Licensed Vocational Nurse II

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.

Brief Job Description:

Licensed Vocational Nurse II performs highly complex vocational nursing work. Provides for the care, treatment, and general welfare of individuals residing at the TCID who have complex TB medical diagnosis. Performs basic and complex routine and non-routine nursing tasks to promote the health of the individuals within the assigned areas and assigned shift. Collects specimens for lab work and performs health screenings. Performs technical nursing procedures according to facility and state regulations. Keeps informed of and follows all agency and hospital policies and procedures. Assists with admission and discharge process of the hospital. Direction and assists with on-the-job training to others such as newly hired LVNs and direct care staff. Assists Registered Nurses (RNs) with implementation of protocols, procedures, and programs to improve overall health and safety of staff and individuals. Works under general supervision of an RN with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

1. Assessment (45%): Provide compassionate, patient-centered care, including personal hygiene assistance, medication administration, and symptom monitoring. Perform patient assessments (physical, developmental, psychosocial), document findings, and develop care plans. Assist with discharge planning, educate patients and families, and maintain confidentiality. Support rehabilitative activities, assist with mobility, and help patients with daily tasks like bathing, feeding, and toileting. Ensure safe and effective delivery of care while adhering to nursing standards and protocols.
2. Coordination and Support of Care Teams (20%): Assist medical providers during exams and procedures, collaborate with multidisciplinary team members, and maintain effective communication for continuity of care. Ensure adherence to policies and protocols, motivate staff, and address patient and staff needs promptly. Support regulatory compliance through internal audits, quality assurance programs, and preparation for external surveys.
3. Infection Control, Safety, and Equipment Management (15%): Adhere to infection control policies, emphasizing respiratory precautions and proper hand hygiene. Maintain and sanitize medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, wheelchairs), ensure safe patient transport, and handle equipment maintenance. Follow safety protocols, manage supply inventory, and properly dispose of medical waste. Maintain a safe and clean environment in accordance with regulatory standards.
4. Patient Education and Community Engagement (10%): Educate patients and families on care plans, health management, and discharge instructions. Participate in community outreach, conduct health education presentations, and provide education and training to patients. Keep certifications up-to-date and engage in professional development activities, such as attending workshops and peer review sessions.
5.  Additional Duties and Disaster Response (10%) Participates in disaster response, Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, and other assigned duties. May require alternate shift patterns or travel to different locations, ensuring agency obligations are met effectively.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Knowledge and ability to perform nursing procedures for which the vocational nursing course has provided the necessary degree of skill and judgment; performance shall be limited to those acts for which he/she has been prepared. 

2. Knowledge of administrative and operational policies and procedures. 

3. Knowledge of principles of human behavior. 

4. Knowledge of the effects of stress upon individuals and groups. 

5. Knowledge of age specific nursing intervention. 

6. Knowledge required to provide age-appropriate care to young adults, adults, and geriatric individuals, knowledge of human development. 

7. Skill in providing age-appropriate nursing care to young adults, adults, and geriatric patients. 

8. Skilled in the use of equipment used in patient care. 

9. Ability to work cooperatively with staff members and establish positive therapeutic relationships with patients. 

10. Ability to complete prescribed training program to gain work related competencies in the techniques and methods of treatment to include CPR and other related training. 

11. Ability to assess general physical condition of patients. 

12. Ability to record observations completely, accurately, legibly, and concisely. 

13. Ability to perform duties of Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) II. 

14. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, to read, write, and speak English. 

15. Ability to accept and utilize supervision. 

16. Ability to exercise tact, initiative, and good judgment in dealing with people.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be licensed as a licensed vocational nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Valid Texas driver’s license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

Must be licensed as a licensed LVN by State of Texas or Nurse Licensure Compact. 

Additional Information:

Selected candidates must be able to meet the following: 

Repeated bending, simple and simultaneous grasping, finger/manual dexterity, vision, hearing, reach above shoulder, twist upper body, move approximately 150 pounds with or without assistance.

Perform assigned duties while wearing the required respiratory protective equipment which will be fitted for employees.

Comply with a Tobacco Free Campus and all employment checks and testing.

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 HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

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