Public Health Nurse l

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 l

Job Title:

Public Health Nurse I

Agency:
Dept of State Health Services

Department:
Region 2/3

Posting Number: 14329

Closing Date: 03/17/2026

Posting Audience:
Internal and External

Occupational Category:
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $4,884.00

Pay Frequency:
Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20

Shift: Day

Additional

Shift: Days (First)

Telework:
Not Eligible for Telework

Travel:
Up to 40%

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Full Time/Part Time:
Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Exempt

Facility

Location:

Job Location City: VERNON

Job Location Address: 1531 CUMBERLAND ST

Other Locations:
Vernon

MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W

Brief

Job Description:

Under the direction of the nursing supervisor, Regional Nurse Manager, and the Regional Medical Director, provides routine (journey-level) public health nursing work in clinical and non-clinical settings for the assessment, care, and treatment of individuals, families, and communities according to standing delegation orders. Utilizes the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, delivering, and evaluating public health services in assigned counties.

Services are focused on the promotion of optimum wellness and disease prevention such as immunizations against vaccine preventable diseases, and comprehensive case management for clients utilizing community resources and referrals to needed services. This position works with moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.

Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards. This position is office-based, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Essential Job Functions:

DIRECT SERVICES:
Provides specialized and comprehensive public health nursing services in the clinic, home, and community. The nurse will utilize components of the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the physical, emotional, and psychosocial health status of clients, families, and communities. Provides individualized care according to policies, procedures, program standards, physician orders and standing delegation orders which may include lab testing/counseling, independent home visits, providing/administering medications, education and counseling, case management, referrals, and follow-up.

Performs disease intervention, surveillance, and prevention functions around Tuberculosis, HIV/STD, Perinatal Hepatitis B and Immunizations and other identified diseases. Prepares and maintains appropriate confidential client records per agency and HIPAA standards. (50%)

COORDINATION AND LEADERSHIP:
May participate in assessing client and clinical needs, developing materials, and/or conducting education, orientation, and training for staff and contractors. May participate in quality assurance reviews and provide input for corrective action. Assesses and plans the delivery of direct public health services based on program guidance and standing delegation orders. Coordinates vaccine management to include inventory, vaccine ordering, reporting, receiving, and returning, and day to day cold chain management.

May coordinate schedules and assign/delegate work to assure the provision of services. Responsible for management of clinical resources/supplies. Prepares/maintains monthly activity reports. (25%)

POPULATION-BASED SERVICES:
Provides Essential Public Health Services to assigned communities. Participates in community assessments, identifies health needs, plans and implements strategies, and evaluates outcomes in conjunction with community stakeholders/partners and regional work plans. Develops and implements community health education programs, establishes and maintains communication and partnerships with stakeholders including local/county officials, community leaders, other agencies, groups, healthcare providers, schools, and the general public.

Provides consultation, training, and technical assistance to healthcare providers, academia, and the community. Represents DSHS on…