Nurse III

Brief Job Description

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Serves in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.
• Obtains and analyzes data by utilizing assigned monitoring and audit tools, in order to assess the quality of services provided to individuals served.
• Completes inter-rater audits for clinical departments.
• Prepares and provides reports and data analysis and provides recommendations for improvement.
• Communicates, teaches, follows up, and assists in implementation of quality improvement initiatives.
• Communicates effectively to provide education to employees at all levels of the organization, individuals who reside at the facility, and external monitoring groups.
• Participates in workgroups and committees as assigned.
• Participates in mortality reviews and tracks recommendations to completion as assigned.
• Practices professional & prudent nursing in compliance with the Nurse Practice Act and agency/facility policies & procedures.
• Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Considerable knowledge of nursing techniques, standards, and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment patterns; of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures; of program regulations and procedures; and of utilization review and control measures.
• Skills in the care and treatment of patients.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, nursing care standards, Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID) rules, regulations, and policy and procedures related to State Supported Living Centers or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.
• Skills in the use of software and electronic health record systems; skills in preparing and maintaining records.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications.
• Ability to provide patient care; to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and delivery of health services; and to recognize patterns of medically necessary treatment.
• Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
• Ability to train all levels of staff.
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SSLC leadership including on-call administrators.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., CPR., and ability to assess and care for residents and/or staff members in emergency situations. Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Initial Screening Criteria

• At least one (1) year experience as a practicing registered nurse is required.
• At least two (2) years of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
• Two years of nursing supervisory/administrative experience is preferred.
• Quality assurance monitoring experience is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) is preferred.

Additional Information

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
• Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
• 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 to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
• ADA Accommodations:
  • In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
• Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
  • Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• Telework Disclaimer:
  • This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.