Communicable Disease 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: Communicable Disease Nurse

Job Title: Public Health Nurse II

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Region 9/10

Posting Number: 22631

Closing Date: 04/22/2027

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Salary Range: $6,281.33 - $7,761.50

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 30%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: MIDLAND

Job Location Address: 1101 N MIDLAND DR

Other Locations: San Angelo

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 Tuberculosis (TB) Program Supervisor, performs complex, specialized and comprehensive TB, sexually transmitted infection (STI), and immunization services. Works under general supervision with moderate degree of latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Provides direct client care and case management services. Participates in disease control and prevention, community education, quality assurance, and program administration activities.

Essential Job Functions (EFJs):

Direct Client Care (case management, testing and treatment) - Provides services to communicable disease (CD) clients. Provides treatment per physician orders and following treatment guidelines. Performs testing, collection of lab specimens, and preparation of specimens for shipment to lab. Provides education to clients at their level of understanding and in their language of choice. Provides Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) per guidelines. (55%)

Quality Assurance (QA) - Completes required forms and maintains client charts according to regional standards. Participates in QA program to include performing chart reviews, client satisfaction surveys, and quarterly cohort reviews. (15%)

Disease Control and Prevention - Participates in/conducts contact investigations and program surveillance activities. Assists in training and/or certification of disease intervention specialists (DIS) regarding phlebotomy, bloodborne pathogens, universal, contact and airborne precautions. (10%)

Community Health Education / Technical Assistance - Assists/participates in education and training endeavors of the CD program to include identifying community and staff education needs, developing educational materials, and presenting educational information. Provides technical assistance to community health care partners on any aspect of CD prevention and control. (10%)

Program Administration - Ensures medication is in stock for assigned clients. Prepares medication for DOT providers. Ensures adequate medical supply inventory. Maintains emergency kits. (5%)

Other duties as assigned - Includes but is not limited to: Assisting other regional programs as needed. Participating in supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations activation. Such participation 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 and procedures and standards developed by Texas Department of Public Safety. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Nursing theory and processes, - Texas State Board of Nursing practice rules and regulations, - Public health principles and practice, disease prevention, and health promotion, - Medical terminology and laboratory tests, - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), - Infection Control / Standard Precautions, - Educational program development and implementation, - Quality assurance practices and improvement principles

Knowledge of or ability to gain knowledge of:

• Case Management, - State laws pertaining to disease reporting and the prevention and control of STIs, - Natural history and epidemiology of TB, - Customer service principles, - Contact investigations and client interviewing techniques, - HIV/STI testing and treatment guidelines, - Pharmacy and CLIA rules and regulations - Immunization administration

Skill in:

• Communicating clearly, concisely, tactfully and effectively both orally and in writing, - Using diplomacy and empathy when dealing with clients, contacts, and the public, - Public Speaking, - Use of a personal computer and basic applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Power Point

Ability to:

• Provide direct client care, - Train, coach, and mentor others, - Analyze situations and determine courses of action, Work independently and exercise sound judgement, - Travel, - Wear an N-95 respirator, - Prepare and maintain medical records, - Handle conflict in a professional manner, - Follow written and oral instructions, - Apply time management principles, - Work in a multi-disciplinary team environment and maintain effective working relationships, - Manage multiple tasks and/or competing priorities, - Perform basic nursing skills, - Meet physical demands of the job functions

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license, CPR certification, and current and unrestricted license as a registered nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

A minimum of one year's experience in nursing is preferred.

Spanish Speaker preferred.

Additional Information:

N/A

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