Nurse III / Nurse Educator

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Functional Title: Nurse III / Nurse Educator 
Job Title: Nurse III Nurse Educator 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Chld /orAdolPsych Nursing 
Posting Number: 11366 
Closing Date: 12/20/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Education Training and Library 
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 15% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location: Waco Center for Youth 
Job Location City: WACO 
Job Location Address: 3501 N 19TH ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,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 Educator performs advanced professional nursing work within the scope of practice attributed to the skills of a registered nurse. Works under the direction and supervision of the Chief Nurse Executive (CNE). Responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Nursing Education Program at the State Hospital (SH). Orients all newly hired nurses and assists in the orientation of student nurses. Evaluates and tests the competency skills and knowledge of all new and incumbent nursing staff. Coordinates and develops systems to ensure nursing education/competency is provided for all nurses. Assists the Nursing Coordinator and the state-office work group in writing and revising the nursing guidelines. Promotes and initiates professional, legal, and ethical nursing practice at the SH. Makes varied decisions based on broad principles and guidelines. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Works under limited 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.

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.

• Orients new nursing staff to facility protocols, guidelines, and procedures.

• Keeps abreast of current nursing philosophies, techniques, and regulations and imparts this information to others.

• Evaluates competency of new and tenured nursing staff in nursing skills/knowledge so that optimal health care is delivered to patients served.

• Interprets regulations and communicates them effectively orally and in writing and assists in writing and revising nursing guidelines.

• Complies with state, federal, and local guidelines and standards.

• Ability to track, maintain, and update data related to Nursing Education.

• Coordinates the orientation of nursing students as applicable.

• Works independently and productively with all levels of staff and departments.

• Provides/coordinates training and education to all levels of staff regarding health maintenance/prevention issues.

• Serves on designated committees as assigned.

• Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Considerable knowledge of nursing techniques, standards, and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment patterns; of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures; of program regulations and procedures; and of utilization review and control measures.

• Knowledge of nursing care standards, The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and state hospital system or ability to quickly gain the knowledge.

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with mental health issues rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to SHs or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.

• Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and ability to assess and care for residents and/or staff members in emergency situations.

• Skill in the use of computers, software, and an electronic health record system.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications.

• Skill in the care and treatment of patients.

• Ability to articulate strategies on leading, coaching, and/or supervising others.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.

• Ablity to demonstrate working knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment.

• Ability to provide patient care; to prepare and maintain records; to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and delivery of health services; to interpret policies and procedures; to interpret health care regulations; to recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

• Ability to effectively perform in a work group or team environment.

• Ability to interpret regulations and communicate them effectively both orally and in writing.

• Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with mental health issues, with their family members, and with staff members.

• Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.

• Ability to train all levels of staff.

• Ability to create curriculum, assign, and teach competency-based training to all nursing staff and others.

• Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SH leadership, including on-call administrators.

• Ability to maintain current CPR certification and TIPS certification. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications:

• 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.

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

• Current CPR certification.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Three (3) years' experience as a practicing Registered Nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility.

• BSN is 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.

Waco Center for Youth is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that serves teenagers ages 13 through 17 with emotional difficulties and/or behavioral problems. Waco Center for Youth bases its treatment philosophy on the belief that both behavior change and an understanding of self and others are equally important in achieving significant long term success in treatment. The mission of Waco Center for Youth is “to give each youth a chance for change” by providing comprehensive psychiatric residential treatment services to emotionally disturbed adolescents of the state of Texas. The facility is operated by the Health and Human Services Commission and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Facilities.

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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.