Nurse III - EHN
AUSTIN, TX
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Nurse III - EHN
Job Title: Nurse III - EHN
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: MedClinic/Prof Medical Svs M
Posting Number: 8382
Closing Date: 09/19/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24
Salary Range: $7,532.75 - $8,886.16
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location: Austin State Hospital
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4110 GUADALUPE
Other Locations: Austin
MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W
Brief Job Description:
Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.
The Nurse III (Employee Health Nurse) performs highly complex nursing work under the supervision of the Chief
Nurse Executive or Assistant Chief Nurse Executive. The Employee Health Nurse is responsible for the promotion of employee health and well-being. Provides all new employees with training, education and any necessary
immunizations. Creates an employee health profile for each new employee and sends reminders for follow-up
vaccinations. Maintains a database for tracking all employee health information; serves as an active member of
the Wellness Committee; organizes annual health fair; coordinates blood drives; and takes the lead in the
promotion of Agency wellness initiatives. The Employee Health Nurse coordinates employee services with
general medical services and risk management when staff have been injured or have had an on-the-job
exposure. Consults with the Infection Control Practitioner and other health providers on behalf of staff. Works
under supervision, with considerable 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.
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):
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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.
Provides all new employees with education and immunizations regarding the Hepatitis Series, Td/Tdap, and influenza, and completes a tuberculin screening test. Initiates an employee health profile for each new employee in order to maintain immunizations records and send reminders for subsequent Hep B injections, annual flu vaccine/declination, and annual TST screening, COVID and others as deemed necessary or requested. Maintains a database for tracking all employee information to be reported to the Infection Control Practitioner, as required by the Agency.
Leads the promotion of employee health and well-being by organizing an annual on-site health fair, coordinating blood drives, takes lead in the promotion of Agency wellness initiatives, and serves as a proactive member of the Hospital Wellness committee.
Facilitates employee access to general medical services and risk management when staff have been injured on the job. Performs a systematic assessment of the injury, documents findings; completes, receives, reviews, validates and maintains employee injury reports; reviews the employees’ profile to ensure vaccinations are current. Collaborates with Risk Management to provide consultation as it relates to employees who have been injured on the job to decrease worker’s compensation costs.
Facilitates and guides employee services with general medical services and risk management when staff have had an occupational exposure on the job. Follows up on all occupational exposures; providing education and support and initiates supportive documentation according to HHSC, CDC, and hospital policies and procedures. Maintains open communication with the Infection Control Practitioner as it relates to such an exposure. Coordinates with the lab to arrange for initial and subsequent lab studies. Submits quarterly infection control reports to the Infection Control Practitioner.
Audits facility to ensure a clean therapeutic treatment environment. Ensures mothers room is clean and uncluttered, and the refrigerator’s temperature is maintained as per policy; the medication refrigerator temperature is maintained as per policy and is clean with no food items stored with medication; all drugs are labeled and stored as per policy; all staff refrigerators are clean with items labeled as per policy; The Joint Commissions standards are followed regarding items stored.
Collaborates with the Nurse Educator in competency development and training for tuberculin skin testing during new nurse orientation. Demonstrates own competence in performing the TST.
Provides cross departmental coverage for general medical services LVN when the need arises. Demonstrates competency in services provided during coverage period.
Works closely with general medical services to follow up on any recall notices related to medical equipment and supplies. Audits medical stock and equipment for recalled item to ensure they are promptly removed from service.
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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of state and federal laws for individuals with mental health issues rules, regulations, policy and
procedures related to State Hospital.
Knowledge of the laws and rules of the Texas Board of Nursing.
Knowledge of Texas Nurse Practice Act, including the Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, and the
role of nursing peer review in the provision of both professional nursing and vocational nursing.
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.
Knowledge of nursing care standards, the Settlement Agreement and the Healthcare Guidelines.
Skill and knowledge related to supervising employees.
Skill in the care and treatment of patients and in the use of nursing treatment tools and equipment.
Skill in analyzing problems, formulating and implementing plans of corrections, and to successfully lead
change.
Skills in the use of computer/software and an electronic health record system.
Skill in time management and prioritization.
Ability to communicate effectively to groups and individuals.
Ability to achieve and maintain collaborative relationships.
Ability to train all levels of staff.
Ability to analyze and develop policies, procedures, and reports.
Ability to interpret regulations and communicate them effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to evaluate services, identify concerns/trends and develop meaningful plans for improvement.
Ability to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities.
Ability to instruct, train, oversee and provide guidance to others.
Ability to maintain required continuing education hours.
Proficient in the use of computer/software and knowledge of electronic health care systems.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Texas, or in a party state, that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Three (3) years of work experience as a RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility.
BSN preferred.
At least one (1) year of work experience working with employee health issues preferred.
At least one (2) year of work experience administering immunizations 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 Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
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.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
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.
Nearest Major Market: Austin