Public Health LVN III

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 LVN III 
Job Title: Licensed Vocational Nurse III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 7 
Posting Number: 23209 
Closing Date: 12/09/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $4,175.00 - $5,450.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-19 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 75% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: TEMPLE 
Job Location Address: 1010 OLD WACO RD 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W,68C,68Z 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Provides advanced (senior-level) vocational nursing in comprehensive public health services. Work includes the direct care of patients, families, and community populations, provides population-based activties for county/counties of responsibility and adminstrative clinical duties. Assesses the health status of populations, determinants of health and illness, and factors contributing to health promotion and disease prevention.  Works under the supervision of a registered nurse, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Confidentitality is of utmost importance.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

1) Performs a variety of disease intervention clinical nursing functions essential to public health to include, tuberculosis, HIV/STD, immunizations, pertussis and perinatal hepatitis B.  Utilizes computer data entry system for management of clinic services, patient documentation, inventory, and ordering.  Call Out:  May be called out after hours, including weekends and holidays, in response to temperature excursion notification from Sensaphone System on vaccine refrigerator and/or freezer vaccine storage units.  Will follow vaccine contingency plan.  (50%)

2) Conducts essential Public Health Nursing functions in county/counties assigned by providing, promoting, monitoring, tracking and reviewing population based health services as relates to community health issues.  Will complete community engagement activities to support and evaluatte program goals. Community Engagement: May include; health education for groups and stakeholders, for example health fairs.  (25%)

3) Provides assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, and patients/families.  Performs technical and clierical program duties in regional clinics as assigned.  (20%)

4) Other duties as assigned: “Other duties as 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.  Participate in public health preparedness responses to include administration of oral and/or injectiable medications and biologicals.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.  (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

• Knowledge of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tuberculosis and STD protocols and guidelines.
• Knowledge of the American College of Immunization Practices recommendations for immunization use in routine or outbreak settings.
• Knowledge of nursing procedures and techniques and of the principles and processes used in providing appropriate patient care.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public health nursing, family and group relationships, teaching methods and management techniques.
• Knowledge of the use of health assessment tools.
• Skill in using computer data entry system.
• Skill in effective interviewing.
• Skill in communicating orally and in written communications.
• Ability to plan and carry out training/educational presentations.
• Ability to perform general and public health nursing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to identify and interpret laws, regulations and policies related to specific programs that protect health and inform communities about these policies.
• Ability to collaborate with community partners to promote the health of the population.
• Ability to work well with team members.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing or a compact state to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Current cardiopumonary resuscitation certification (basic life support).

Valid driver's license with proof of vehicle insurance coverage.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Two years of nursing experience in a clinical setting and/or field setting, preferred.

Experience in working with communities.

Experience with computer software applications.

Additional Information: 

Submission of an employment application for this Nursing position serves as your permission for Department of State Health Services to access the Nursy's e-Notify database with the Texas Board of Nursing to verify your licensure and disciplinary history for purposes of licensure, endorsement and/or employment.

This is a grant funded position.

This position will work an alternate schedule of Monday-Thursday, 10 hour shifts.

Travel will be done during normal work hours with a few trainings/conferences during the year requiring overnight stays.  Incurred travel expenses will be reimbursed at the state rate.  Agency fleet vehicles, rental vehicles, and personal vehicles are used for travel.

Must be able to wear PPE, including N95, for extended periods of time in the clinic and field settings.

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