Congenital Syphilis Nurse

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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: Congenital Syphilis Nurse 
Job Title: Public Health Nurse II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 9/10 
Posting Number: 19741 
Closing Date: 02/04/2027 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $6,281.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 50% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: SAN ANGELO 
Job Location Address: 622 S OAKES ST 
Other Locations: Midland 
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 direct supervision of the Communicable Disease Program manager, the Public Health Nurse II performs complex nursing work that includes the delivery of congenital syphilis and HIV/STI services and for the areas designated; to include the coordination of services, technical consultation and clinical support for Communicable Disease, particularly HIV/STI activities. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, community education, patient care, reporting/documentation and disease intervention activities. Nurse II is responsible for services in the region, including participation in current and long-range planning for HIV/SII prevention and intervention in assigned areas. In coordination with the applicable program managers and/or supervisors ensure program goals and objectives are met. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. May provide additional PHN direct services as needed for Communicable Disease Support.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Evaluates patients for Congenital Syphilis risk factors, clinical presentation, and screening results in various settings (e.g. patient’s home or public health clinic).  In collaboration with the authorizing physician develops a treatment plan; establishes mutual goals, monitors the patient’s treatment response.  Engages patients in behavior modification to promote treatment adherence.  May provide consultation, training, and technical assistance to agency staff, care recipients, provider agencies, and the medical community to ensure treatment is completed · Collects specimens for laboratory testing to include urine, blood via venipuncture or fingerstick, and self-collection swabs · Maintains detailed records of patient encounters in state databases. 40%

Community Education:

Serve as a technical consultant and resource to individuals, providers and stakeholders by providing information on CDC/DSHS standards regarding the current testing, diagnoses and treatment of Congenital Syphilis, as well as other STIs and HIV. Facilities involved can be health facilities, county correctional facilities, residential substance abuse facilities, and other community agency facilities. Communicates with private healthcare providers in the community providing specific and detailed clinical guidance according to their commendations given from the CDC. Participates or leads multidisciplinary meetings and trainings to review all aspects of Congenital Syphilis case management and provide guidance and recommendations to promote consistent and optimal patient care. 20%

Disease Intervention Activities:

Independently performs detection, intervention, reporting, notification, and referral activities related to people with CS infections and their contacts, at high risk for CS transmission or other HIV/STI cases as needed.  This includes injection drug users, and other hard-to-reach and special populations, including, homeless persons, sex industry workers, transgender and intersexed persons, incarcerated populations, and persons whose primary language is not English. • Ensures statutory disease reporting, achievement of program performance standards, and abides by the DSHS DIS guidelines, DSHS Congenital Syphilis guidelines and HHS HR manual. 20%

Consulting:

Consults with the regional medical director and Texas DSHS

recognized medical experts on complicated Congenital Syphilis cases or

HIV/STI cases as needed. 10%

Emergency Preparedness and Response:

Emergency response duties

as assigned may include planning for a disaster event response,

actively participating during a disaster response and/or recovery effort.

Serving in a supporting role during a disaster response and/or recovery

effort and assisting with agency continuity of operations during disaster

response and/or recovery efforts. 5%

Performs other duties as assigned. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of:

Nursing theory and processes.

Knowledge of public health

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Infection Control / Standard Precautions

Basic knowledge of HIV/STDs

Skill in:

Skill in performing basic/abbreviated adult and pediatric physical assessment and obtaining relevant clinical history.

Skill in case analysis and providing clinical case management services.

Skill in interpreting treatment and bacteriological data.

Skill in communicating effectively with others (internal / external) both orally and in writing.

Skill in performing phlebotomy; obtaining and processing specimens; administering medications and immunizations.

Skill in using a personal computer and applicable software programs (Microsoft Office, Adobe, basic software)

Ability to:

Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations.

Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to conduct objective, comprehensive nursing assessment plans.

Ability to direct and conduct contact and outbreak investigations.

Ability to function independently.

Ability to apply time management principles to tasks.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public and medical community using tact and diplomacy.

Ability to work independently exercising sound judgment

Ability to work well and effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Ability to gain knowledge and be familiar with the Outbreak Response Plan, the STI program objectives, the CDC Program Operation Guidelines for STI prevention and adheres to all relevant DSHS policies and guidelines.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be registered as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas with an active, unrestricted license.

Current and valid driver's license for the State of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria: 

RN licensed in Texas or compact license equivalent 

Bilingual in Spanish preferred. 

Experience in working with communities is preferred. 

Experience in developing and/or providing health education presentations/training preferred

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

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