Public Health Nurse II

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 II 
Job Title: Public Health Nurse II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 9/10 
Posting Number: 9152 
Closing Date: 03/20/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $6,281.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 40% 
Regular/Temporary: Temporary 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: EL PASO 
Job Location Address: 401 FRANKLIN AVE 
Other Locations: Brady; Big Spring; Fort Stockton; Marfa; Presidio; Van Horn 
MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W 
 
 
 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the general direction of the Family & Community Health (FCHS) Services Nurse Supervisor III, the Program Manager and medical direction of the Regional Medical Director, this position performs routine public health nursing work  in clinical and/or non-clinical settings which will require regular and  frequent travel to the field offices located in Fort Stockton, Big Spring, Sonora, Brady, Marfa, Alpine, Presidio Van Horn and other satellite sites.

This position coordinates the delivery of public health nursing services, performs essential public health services through the application of education, assessments, quality assurance and direct client services. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

(30%) DIRECT CLIENT SERVICES: 
Administers medications, immunizations, STD testing and treatments according to the DSHS Standing Delegation Orders and procedures.  Assesses and plans the delivery of direct public health services and essential public health services to individuals, families, and communities. Conducts physical assessments of patient health needs and implements appropriate actions. Prepares and maintains patient records, program reports and patient assessments. Instructs, counsels and assists patients in meeting their health care needs. Responsible for using independent clinical judgement when making referrals for medical and social services with follow-up as necessary. Responsible for the management of pharmaceuticals, vaccine inventory and storage.

(25%) DISEASE PREVENTION/CONTROL
Identifies community resources and makes referrals to health care and related services, including immunization and testing services. Support the implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive case management service plan for clients and families. Makes home visits independently.  Supports the implementation of the surveillance of communicable diseases and other health conditions, and plans with interventions at the community or regional level. Assures compliance with Immunizations; Tuberculosis Control; HIV/STD, vector-Bourne diseases and prevention of vector-Bourne diseases. 

(20%) ADMINISTRATION:
Creates and maintains efficient and secure systems for recording data and producing relevant documentation and program outcomes. Prepares reports on services rendered, by using clinical data and population-based reports. Studies and analyzes operations and problems, prepares reports of findings and recommendations, and prepares justifications for procedural or policy changes. Assist with grant writing, reporting and evaluations. Reviews and evaluates information on service delivery system methods, outputs, and activities to identify   gaps in resources and provides recommendations. Assists in the collection, organization, analysis, and/or preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports. May develop policy and procedure manuals.   Prepares comprehensive reviews of literature, statutes, rules, and/or policies and prepares administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects.

(20%) COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION 
Responsible for overseeing the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of core public programs such as Child and Maternal Health, Perinatal Infant Health, Tobacco Prevention, and Control, etc. Assists in the facilitation of collaboration with local elected officials, schools, city and county governments, health care providers, other health agencies and other community stakeholders. Facilitates or through delegation the development of local health coalitions. This position is required to provide education and recommendations on public health priorities, including health promotion and disease prevention issues pertinent to regional communities. Participates in local, regional and statewide initiatives to improve public health infrastructure and capacity to respond to emerging public health issues. Assists in developing productive relationships and networks of communication to promote public health, teamwork, and collaboration in implementing public health response activities. Collaborates with other public health nurses throughout the state in fostering professional public health nursing practices. Serves as the consultant and technical expert for stakeholders in assessing population needs, interpreting data, collaborating with agencies and health care providers and improving public health infrastructure.

(5%) OTHER DUTIES ASSIGNED: 
Includes but are not limited to actively participating and serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and recovery or Continuity of Operations activation response. Such participation may require an alternate shift    pattern assignment and location. 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. Comply with the Department of State Health Services Immunizations Policy. 

INITIAL CRITERIA

• Registered Nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes Reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Work experience in Nursing, Public Health, Case management or infectious disease experience (2) years.
• Experience in a medical clinical setting (2 years).
• Able to travel day and overnight travel by air or automobile, totaling about 40% of the time. 

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

• Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.  
• CPR certified or the ability to obtain CPR certification within first six months of employment.
• Current valid Texas Driver’s License. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  

• Knowledge of professional nursing theory and process, including cultural, social, and economic forces in family, community and group dynamics 
• Knowledge of The Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners rules and regulations and the Nurse Practice Act
• Knowledge of community health and nursing care principles, practices, techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of program regulations and procedures; Title V
• Knowledge of public health care laws, rules and regulations
• Knowledge of medical diagnoses and procedures; accepted medical treatment patterns; and medical standing delegation orders
• Knowledge of quality assurance, evaluation methods, and data analysis.
• Skill in leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Skills in basic computer use including data input, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, e-mail and internet
• Ability to provide patient care to include individuals, families, and communities
• Ability to prepare and maintain records
• Ability to evaluate nursing activities and delivery of public health services
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures; health care regulations; and to recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment
• Ability to problem-solve, prioritize, plan, and execute work utilizing consultative resources as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal format.
• Ability to initiate and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with the public, local officials, various levels of health care professionals and local agency personnel.
• Ability to meet agency employee immunization requirements.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of integrity, confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Ability to travel.

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