RN II - Direct Care

About the role

This position is available for morning, evening, and night shifts on multiple State Supported Living Center (SSLC) homes. The Direct Care RN performs routine‑level nursing work, providing assessment, care, and treatment for individuals residing in SSLCs, which serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or have behavioral challenges. The role involves collaboration with direct‑care staff, physicians/PCPs, administration, and other nursing staff as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Pay

Salary Range: $6,579.41 – $7,761.50 per month (Pay Frequency: Monthly). Salary Group: TEXAS‑B‑22.

Schedule

Shift: Day (First). Additional Shift: Days (First). Position may require rotating schedules, extended shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility in work hours is required, and the role may include on‑call status to meet operational needs.

Benefits

Full‑time eligible employees receive 100% paid health insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time‑off benefits, numerous career‑advancement opportunities, free continuing education units (CEUs) and access to Lippincott resources for nurses, and other comprehensive benefits described on the HHSC Benefits webpage.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly; may be required to work specific, rotating, or extended shift schedules and overtime.
• Perform routine nursing tasks and procedures in accordance with HHSC, SSLC, and state regulations (e.g., tracheostomy care, gastrostomy/jejunostomy care, wound care, breathing treatments).
• Collect specimens for laboratory examination and conduct screening tests as requested.
• Administer medications, immunizations, and treatments; observe patients for adverse reactions.
• Make rounds and/or home visits as needed; work in various SSLC locations.
• Monitor weight, diet, feedings, vital signs, and signs of illness; initiate acute care plans when appropriate.
• Assist in evaluating nursing intervention outcomes and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Instruct direct support professionals on post‑treatment monitoring using instruction sheets.
• Document and report treatments and observations accurately in electronic or paper medical records.
• Prepare required reports and assist LVNs/CMA staff, offering recommendations for improvement.
• Support the Nurse Manager with controlled‑drug counts, medication counts, emergency checklists, refrigerator temperature logs, and glucose controls.
• Assist Infection Control and Quality Assurance nurses in implementing disease‑prevention measures and therapeutic programs.
• Participate in facility Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Respond to emergency situations to ensure safety of individuals and staff.
• Provide educational and safety training to SSLC staff upon request.
• Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation as needed, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of nursing techniques, health‑care laws and regulations, medical diagnoses, and accepted treatment programs.
• Understanding of state and federal laws, ICF‑IID rules, and SSLC policies; ability to quickly acquire required knowledge.
• Familiarity with nursing care standards, the Settlement Agreement, and Healthcare Guidelines.
• Skill in patient care, treatment, and use of electronic health record systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to present ideas clearly.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and health‑care regulations; recognize patterns of medical necessity.
• Working knowledge of emergency procedures and equipment.
• Ability to interact appropriately with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, their families, and staff.
• Ability to work independently and productively with all staff levels.
• Capability to support and coach LVNs, CMAs, and direct‑support professionals.
• Decision‑making and recommendation skills for SSLC leadership, including on‑call administrators.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications

• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas (or a compact state recognizing reciprocity).

Initial Screening Criteria

• Work experience as a practicing Registered Nurse is required.
• At least six (6) months of RN experience in a health agency, hospital, or health‑care facility is preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.

Additional Information

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and LEIE).
• Males ages 18‑25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All SSLC employees are subject to random drug testing.
• Flexibility in work hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in compliance with the ADA.
• HHSC uses E‑Verify; I‑9 documentation must be presented on the first day of work.