Public Health Nurse I

Services are focused on the promotion of optimum wellness and disease prevention such as immunizations against vaccine preventable diseases, and comprehensive case management for clients utilizing community resources and referrals to needed services.

This position works with moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.

Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies.

Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards.

This position is office-based, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Essential Job Functions

• DIRECT
• SERVICES: Provides specialized and comprehensive public health nursing services in the clinic, home, and community. 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 which may include lab testing/counseling, independent home visits, providing/administering medications, education and counseling, case management, referrals, and follow-up. Performs disease intervention, surveillance, and prevention functions around Tuberculosis, HIV/STD, Perinatal Hepatitis B and Immunizations and other identified diseases. Prepares and maintains appropriate confidential client records per agency standards and HIPAA. (50%)COORDINATION
• AND
• LEADERSHIP: May participate in assessing client and clinic needs, developing materials, and/or conducting education, orientation, and training for staff and contractors. May participate in quality assurance reviews and provide input for corrective action. Assesses and plans the delivery of direct public health services based on program guidance and standing delegation orders. Coordinates vaccine management to include inventory, vaccine ordering, reporting, receiving, and returning, and day to day cold chain management. May coordinate schedules and assign/delegate work to assure the provision of services. Responsible for management of clinical resources/supplies. Prepares/maintains monthly activity reports. (25%)POPULATION-BASED
• SERVICES: Provides Essential Public Health Services to assigned communities. Participates in community assessments, identifies health needs, plans and implements strategies, and evaluates outcomes in conjunction with community stakeholders/partners and regional work plans. Develops and implements community health education programs, establishes and maintains communication and partnerships with stakeholders including local/county officials, community leaders, other agencies, groups, healthcare providers, schools, and the general public. Provides consultation, training, and technical assistance to healthcare providers, academia, and the community. Represents DSHS on local coalitions/collaborations as needed or assigned. (10%)REGIONAL
• SUPPORT
• AND
• Disaster
• RESPONSE/RECOVERY: Participates in regional assignments/duties/special initiatives. May be required to work other than normal business hours in order to respond to public health emergencies; actively participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response/recovery/Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation-requires completion of at least ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 and may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location. Maintain compliance with DSHS Policy, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver’s License. (10%)OTHER
• DUTIES
• AS
• ASSIGNED: Performs other duties as assigned including maintaining CPR certification. (5%)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Must be currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver’s license or equivalent from another state. Driving record will be verified with law enforcement to ensure compliance with TDSHS driving policy.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures; of public health laws and regulations; of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures including culturally appropriate care; and of quality assurance principles and procedures.Skill in using reasoning to identify problems, in considering appropriate resolution of situations, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.Ability to plan, coordinate, and evaluate the delivery of direct public health services; to conduct community assessments; to provide patient care; to prepare and maintain records; to communicate effectively via written and verbal communication. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. To work in an office-based setting Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.A minimum of one-year experience in nursing, preferred.Spanish Speaker preferred.

Additional Information

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