HIV/STD Nurse

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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description:

The HIV/STD Nurse performs complex, specialized, and comprehensive HIV/STD and public health nursing services in clinical and non-clinical settings for populations in need throughout Public Health Region 9/10.

Work involves developing and coordinating nursing activities for the care of individuals, families, and communities in rural/frontier areas of the region, participating in disease control and prevention, community education, quality assurance, maintaining and operating a Class D Pharmacy, and serving as a technical consultant and resource to the public and medical professionals by providing information on CDC/DSHS standards regarding the current testing, diagnoses and treatment of STDs and HIV.

The HIV/STD Nurse will augment the Tuberculosis (TB) Program in Tom Green County and surrounding areas and provides direct client care including Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), collection and shipment of lab specimens, patient assessment, and education. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Operates clinics in Midland and San Angelo. Provides assessment, testing, treatment, education, and counseling for individuals exposed to or diagnosed with STDs. Collects specimens for testing, regularly inventories and orders medication and supplies, interviews patients to identify risk-factors and obtain medical history, conducts public health follow-up investigations, and maintains thorough up-to-date records and patient confidentiality through strict adherence to HIPAA standards. (60%)

EJF 2: Develops and delivers training programs/presentations, builds and maintains relationships with local health departments, infection preventionists, physicians, labs, etc. Serves as a subject matter expert and liaison to healthcare providers and offers recommendations for appropriate testing and treatment. Organizes and leads team at community events providing HIV/STD education, testing, treatment, and MPox vaccinations. (15%)

EJF 3: Participates in developing and revising policies, procedures, and standing delegation orders. Participates in data collection and analysis, program evaluation, assists with recommendations, and program reporting. Serves as a liaison with community-based organizations and assists with activities to identify target groups. (10%)

EJF 4: Trains and evaluates team members on phlebotomy, point of care testing, standard precautions, and provides education and training to enhance team’s knowledge base. Assists with occupational care staff such as annual testing and vaccinations. (10%)

EJF 5: Other duties as assigned including assisting other communicable disease programs and supporting the agency’s obligations for disease outbreak and disaster response. (5%)
 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of nursing theory and processes; Texas State Board of Nursing practice rules and regulations; public health principles and practice, disease prevention and health promotion; educational program development and implementation; quality assurance practices and improvement principles; case management; contact investigations and client interviewing principles; HIV/STD testing and treatment; Pharmacy and CLIA rules and regulations; Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); and Infection Control/Standard Precautions.

Skill in public speaking; using a personal computer and basic applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
 

Ability to provide direct client care; prepare and maintain medical records; perform basic nursing skills; train, coach and mentor others; analyze situations and determine course of action.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

1. Licensed as a registered nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

2. CPR certified or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.

3. Current valid Texas driver’s license.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Experience with the internet and computer software applications is required (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).

2. Experience working with diverse communities is preferred.

3. Experience developing and providing health education presentations/training is preferred.

4. Public health nursing experience in a clinical and/or field setting is preferred.

Additional Information:

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

Selected candidates must be able and willing to wear an N-95 respirator.

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