Public Health Nurse I

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 I 
Job Title: Public Health Nurse I 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 6/5 
Posting Number: 9520 
Closing Date: 03/24/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Salary Range: $5,521.16 - $6,036.18 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
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: BAY CITY 
Job Location Address: 1700 MERLIN ST 
Other Locations: Bay City 
MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W 
 
 
 

Job Description:

Functions under the Community Health Services Manager with direct supervision by the 6/5S Nurse III  under the general direction of standing delegation orders of the Regional Medical Director. Utilizes the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, delivering and evaluating population based, specialized public health nursing services. Travel required throughout seven county region as routinely assigned to work in a variety of locations. Position will primarily focus on Matagorda and Wharton counties. Services are provided to individuals, families, groups and communities with health needs ranging from simple to complex and are focused on the promotion of optimum wellness and disease prevention. Required to collaborate with other regional programs on community health and communicable disease team initiatives.  Participates in coordinating day to day operations of clinic services and provides planning/direction for assigned community health services team. Requires extensive individual initiative in instituting, monitoring and evaluating projects. Ability to practice in an autonomous setting, provide guidance to other nurses, technical assistance to local providers and to provide preventive and some limited treatment services. Ability to time manage and prioritize daily assigned duties.

Population Bases Services-45%: Provides Essential Public Health Nursing Services as part of the family health services team in assigned communities. Establishes and maintains community partnerships with stakeholders including local/county officials, community leaders, other agencies, coalition groups, healthcare providers, schools and the general public. Participates in community assessments in conjunction with community stakeholders/partners, identifies and prioritizes health needs, plans and implements interventions using evidence based strategies and best practices. Monitors progress and evaluates results modifying plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes. Develops, implements and coordinates community health education programs and assists with community preparedness activities. Active participant in public health infrastructure building activities including coalition building. Provides consultation, training and technical assistance to healthcare providers, academia, and the community. Represents DSHS on local coalitions, school health advisory boards and other collaborations. Required to collaborate with other regional programs on community health and communicable disease team initiatives. Applies epidemiological principles and methods to assess, prevent and control disease to promote public health.  Required to take Child Passenger Safety training and obtain certification.

Direct Clinical Services-30%: Provides specialized and comprehensive public health nursing services in the clinic, home, and community to include, but not limited to, child and adult immunizations, tuberculosis, latent tuberculosis infection and STD testing and treatment.  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. Develops individualized plans of care, which may include lab testing/counseling, field visits, providing/administering medications and immunizations, providing education and counseling case management, referrals, and follow-up. Responsible for accurate documentation of services rendered in the client record. Responsible for assuming the proper handling and storage of vaccine, pharmaceutical and medical supplies. Phlebotomy skills required.

Coordination & Leadership-20%: Participates in evaluation of nursing services, training/orientation of staff as needed, interpreting program operations and policies and procedures, writing and monitoring annual clinic and/or team goals. May coordinate schedules and assign/delegate work to assure the provision of services. Responsible for management of clinical resources/supplies. Conducts and documents Quality Assurance monitoring activities to include review of medical records and clinic/team operations. Makes recommendations for improvement based on findings. Prepares/maintains program, statistical, and special reports as assigned. Participates in interdisciplinary teams to plan, develop, and assess appropriateness of patient care. May be assigned to function as a Team Leader for coordination and oversight of day-to-day clinic operations and clinic staff.  Provides guidance to staff, collects data, and provides input to off-site supervisor regarding staff performance for evaluations, disciplinary or reward actions. Occasionally attend or conduct meetings in representation in place of supervisor/region.

Other duties-5% as assigned include, but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a support 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. Assists with community preparedness activities.

Licensure, certifications, or registrations required:

Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse by the State of Texas or state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse License Compact. BSN Preferred. Required to maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of professional nursing theory, nursing process, and the legal framework of nursing includes the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners rules and regulations, the Nurse Practice Act, and medical standing delegation orders. Knowledge of applicable pharmacy and CLIA rules and regulations. Knowledge of public health principles/practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion. Knowledge of teaching/learning theories and skills in developing and providing individual and group education/training. Knowledge of cultural, social, and economic forces in families and communities. Knowledge of community resources. Knowledge of principles of quality assurance. Skills in the assessment of client with complex health problems. Skills necessary to provide direct nursing care to individuals, families, and communities. Skills in phlebotomy. Skills in vaccine administration. Skills in basic computer use including, data input, word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail and internet. Ability to problem solve, prioritize, plan and execute work utilizing supervisor and consultative resources as needed. Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats. Ability to function as a team member. Ability to develop and provide educational presentations. 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 travel. Ability to meet employee immunization requirements. Ability to obtain and maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification. Ability to meet physical demands of job functions. Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements. Ability to work evenings and weekends occasionally. Ability to schedule and manage time within designated work week. Spanish preferred.

Will be required to administer immunizations in accordance with standing delegation orders. 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 agency policy. Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against hepatitis B.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Must be registered as a Registered Nurse by the State of Texas or in a state covered through the Nurse Licensure Compact. BSN Preferred.

Experience performing public health population based and clinical activities for a minimum of 3 years.

Additional Information:

Must provide own transportation and meet driving policy to include checking driving records. Requires daytime and occasional late afternoon travel to assigned rural counties.  Mileage reimbursed in accordance to state policy. Required to serve as essential personnel in disaster response activities within regional jurisdiction, to include alternate work hours.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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.  

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