Public Health Nurse

Texas Department of State Health Services; Brady (TX); On-site; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Retirement plan

State benefits

Job summary

The Texas Department of State Health Services is seeking a Public Health Nurse I in Brady, TX, to provide essential nursing services focusing on community health. This role requires assessing patient needs, administering care, and participating in community outreach.

Ideal candidates should possess a valid RN license in Texas, strong communication skills, and a minimum of two years of nursing experience. Benefits include insurance coverage, with a full-time position and a salary range of $4,263.16 - $5,166.66 per month.

Qualifications

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Texas required.
• 2+ years’ work experience in nursing or public health preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administers medications and treatments according to procedures.
• Conducts health assessments and plans public health services.
• Identifies community resources for clients and families.

Skills

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Cultural competence

Nursing theory knowledge

Ability to perform nursing duties

Education

Current Registered Nurse license in Texas

CPR certification

Job description

Date: Jun 23, 2026

Location: BRADY, TX

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.

Job Title & Details

Functional Title: Public Health Nurse
Job Title: Public Health Nurse I
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Region 9/10
Posting Number: 17922
Closing Date: 08/22/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $5,166.66 per month
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20
Shift: Day (First)
Telework: Not Eligible
Travel: Up to 40%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location: BRADY
Job Location: 1004 S BRIDGE ST, BRADY, TX
Other Locations: Sonora

Job Description

Under the general direction of the Family & Community Health Services Nurse Supervisor II and the medical direction of the Regional Medical Director, this position performs routine public health nursing work in clinical and/or non-clinical settings based out of Brady or Sonora, Texas. It will require regular and frequent travel to the field offices located in Brady, Sonora, Fort Stockton and other satellite sites.

The position coordinates the delivery of public health nursing services and essential public health services through education, assessments, quality assurance and direct client services. The employee works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

• Direct Client Services (35%)
  Administers medications, immunizations, testing and treatments according to regional and DSHS Standing Delegation Orders and procedures. Assesses and plans the delivery of direct public health services and essential public health services to individuals, families, and communities. Conducts physical assessments of patient health needs and implements appropriate actions. Prepares and maintains patient records, program reports and patient assessments. Instructs, counsels and assists patients in meeting their health care needs. Responsible for using independent clinical judgement when making referrals for medical and social services with follow‑up as necessary. Responsible for the management of pharmaceuticals, vaccine inventory and storage.
• Population‑Based Community Outreach Activities (35%)
  Provides and explains information regarding Child Health, Maternal Health, Perinatal Infant Health and Tobacco free information to the public through one‑on‑one education, presentations and community events. Plans events, attends trainings, and networks with community stakeholders and members. Assists with public health needs assessments and verification of reports data. Assists other public health staff in communicating with agencies or individuals on the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases or injury.
• Disease Prevention/Control (20%)
  Identifies community resources and makes referrals to health care and related services. Supports the implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive case‑management service plan for clients and families. Makes independent home visits. Supports the surveillance of communicable diseases and other health conditions, and plans interventions at the community or regional level. Ensures compliance with Immunizations; Tuberculosis Control; HIV/STD; vector‑borne diseases and prevention of vector‑borne diseases.
• Other Related Duties (10%)
  Participates in supporting roles for disaster response, recovery or Continuity of Operations activation. May require alternate shift patterns or location. Operates a state‑owned vehicle or personal vehicle for state business; maintains an acceptable driving record in accordance with DSHS policy and Texas Department of Public Safety standards. Completes all related training on a timely manner.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of professional nursing theory and process, including cultural, social, and economic forces in family, community and group dynamics.
• Knowledge of Texas State Board of Nursing Practice Rules and Regulations.
• Knowledge of public health principles, practices, epidemiology, disease prevention and health promotion.
• Knowledge of clinic/office operations.
• Skill in assessing clients with complex health problems.
• Skill in basic computer data input through database programs, word processing and internet.
• Ability to maintain current CPR certification.
• Ability to perform basic nursing skills.
• Ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships with public, local officials, physicians, and local agency personnel.
• Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written format to individuals, groups and communities.
• Ability to demonstrate independent judgment in appraising clinical situations and correctly interpreting findings.
• Ability to comprehend and implement program goals, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize and demonstrate leadership.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to travel in state/personal vehicle.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or eligibility for a Texas license. If eligible, must obtain the license prior to employment.
• Current Texas Class C Driver’s license required.
• Current CPR certification required.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Registered Nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes Reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Work experience in nursing, public health, case management or infectious disease (at least 2 years).
• Experience in a medical clinical setting (at least 2 years).
• Ability to travel up to 40% of the time throughout the service region and State of Texas via personal vehicle, state vehicle, rental vehicle, or commercial air travel, including overnight travel as needed to support program operations, assessments, outreach activities, training and meetings.

Additional Information

• Interview may be conducted by phone or TEAMS Video.
• Travel requirements and possible working hours other than 8‑5 may apply; must be able to accommodate.
• Applicants must bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work for E‑Verify.

Military Eligibility

All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply. Military occupation(s) related to the required criteria may include those listed in the posting. See the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk for more information.

ADA Accommodations

DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If accommodation is needed for the interview process, please notify the contact person. For assistance with the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747 or email [e-mail].

Salary Information, Pre‑employment Checks and Work Eligibility

• Salary follows DSHS starting salary guidelines; offers are contingent on budgeted funds.
• Background and other due‑diligence checks may be required.
• DSHS uses E‑Verify; bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work.

Nearest Major Market

San Angelo

Nearest Secondary Market

Abilene