance disease reporting.
15. Ability to manage multiple projects and/or assignments.
16. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
17. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
18. Ability to organize and present information in a clear, concise and effective manner.
19. Ability to prepare written reports and coordinate special events/projects.
20. Ability to function independently.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Must be currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas. 
Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver’s license or equivalent from another state.

Initial Screening Criteria 

RN licensed in Texas (required)
Experience functioning independently (required)
Experience in Public Health Nursing and health care management (preferred)
Experience in working in a clinical settings (preferred)
Experience in interpreting and understanding complex policies and procedures (preferred)
Experience conducting communicable disease investigations (preferred)
Experience planning, organization and time management (preferred)
Experience solving problems and exercising sound judgment (preferred)
Experience preparing written reports (preferred)
Experience maintaining confidential records (preferred)  

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