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 4/5 
Posting Number: 21176 
Closing Date: 09/24/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Range: $4,522.18 - $5,666.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 45% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: TYLER 
Job Location Address: 2521 W FRONT ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W 
 
 
 

Performs routine (journey-level) public health nursing work in the Immunizations / Vaccine-Preventable Disease (VPD) program in a clinical or non-clinical setting. Provides immunization services to individuals, families, and communities through direct care delivery, community outreach, records review, and health education. Works under moderate supervision of the Immunizations Program Manager, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Unusual or complex situations are escalated to the supervisor or more experienced staff. This position does not serve in a lead, supervisory, or managerial capacity.

Essential Job Functions

Duties are representative of the work performed at this classification level. Employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned.

Direct Immunization Services: 40%

• Administers vaccines, immunizations, and related treatments in accordance with the current immunization schedule, established standards, and DSHS procedures.
• Plans and provides immunizations at community clinics, special events, and outreach settings, including mobile or off-site locations.
• Maintains and monitors inventory of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies; ensures compliance with proper vaccine storage and handling requirements.

Community Outreach & Health Education: 25%

• Conducts community outreach to promote the benefits of immunizations and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) prevention to individuals, families, schools, and community groups.
• Assists with immunization education activities for public and private providers on topics including the immunization schedule, administration techniques, and vaccine storage and handling, under the direction of the supervisor.
• Collaborates with DSHS field offices on direct service and promotional immunization activities, including assisting with special promotion initiatives and community events.
• Assesses communities with low immunization rates for access needs and barriers; assists communities in developing plans to increase coverage.

Records Review & Program Reporting: 20%

• Reviews immunization records at assigned schools and childcare facilities to collect coverage data; documents findings and submits reports to the supervisor.
• Observes and documents vaccine storage and handling practices at assigned sites and reports observations to the supervisor.
• Prepares and maintains patient records, program reports, and visit documentation in accordance with established procedures and state reporting requirements.

Program Support & Emergency Response: 10%

• Provides backup support for the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program Coordinator as assigned.
• Participates in public health emergency response activities related to immunizations as directed.
• Works collaboratively as a team member and keeps the Program Manager informed of significant activities, findings, and community needs.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

• Performs related work as assigned consistent with routine public health nursing responsibilities.

Supervision Received

Works under the moderate supervision of the Immunizations Program Manager, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Unusual or complex situations are escalated to the supervisor or more experienced staff. This position does not serve in a lead, supervisory, or managerial capacity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of professional nursing theory, techniques, procedure, and clinical skills.

Knowledge of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures.

Knowledge of interviewing principles and techniques.

Knowledge of community resources.

Knowledge of immunization schedules for children and adults.

Knowledge of vaccine administration techniques (including recommendations and contraindications) and knowledge of proper vaccine storage and handling processes utilized by the immunization program.

Knowledge of computerized health records.

Skilled in problem solving and decision making.

Skilled in conducting patient interviews.

Skill in effective communication (both oral and written).

Skill in providing group education and training.

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to work productively with individuals, professionals and other groups within the community.

Ability to plan and execute work, to exercise good judgment, and to function as a team member.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to prepare and maintain records.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in nursing, or graduation from an accredited nursing education program as required for licensure.

Licensure, Certification, and Registration

• Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) by the State of Texas, or by a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
• Must maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver License and liability insurance coverage as required by Texas law.

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 [email protected].

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