Public Health Nurse Consultant

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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the Community Health Improvement Manager, this position performs complex (journey level) nursing work. Provides consultation, outreach, education, and promotion in Community Health Improvement, Title V/Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Initiatives, and Chronic Disease Prevention within PHR-1. Develops relationships and collaborates with community health stakeholders in providing or collaborating on outreach or educational activities for public health prevention initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.

Serves as a resource on nursing practices and education programs. Provides technical assistance and education to PHR-1 staff, health care providers, and community stakeholders. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1: Provides support and collaborates in the planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of Community Health Improvement and Title V/Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Initiatives. (35%)

• Develops and implements community health improvement awareness and education programs.
• Serves as a resource on nursing practices and education programs through consultative and administrative work.
• Assists in developing and providing trainings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Helps develop and participate in local coalitions.
• Assists with gathering and compiling statistical information.
• Plans, develops, and directs special projects as assigned by the Community Health Services program manager.
• Analyzes data and submits program reports.

EJF 2: Provides support and collaborates in the planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of Community Health Improvement and Chronic Disease Prevention Initiatives. (35%)

• Participates in community health needs assessments.
• Collaborates with community stakeholders to assess needs and connect to resources.
• Collects, interprets, and distributes information on behavioral risk factors, social determinants of health and chronic conditions.
• Provides health information and education on chronic diseases and risk factors.
• Conducts outreach and provides educational tools to help promote healthy communities.

EJF 3: Develops relationships and collaborates with community health stakeholders in providing or collaborating on outreach or educational activities for public health prevention initiatives to internal and external stakeholders. (20%)

• Serves as a resource for regional staff development.
• Responds to requests for training, education, or makes appropriate referrals as appropriate.
• Provides and/or educates communities, health care providers, stakeholders, and others on public health prevention initiatives related to chronic diseases and the health of mothers and children through presentations, outreach events, trainings, and community networking.
• Serves as a resource on nursing practices and education programs.
• Provides technical assistance or refers to appropriate resource in matters related to standards of care, clinical problem management, and other related program concerns.

EJF 4: Performs nursing duties as assigned in support of PHR-1 programs including but not limited to Immunizations, Tuberculosis Elimination, HIV/STD, Epidemiology and Community Health Improvement Services. (5%)

• Duties may include but are not limited to administration of immunizations at regional immunization clinics, directly observed treatment, case management of tuberculosis patients, epidemiological investigation and response, HIV/STD patient treatment, and Community Health Improvement outreach.

EJF 5: 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. Attends required program & regional meetings. Attends & completes trainings related to job duties to ensure staff competency and development in a timely manner. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of professional nursing theory, nursing processes, nursing science, and clinical skills. Knowledge of principles and practice of public health nursing and health care management.

Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of learning theories, training principles, practices, and techniques.

Skill in interpreting and understanding complex policies and procedures. Skill in the care and treatment of patients in a public health setting.

Skill in the operation of computers and computer software applications.

Skill in preparing, presenting oral and written information, education, and training to a variety of audiences. Skill in problem solving and decision making.

Ability to provide patient care in a public health setting.

Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups. Ability to prepare, document, and maintain records.

Ability to explain public health laws.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and in writing. Ability to plan and implement program goals and initiatives.

Ability to interpret, understand, and explain policies, procedures, and regulations.

Ability to work well with individuals, groups, communities, and agencies.

Ability to function independently, problem solve, and exercise professional judgment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.

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

Initial Screening Criteria:

Additional Information:

Headquarters to be in the Amarillo office. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle, rental, 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. Must comply with DSHS Immunization policy.

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