Nurse III

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 
Job Title: Senior Registered Nurse (BSN) 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Residential Care Admissions 
Posting Number: 8067 
Closing Date: 08/26/2025 
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: Evening 
Additional Shift: Evenings (Second) 
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 
 
 
 

Nurse III – Clinical Coordinator APS-3South 3pm -11pm

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 Senior Registered Nurse (RN) with bachelor’s degree (BSN) independently observes, assesses, plans, intervenes and evaluates outcomes and documents all aspects of patient care. Possesses a unique knowledge regarding the patient population to be served.  Coordinates scheduling within assigned areas. Provides primary management for service area during assigned shift with a supportive but clear supervisory manner. Supervises, counsels, and evaluates other nursing staff. Collaborates with Nurse Coordinator, other charge nurses, Psychologist, Physicians and Mental Health Supervisor to ensure 24-hour continuity of care. May assume duties of the Nurse Coordinator/Nurse Manager during absence. Flexible in work schedule. Has a broad latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Provides direct nursing care to individual patients as needed. Duties, location of work and shift/pattern are subject to change as determined by administration to meet the needs of the hospital. Duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

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. 

Shift statement (use as needed): This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

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.

Assess the health/mental status of the patient upon admission and/or transfer and on an ongoing basis and documents assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in patient record to determine priorities and plan therapeutic nursing care.

Evaluates patient data and medical history to assist providers with establishing treatment plans. Interpret and evaluate patient response to established plans of care.

Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.

Provides direction and coordination of staffing and patient care activities on assigned units in a consultative manner with nurse administrators and staff nurses by addressing performance problems promptly and keeping accurate documentation of interventions. Coordinates and administers the effective utilization of nursing service personnel on assigned units.

Facilitates a smooth admission and/or transfer process during working hours to achieve the hospital mission by communicating with admissions staff, unit staff reviewing written documentation to ensure appropriate status and triage patients when needed.

Works in conjunction with providers and other health care professionals to establish and implement courses of treatment.

Follows provider orders to deliver and document an individualized plan of care related to the patient’s chief complaint and relevant diagnosis.

Carries out medical staff practitioners’ orders and implements nursing interventions according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures. Clearly communicates diagnosis and treatment plans to patients, patients’ family members and doctors. Assist in the client abuse and neglect investigation process.

Implements special precautions as ordered and explain and document rights restrictions and implements restraint/seclusion procedures according to departmental policy and established nursing standards to maintain patient safety. Protect the patient from causing harm to self and/or others and uphold patient rights.

Attends mandatory training to ensure staff competence and development. Attends and participates in on-going in-service and other education and training programs appropriate to the population/age group to meet the physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs of patients. Monitors the use of treatment, intervention, and protection strategies (TIPS) to ensure the well-being of patients and staff and that TIPS program requirements are adhered to during an episode of patient restraint.

Communicates openly with Chief Nurse Executive/Asst.  Chief Nurse Executive/Nurse Administrator/Nurse Manager to obtain current information to inform and disseminate to staff on assigned units.

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 to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the State of Texas (or state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact) prior to hire.

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:

Graduation from an accredited nursing program or from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in nursing.

At least three (3) years of work experience as a RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility.

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.