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: Nurse III 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Adm AcuteCarePsych Nursing 
Posting Number: 8066 
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: Day 
Additional Shift:  
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:  
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-2N 7am-3pm ***

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 (Clinical Safety Coordinator) performs advanced (senior-level) nursing work in the development/implementation of the hospital’s clinical safety program in support of a therapeutic environment which is optimally safe for patients, thereby reducing the hospitals clinical risk exposures. They work closely with hospital leadership and committees in evaluating and improving the clinical safety program at the hospital. The Clinical Safety Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the systematic collection/analysis of data, including ongoing 

assessment of organizational processes related to accreditation compliance, including participation in external survey processes. They Facilitate mechanisms for communication of hospital's clinical safety program, including preparation of comprehensive reports, plans, and procedures related to clinical safety. They participate in the development of staff education related to patient safety and serves as a consultant to hospital committees and departments. Trains and/or supervises the work of others, as necessary. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

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.

Coordinates the activities of and participates in the development and implementation of the hospital Clinical Safety Program including proactive assessment of patient safety concerns and determination of standards compliance;

development and oversight of the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to clinical safety; and participates in various hospital committees as assigned. 

Coordinates and oversees the hospital's tracer process (patient/system), including assignment, monitoring, and completion of patient and system tracers as well as collation of data, analysis of trends and distribution of findings to applicable standing committee or hospital leadership as indicated. 

Monitors plans of correction for all Management Initiated Reviews and maintains tracking mechanism to track trends and to ensure all are completed in a timely manner. Makes recommendations related to trends in data. 

Serves as the primary consultant and active participant on Root Cause Analysis (RCA's), Management Initiated Review's (MIR's), and Proactive Risk Assessment (PRA).  As training issues are identified, the Clinical Safety Coordinator will participate in the development of staff education related to these findings and will provide guidance and training to other staff members, as needed. Monitors and reports on corrective action to hospital leadership. 

Oversees assigned indicators including monitoring, data collation, analysis, presentation, and hospital wide reporting of same through the organization's committee structure and to the Hospital Executive Committee (HEC).

Serves as member, facilitator, or consultant on other assigned hospital standing committees, performance improvement teams, including Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Nurse Staffing Committee, and Environment of Care and Clinical Safety Committee for the purpose of assuring that information and input regarding clinical safety program issues will be considered during discussion and decision-making.  

Participates in efforts to ensure compliance with accrediting bodies, including survey preparation and active participation in the survey process. 

Supervises assigned employee(s), including ensuring performance evaluations, position descriptions, and employee development notes/meetings are up to date and meet agency guidelines. 

Facilitates special projects as assigned by hospital leadership for the purpose of assuring and maintaining accreditation and certification.  

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 Texas Nurse Practice Act

Knowledge of HHSC policies and procedures

Knowledge of management theory, organizational planning, plan deployment, and improving organizational performance

Knowledge of professional nursing Standards, CPR, Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), Treatment, Intervention, and Protection Strategies (TIPS)

Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures

Knowledgeable of issues related to patient safety.

Skills in completing Root Cause Analysis and Proactive Risk Assessments

Skills in using performance improvement and quality monitoring processes.

Skills in utilizing computer hardware/software.

Ability to complete clinical audits and reports and maintain records.

Ability to operate computers and applicable software including electronic health records.

Ability to devise solutions to problems.

Ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to supervise and train others.

Ability to interpret and explain standards and regulations.

Ability to manage time effectively.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed as a Registered Nurse 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.

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.