Job Description

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program , which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits , a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

Free CEUs and updated resources through Lippincott access for all nurses.

The Nurse Manager performs advanced (senior-level) nursing functions such as planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating the provision of nursing care on a 24-hour basis. The Nurse Manager is responsible for directing the day to day operations in all assigned areas. The Nurse Manager facilitates the identification and implementation of Standards of Practice that are consistent with the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), accepted ICF-IID (Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities) rules, The Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the Texas State Board of Nursing. The Nurse Manager is responsible for ensuring a competent workforce. They provide clinical direction and expertise and ensure care is provided based on individual resident characteristics such as age, developmental level, diagnoses, and/or specialized resident needs. They participate in the development and support of integrated treatment teams; and work closely with other divisions and departments, interdisciplinary teams (IDTs), residents and their families; and external organizations such as professional groups, advocacy groups, surveyors and monitors. The Nurse Manager participates in performance improvement and quality assurance activities. Supervises the work of others including hiring, time and leave activities, training/coaching, and completing performance evaluations of staff. Provide 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 judgement.

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

MSP statement (use as needed): This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Essential Job Functions

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Plans, organizes, directs and manages the daily operations and activities of the assigned area following SSLC and HHSC policies and procedures, state and federal rules and regulations, and ICF-IID standards in order to provide quality health services and care to individuals served by the state supported living center. Serves as the spokesperson and catalyst for the professional practice of program-based nursing services through active and productive participation in performance improvement activities which include monitoring nursing performance indicators, conducting nursing record reviews, conducting nursing peer reviews, and participating in reviews of serious incidents when assigned. Performance will reflect a high level of involvement, professionalism and productivity.

Coordinates and manages overall activities of the nursing services provided in the assigned area by monitoring all levels of nursing staff. Promotes an environment that empowers nurses to provide effective, compassionate and efficient nursing care by fostering a climate that enhances job satisfaction through productivity and quality improvement. Oversees nursing policies and procedures so as to promote a professional environment, promote the mission of the program and assure congruence with professional and organizational expectations. Facilitates, coaches, and supervises others in the development and deployment of strategies to ensure optimal levels of nursing services are available to residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ensures awards and recognition activities that promote staff morale. Assures the reporting of general patterns and trends of nursing care are provided (e.g., 24-hour nursing report, nursing documentation regarding restraints, staff call-ins, etc.). Provides clinical direction and expertise and ensures that care provided is based on an appropriate developmental level to meet specific and specialized resident needs. Works with teams to implement resident-centered trauma informed care. Facilitates the implementation of standards of practice that are consistent with the Board of Nursing, ICF-IID standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and SSLC.

Serves as a resource on nursing practices and education programs by performing consultative and administrative work. Ensures a competent workforce by participating in the design, development and oversight of the implementation of systems that evaluate and contribute to the quality of resident care by participating in Quality Assessment and Quality Improvement (QAQI) initiatives that address important aspects of nursing care. Incorporates program specific monitoring into on-going performance improvement activities and assures timely reporting. Utilizes data as a basis to identify and address patterns and trends as they relate to the delivery of nursing care. Ensures that resident’s rights are protected by addressing issues found in resident care reports, client abuse and neglect reports, 24-hour reports, and other SSLC reporting mechanisms. Assures systematic capture, review and analysis, communication, and follow-up in relation to significant events on the program (e.g., Medication Errors, Adverse Drug Reactions, Unauthorized Departures, Deaths, Unusual Occurrences, etc.). Oversees and conducts clinical reviews to ensure adequate clinical care is provided to residents when assigned. Alerts leadership to safety/risk management issues and actively facilitates problem-solving strategies.

Works with leadership to meet the nurse staffing plan to support the SSLC mission. Ensures the continuous (24-hours/day, 7 days/week) timely availability of nursing staff to meet resident care needs. As assigned, establishes and evaluates annually a staffing plan for nursing service that identifies minimum staffing for all levels of nursing personnel to promote a safe environment that complies all regulatory and professional standards. Seeks and utilizes suggestions to effectively streamline work efforts and minimize redundancy. Works with leadership, keeping nursing management apprised of nursing services resource allocation and reallocation needs. Tracks and aggregates information for the purpose of analysis and feedback to program staff as well as leadership. Proactively identifies and seeks opportunities for improved recruitment and retention of qualified personnel. Participates in the development and support of partnerships within the SSLC and key stakeholders including residents and their families. Works with external stakeholders such as professional groups, advocacy groups, surveyors and monitors as necessary.

Partners with leadership to help design and deliver a high-quality system of care to residents using a multi-disciplinary approach. Participates in assigned committees, workgroups, and task forces as requested. Promotes positive working relationships with outside agencies (e.g. Provider Investigations (PI), Office of Inspector General (OIG)), other SSLC departments, programs and divisions including ancillary/support services, (e.g. Pharmacy, Medical Staff, Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Dietary, etc.).

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

Maintains skills in CPR and other emergency techniques and initiates as necessary.

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 Abilities

Knowledge of Texas Nurse Practice Act, and the role of peer review in the provision of professional nursing
Knowledge of management theory, organizational planning, plan deployment, and improving organizational performance
Knowledge of training principles, practices, and techniques
Knowledge of group process, group dynamics, and interpersonal relations
Knowledge of nursing competencies, standards and health care laws and regulations
Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment
Knowledge of state and federal laws and Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID) rules, regulations, policy and procedures related to State Supported Living Center or ability to quickly gain that knowledge
Skills in the care and treatment of residents
Strong interpersonal skills which promote teamwork
Skills in utilizing computer hardware/software
Strong coaching skills
Ability to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities
Ability to instruct, train, and supervise the work of others
Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, with their family members, and with staff members.
Ability to prepare and maintain records
Ability to organize and communicate information both orally and in writing
Ability to interpret and explain standards and regulations
Ability to instruct, train, oversee and provide guidance to others
Ability to create and evaluate training objectives, requirements, and effectiveness of delivery
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to formulate learning objectives
Ability to manage time effectively
Ability to perform CPR, use the AED, provide First Aid
Ability to provide resident/family education regarding medications, disease processes, and health

Registration Or Licensure Requirements

Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Texas, or in a party state, that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact

Initial Selection Criteria

At least three (3) years of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility is required.

Bachelor's Degree is preferred.

At least 2 years of nursing supervisory experience 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 Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center employees are subject to Random drug testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

MOS Code

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

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