Medical Officer - Licensed Vocational Nurse/Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic

About the Organization

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) is the third-largest juvenile justice agency in the country and the second-largest department in Harris County, employing over 1,200 professionals dedicated to youth justice transformation and reform. HCJPD is committed to improving outcomes for youth, reducing racial disproportionality, and ensuring a safe environment for both staff and residents. The Health Services division is responsible for medical, psychological, and treatment programs within the agency, including medical staff who assess and treat youth in detention and post-adjudicated facilities, mental health therapists, and specialty courts addressing underlying factors impacting youth.

About the Role

This position provides safe and effective medical care for all youth in custody. The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) will practice under the direction/supervision of a Registered Nurse or Physician, supporting the overall functioning of the medical department. The LVN will assist in determining the predictable health care needs of youth in custody using the Nursing Process, which includes assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of care. This role operates in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act, agency policies, procedures, standing orders, physician orders, and the overall treatment plan.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care with a focus on resident's needs, environmental, and technical safety using a four-step systemic process (Nursing Process): assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Utilize a problem-solving approach for decision-making in practice, reporting relevant information to supervising Registered Nurse and/or Physician.
• Perform technical nursing skills within the scope of practice for an LVN, in accordance with agency policies and procedures for individual and/or multiple resident assignments.
• Perform diagnostic tests, administer medications, set up equipment, and apply therapeutic treatments.
• Document relevant information regarding nursing care in patient records, charts, and reports, including observations of residents' signs, symptoms, test results, behaviors, and response to medications and treatments.
• Inform, explain, and educate residents and family members/guardians regarding medications, treatment information, and disease processes at an appropriate level.
• Provide pertinent health information and include meaningful literature to support understanding.
• Demonstrate behaviors that promote positive outcomes in vocational nursing practice, providing ethical, confidential, caring, non-judgmental, and non-discriminatory nursing care.
• Assign specific tasks, activities, and functions to unlicensed personnel and maintain appropriate supervision in a structured health care setting for residents with predictable health care needs.

Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of licensed nursing experience (not including clinical hours required for education).
• Licensed by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
• Valid Texas Driver's license.
• Current CPR certification.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of scope and standards of vocational nursing practice.
• Knowledge of Texas Board of Nurse Examiners Nurse Practice Act and nursing care standards of practice.
• Knowledge of applicable pharmacy rules and regulations.
• Understanding of Standard/Universal Precautions and infection control procedures for dealing with sharp instruments, blood and body fluids, and communicable diseases.
• Knowledge and understanding of indications for treatments rendered, including medications, expected outcomes, possible side effects, and how to identify adverse reactions.
• Understanding of departmental and agency policies and procedures, including Standing Orders for care.
• Comprehension of proper body mechanics to avoid injury to self, peers, or residents.
• Ability to maintain current licensure and continuing education requirements as established by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
• Adherence to Texas Board of Nurses Professional Conduct rules and Harris County Code of Ethics.
• Positive interpersonal skills and ability to maintain patient confidentiality without breaching regulations/guidelines/laws pertaining to protected health information.

Additional Requirements

• Upon receiving a conditional job offer, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening.
• All applicants must provide evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test; if the result is positive, additional documentation will be required.
• Subject to random drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing based on reasonable suspicion of substance influence during employment.
• In the event of a public emergency declared by the county, staff may be assigned to other duties, facilities, or departments.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's license and liability insurance coverage at least equal to the minimum amounts required by law.
• Certified copies of educational transcripts and/or college credits will be required during the hiring process.
• This position involves working with challenging youth where crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies may be necessary to ensure safety.

Preferences

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with adolescents and/or correctional care nursing.

Pay

$71,344.00 - $83,886.40 annually, depending on qualifications.

Location

Juvenile Detention Center - 1200 Congress St. Houston, TX 77002