STD/HIV Public Health Nurse II

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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: STD/HIV Public Health Nurse II 
Job Title: Public Health Nurse II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 8 
Posting Number: 18908 
Closing Date: 09/24/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $7,761.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 75% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO 
Job Location Address: 7430 LOUIS PASTEUR DR 
Other Locations:  
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 HIV/STD Program Manager, independently performs public health nursing services in a clinical or non-clinical setting, including: patient assessments, testing (including but not limited to venipuncture and rapid HIV and syphilis teststing), treatment, and counseling.  Provides nursing services to individuals who are at risk of, have been diagnosed with, or exposed to HIV/STDs.  Serves as a technical consultant and resource to the public and medical professionals by providing information on CDC/DSHS standards regarding the current testing, diagnoses and treatment of STDs and HIV.  Provides HIV/STD services to all Region 8 populations in need of HIV/STD follow up, including men who have sex with men, injection drug users, homeless persons, sex industry workers, and other hard to reach populations.  Follows established Texas laws, rules and regulations, and maintains confidentiality in all aspects of duties.  Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. 

During public health emergencies, including pandemic responses such as COVID-19, all PHR 8 employees are expected to provide support related public health or emergency response services.  This may include response, recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities.  This participation may require a change in shift, location and/or supervisor. 

Temporary position, not to exceed past 11/30/2027.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(40 %) PATIENT CARE:  Provides assessment, testing, treatment, and counseling for individuals who have been exposed to or diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases in a clinical or non-clinical setting, in accordance with Region 8 standing delegation orders and current CDC testing & treatment guidance.  Client services may be provided by appointment or on a walk-in basis.  Collects specimens for laboratory testing, including but not limited to: urine specimens, blood collected via venipucture, finger-stick, and self-collected swabs.  Interviews patients in the field to determine relevent risk-factors and medical history.  Coordinates with Disease Intervention Specialists to provide follow-up contact tracing, partner notification, and case management to all Region 8 populations.  Participates in community screening events.  Maintains up-to-date and thorough records of patient encounters.  Abstracts and reviews medical charts to determine the appropriate course of treatment for each patient.  Maintains patient confidentiality at all times and strictly adheres to HIPAA standards.  Provides individualized care according to policy, procedure, program standards, physician orders, and standing delegation orders.  Participates in the develoment and revision of policies, procedures, and standing delegation orders.             

(25 %) CASE INVESTIGATIONS: Conducts timely case investigations of reported congenital syphilis, in accordance with HIV/STD Program Operating Procedures.  Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with a wide variety of partners including, but not limited to: local health departments, infection preventionists, physicians, laboratories, and others involved in public or private healthcare. Abstracts information from medical charts to gather patient histories, including: clinical presentation, current and historical lab results, and treatment information.                                       

(25 %) TRAINING AND EDUCATION: Develops and delivers training programs/presentations targeting the improvement of testing, diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of sexually transmitted diseases in accordance with current CDC guidance and DSHS policy.  Supports programmatic efforts to improve disease reporting and awareness through the preparation of articles and reports.  Promotes preventative measures of sexually transmitted diseases through community education of residents, city and county officials, and other partners.  Serves as a subject matter expert and program liaison to healthcare providers, offering recommendations for appropriate testing and treatment procedures.           

(10 %) OTHER DUTIES: 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.  Safe operation of a state-owned, rental or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS policy.  Must comply with the DSHS immunization policy.     

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

[List the key KSAs, grouped by type.]

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of professional nursing theory, nursing porcess, and the legal framework of nursing including the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners' rules and regulations, the Nurse Practice Act, and medical standing delegation orders.

Knowledge of pharmacy and CLIA rules and regulations.

Knowledge of public health principles and practice, epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion.

Knowledge of state laws pertaining to disease reporting and the prevention and control of STDs.

Knowledge of current social, economic and public health issues relevant to Public Health Region 8.

Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory tests.

Knowledge of educational program development and implementation.

Skill in:

Skill in basic computer use including word processing, spreadsheet software, email, and internet.

Skill in the assessment of clients with complex health problems.

Skill in providing direct nursing care to individuals, families, and communities.

Skill in providing direct nursing care and health education to clients of diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.

Skill in public speaking.

Skill in writing and editing.

Skill in mathematical and statistical computations.

Ability to:

Ability to conduct investigations.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to analyze situations and determine courses of action.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.

Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgment.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to travel. 

Ability to meet agency employee immunization requirements.

Ability to meet physical demands of the job functions.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Must be licensed as a registered nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Registered Nurse with a minimum of two years’ clinical experience with at least one year experience within the last five years working with persons at risk for HIV or STI's. (Required)

BSN preferred

Bilingual - English and Spanish speaking preferred

Experience in HIV/STD prevention/intervention or related field preferred

Experience with computer software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, electronic health/medical records systems and the internet.

Additional Information:

Temporary position, not to exceed past 11/30/2027

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