Public Health Nurse I

Job Description:
Under the direct supervision of the HIV/STD 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 HIV/STD, Tuberculosis, 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, as well as COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases. Primarily focuses on the 5 South region which includes Hardin, Orange, Jefferson, and Chambers counties. 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. Performs patient management and data entry/data management into an electronic health record and/or THISIS. Serves as a subject matter expert and provides education on clinical topics related to HIV/STD as well as technical assistance to HIV/STD clinical care providers. Assist HIV/STD Program Manager in the planning, creation, and implementation of increased HIV/STD 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 COVID-19 and other emerging diseases to include testing, screening, case investigation and vaccination. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Travel is required; must maintain an acceptable driving record that meets the standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and safely operate either a state-owned or personal vehicle to conduct state business in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations Management and Procedures, and Texas motor vehicle, traffic, and driving licensing law.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

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. 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 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.

Documentation/Reports/Quality Assurance (30%)
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 data bases such as THISIS, NEDSS, GlobalScape, other. Prepares charts and documentation providing nursing and medical summaries. Document and submit reports to the appropriate DSHS personnel. Participates in CD surveillance activities and plans for interventions at the community level.

Professional and Patient/Provider/Staff/Community Education (20%)
Completes DSHS regional required training in line with their assigned responsibilities. Attends all required regional training and updates as directed by the HIV/STD Program Manager. Abide by all DSHS Standing Delegation Orders, policies and with all assigned responsibilities. Counsel 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.

Administrative Support (10%)
Ensures medical supplies and needed medications are available and current. Assist/perform phone calls and follow ups, sending faxes, communicating with other healthcare providers, scheduling of patients, and other clinic functions.

Other duties as assigned (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, practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, 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 including TB skin test, 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 time manage multiple caseloads.
Ability to prioritize and demonstrate leadership.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to travel.

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

Current and valid driver's license

Initial Selection Criteria:
Must be registered as a Registered Nurse in Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Experience in nursing work.
Experience in nursing case management (preferred).
Experience with HIV/STD prevention, or PHFU services programming, planning, and administration (preferred).

Additional Information:
This is a temporary position with current grant funding identified through November 30, 2025.

Must follow all agency policies, including immunizations. Must provide transportation, driver's records verified. Travel is required; must maintain an acceptable driving record that meets the standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and safely operate either a state-owned or personal vehicle to conduct state business in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations Management and Procedures, and Texas motor vehicle, traffic, and driving licensing law.

Region 6/5S currently offers hybrid work and utilizes agency teleworking policies.

Flexibility in work hours may be required by DSHS for this position. 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.

See also the information about the DSHS HIV/STD Program at Texas Department of State Health Services (dshs.texas.gov) as well as federal HIV and STD 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.

Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

MOS Code:
68S, HM, 870, 4E0X1

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

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.

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