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 9/10 Posting Number: 17919 Closing Date: 07/23/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Salary Range: $4,263.16- $5,166.66 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 35% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: Job Location City: BIG SPRING Job Location Address: 501 BIRDWELL LN STE 28 Other Locations: Big Spring MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W

Job Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION:


Under the general direction of the Family & Community Health (FCHS) Services Nurse Supervisor II, 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 based out of Big Spring, Texas. It will require regular and frequent travel to the field offices located in Brady, Sonora, Fort Stockton and other satellite sites.

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

Essential Job Functions:

(35%) DIRECT CLIENT SERVICES:

Administers medications, immunizations, testing and treatments according to regional and 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.


(35%) POPULATION BASED COMMUNITY OUTREACH ACTIVITIES:


Provides and explains information regarding Child Health, Maternal Health, and Perinatal Infant Health and Tobacco free information to the public through one:one education sessions, presentations and community events. Must plan events, attend trainings, and network with community stakeholders and community members. Assists with public health need assessments and verification of reports data. Assists other public health staff in communicating with agencies/individuals on the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases or injury.

(20%) DISEASE PREVENTION/CONTROL

Identifies community resources and makes referrals to health care and related 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 interventions at the community or regional level. Assures compliance with Immunizations; Tuberculosis Control; HIV/STD, vector-Bourne diseases and prevention of vector-Bourne diseases.

(10%) OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Other related 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 activation. Such participating may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or 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. Complete all trainings related to job duties on a timely manner.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Assessments

• 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 Public Health Principles, practices, epidemiology, disease prevention and health promotion
• Knowledge of clinic/office operations.
• Skill in assessment of clients with complex health problems.
• Skill in basic computer data input through database programs, word processing and internet.
• Ability to maintain current CPR certification
• Ability to perform basic nursing skills
• Ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships and collaboration with public, local officials, physicians, and local agency personnel.
• Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written format to individuals, groups and communities.
• Ability to demonstrate independent judgment in appraising clinical situations and correctly interpret findings.
• Ability to comprehend and implement program goals, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize and demonstrate leadership.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to travel in state/personal vehicle.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications (Required)

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or eligible for Texas license. If eligible for Texas license, must obtain prior to employment date.
• Current Texas Class C Driver's license required.
• Currently be certified in CPR.

Initial Screening Criteria (Required)

• 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).
• Ability to travel up to 40% of the time throughout the service region and State of Texas via personal vehicle, state vehicle, rental vehicle, or commercial air travel, including overnight travel as needed to support program operations, assessments, outreach activities, training and meetings.

Additional Information

• Phone or TEAMS Video interview may be utilized.
• Valid Texas Driver's license.
• Travel requirements and possible working hours other than 8-5 are applicable and must be able to accommodate.

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

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io.

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