Registered Nurse (RN) - Med Surg
Texas Health & Human Services Commission
Houston, TX

Nurse III

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! Nurse III (Long-term Care Regulation) Nurse III (Registered Nurse)- Starting Market Rate Salary $85,419.68 As part of a collaborative team of public servants, a Nurse III protects individuals' health and safety by conducting on-site residential surveys, monitoring, and investigations of the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Medicaid program providers to assess their compliance with state and federal laws and rules. These include investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The Nurse III will also investigate medication administration issues. This position offers a competitive starting salary; excellent state benefits, including health insurance and retirement; and may travel to different program providers within a region and across the state. In this front-line field position, a Nurse III is mobile and flexible and performs minimal work at an office, though the role does require writing reports detailing deficiencies/violations against a provider, remedies to correct those deficiencies, and narrative to support regulatory determinations. See below for additional professional requirements. 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 annuityas well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. Essential Job Functions: Under the direction of a program manager, a Nurse III conducts on-site inspections, complaint and incident investigations, and comprehensive surveys to determine provider compliance with federal and state health and safety regulations. This includes the investigation of abuse, neglect, and exploitation allegations. Communicates clearly and accurately with others (internally and externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, or resolve issues or complaints regarding services provided in the Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Medicaid waiver programs, both of which serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and must receive specialized services that meet their needs. Conducts exit conferences with program provider staff regarding findings and can assist in developing a plan to correct deficiencies. Completes inspection or survey reports detailing deficiencies, recommended remedies, and narrative to support regulatory findings. Visits HCS program providers to verify correction of previously cited regulatory violations. Performs quality assurance reviews of documents prepared by others; for example, publications, assessments, reports. Develops and implements training for field investigators. Might supervise the work of team members during inspections, provide technical assistance to facilities, and lend expertise to a survey team in the areas identified above. Occasionally might need to testify at hearings or in court proceedings to provide information regarding policy/procedures, history, findings, or activities. Knowledge Skills Abilities: Knowledge, ability, and skill in conducting high-level investigations. Knowledge of issues, concerns, and needs of populations at risk in various health care environments (elderly, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, functionally dependent, medically frail, etc.). Knowledge of nursing principles and acceptable professional standards of patient care. Skilled in conducting investigations to verify regulatory compliance. Skill in interpersonal relations. Skill in performing quality assurance monitoring, program review, certification, survey, or investigations. Skill in providing guidance, policy clarifications, and information to others. Skill in preparing detailed written reports. Skill in oral, written, and electronic communications, including computer word processing software. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulations. Ability to work independently and make appropriate decisions and regulation-based recommendations. Ability to operate personal computer-based programs and complete data entry and technically correct, error-free reports. Ability to multi-task and track multiple activities with competing priorities. Ability to complete a high-volume, deadline-driven workload. Ability to exercise professional judgment and reach sound decisions. Ability to use the computer for writing reports. Ability to integrate complex regulatory concepts, procedures, and processes. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information to executive-level management. Registration or Licensure Requirements: Must be licensed as a registered nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact. Initial Selection Criteria: Experience in assessment and documentation of health status. Two years of experience providing services in a health care setting as a Registered Nurse. Experience working with individuals with mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or physical disabilities preferred. Additional Information: Flexibility in work hours required for this position. Job requires 80% travel, with most travel during the day. However, some overnight and weekend travel, and travel throughout Texas is required, as well as occasional on-call duties for emergencies or high-priority situations in with HCS providers. Must have reliable transportation. Note: This position is able to work a compressed workweek with options Monday-Thursday, Tuesday-Friday, and Friday-Monday, 10-hour days. All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check. If you are an active or former licensed nursing facility administrator, certified nurse aide, or medication aide, hiring will be pending until professional licensing and Employee Misconduct Registry checks are completed. 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. All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check. MOS Code: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 66B, 66C, 66E, 66F, 66G, 66H, 66P, 66R, 66S, 66T, 66W, 290X, 46AX, 46FX, 46NX, 46PX, 46SX, 46YX. 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. Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS