Public Health 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.

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Functional Title: Public Health Nurse 
Job Title: Public Health Nurse I 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 6/5 
Posting Number: 19919 
Closing Date: 09/17/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 75% 
Regular/Temporary: Temporary 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: HOUSTON 
Job Location Address: 5425 POLK ST 
Other Locations:  
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 supervision of the DSHS Regional Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Program Manager the Public Health Nurse provides routine public health nursing. Work involves providing public health nursing clinical and case management work focusing on Communicable Diseases (CD) in the Tuberculosis, HIV/STD, and Zoonosis programs. The Public Health Nurse performs case management and provision of therapy for the care, treatment, and general welfare of patients exposed to or diagnosed with communicable diseases including TB/Syphilis/Rabies and other emerging infectious diseases. In accordance with physician’s orders, including standing delegation orders (SDOs), administers medications or observes patients taking medications, including pediatric and high-risk clients. Administers Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (HRIG and vaccines) according to ACIP recommendations. Provides direct HIV/STD clinical services including Bicillin administration, collects specimens and packages and ships or transports specimens to drop off locations. Assists with monitoring and obtaining outstanding sputum results, culture reports, and other pending laboratory results; identifies and follow up on missing documentation within patient records; supports LTBI and EDN Coordinators with referrals, data entry, backlog reduction, and maintaining accurate patient records to support timely program operations. Performs patient management and data entry/data management into an electronic health record and/or the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS). Provides education on clinical topics as well as technical assistance to clinical care providers. Assist TB Elimination Program Manager in the planning, creation, and implementation of increased preventative services including increased testing, expedited partner therapy, and biomedical prevention modalities.

Performs contact investigations and disease intervention work as well as conducts and participates in QA reviews within the region and those conducted by the Central Office and as requested. Provides training for patients, providers, and community; promotes public health prevention/promotion within community. Provides administrative support and participates in response activities to emerging diseases to include testing, screening, case investigation and vaccination. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

CLIENT SERVICES/CASE MANAGEMENT (35%) – Performs public health nursing clinical and case management. Contacts newly assigned patients and communicates written medication/treatment plan developed. Delivers prescribed medications to patients at pre-arranged times and locations as agreed upon with the patient including Directly Observed Therapy. Administers orally or by injection and/or observes patients taking medications. Monitors VDOT. Performs thorough assessment of the patient’s needs, living and employment conditions and preferences. Performs screening tests. Assists medical staff with examining patients either in person or via telehealth. Prepares and monitors patients for tests, therapy, or treatments. Delivers medications and testing/sampling materials to patients and providers as directed and provides written instructions and/or directly supports the collection, packaging and shipping of tests or specimens. Collect blood specimens as authorized through standing delegation orders of a DSHS physician, package and ship the specimens, and document collection. Collects specimens for laboratory examination and performs routine laboratory tests on samples. Reviews vaccination status and administers vaccinations as appropriate. Performs contact investigations. Makes rounds or home visits independently. Provides patient transportation, if needed. Conducts community needs assessments, identifies community resources and makes referral to appropriate healthcare and related services. Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information as provided by law and agency confidentiality procedures and policies. Abides by applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and rules relating to all activities listed above.

EMPLOYEE HEALTH (20%) – Serves as the Regional Occupational Health Representative. Works with Regional Medical Director and Regional Managers to address employee health. Reviews and maintains medical evaluation forms, immunizations records, and other employee health documents. Performs testing, such as FIT testing, and provides training to staff. Coordinates bloodborne pathogens exposure control measures and ensures procedures are up to date. Serves as the Regional Safety Officer during Regional Health and Medical Operations Center activations. Develops safety messaging for the region, as needed. 

DOCUMENTATION/REPORTS/QUALITY ASSURANCE (20%) - Documents all services provided. Maintains records pertaining to medication, deaths, illnesses, and the transfer of patients. Assists with data entry into electronic health records and electronic databases such as THISIS, NEDSS, CMIS, other. Prepares charts and documentation providing nursing and medical summaries. Documents and submits reports. Participates in CD surveillance activities and plans for interventions at the community level.

PROFESSIONAL AND PATIEN/PROVIDER/STAFF/COMMUNITY EDUCATION (15%) - Completes DSHS regional required training in line with their assigned responsibilities. Attends all required regional training and updates as directed. Abides by all DSHS Standing Delegation Orders, policies and with all assigned responsibilities. Counsels patients, care takers, and providers as appropriate and in line with specific health goals. Participates and performs outreach, trainings and education to providers, staff, and community and promotes public health prevention/promotion within the community.

PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE (5%) - Participates in Public Health emergency monitoring and response. Assumes an active role in the regional incident command structure (ICS) during public health emergencies and/or exercises. Contributes to the development, writing, interpretation, and implementation of public health preparedness guidelines, protocols, and plans. Develops and maintains knowledge and skills in public health preparedness.

OTHER DUTIES (5%) - Participates in regional assignments/duties and special initiatives. 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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of professional Nursing theory and process, including cultural, social, and economic forces in family, community, and group dynamics.

Knowledge of Texas State Board of Nursing Practice Rules and Regulations.

Knowledge of nursing procedures and techniques, and of the principles and processes used in providing appropriate patient care.

Knowledge of Public Health principles and practices such as epidemiology, disease intervention, and health promotion.

Knowledge of Tuberculosis disease process, treatment, management, medications, and identifying side effects and adverse reactions.

Knowledge of clinic/office operations.

Knowledge and ability to use personal computers, network hardware, and operating systems including printers, copiers, fax machines, and Microsoft Office.

Skill in using reasoning to identify problems, in considering appropriate resolution of situations.

Skill in the use of a computer, applicable software, databases, and data entry processes.

Skill in medication administration and responding to potential side effects/adverse reaction.

Skill in performing phlebotomy, obtaining, and processing specimens, conducting diagnostic procedures, administering medications and immunizations.

Ability to provide patient medical care, to prepare and maintain records, to communicate effectively, and to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.

Ability to provide TB/clinical education to patients and their families professionally, clearly, and compassionately.

Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written format.

Ability to comprehend program goals, policies, and procedures.

Ability to apply the concepts of public health practices.

Ability to organize and prioritize workload and meet deadlines.

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to interpret laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms, and diagnostic test results from medical charts.

Ability to collect and evaluate facts and use analytical processes to draw meaningful conclusions.

Registration Or Licensure Requirements

• Valid and current license to practice as a registered nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Valid and current AHA-approved Healthcare Provider (BLS)Adult, Child, Infant CPR/AED.
• Texas Class C Driver's license or a driver's license from another state with the ability and intent to obtain a Texas driver's license.

Initial Selection Criteria

• Registered Nurse in Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact (required).
• Minimum of six months nursing experience in a clinical setting (required).
• Experience as a RN working independently with Tuberculosis patient care or disease case management (preferred).

Additional Information

PLEASE NOTE: The posted salary range is the full range for this position. Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Typically, salary offers are at or near the midpoint of the range, depending on qualifications or other factors.

Your application must be complete. It must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name and phone number of supervisor, and a description of duties performed in a way that specifically demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification. Resumes are not a substitute for the information requested on the application.

This is a temporary position with current funding identified through Novemeber 30, 2027.  

Flexibility in work hours may be required by DSHS for this position. Occasional overtime and extended hours may be required. Candidates must be able to travel independently and adhere to agency travel policies. Travel required from main work location in Houston across the 16 counties in Public Health Region 6/5S and to other locations, as necessary, in the State of Texas, including the DSHS main campus in Austin. Travel is usually scheduled in advance to allow for advance planning.

For information about DSHS visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website (dshs.texas.gov). See also the federal information at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov).
In addition to rewarding, meaningful work, DSHS offers a variety of benefits, which can be found at https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance, and generous leave based on years of service. A list of State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays.

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