Employee Health Nurse (AUSTIN, TX)

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: Employee Health Nurse 
Job Title: Nurse II 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: MedClinic/Prof Medical Svs M 
Posting Number: 17549 
Closing Date: 07/03/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $6,579.41 - $7,761.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
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,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 ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, 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 II (Employee Health Nurse) performs complex (journey-level) nursing work under the supervision of the Assistant Chief Nurse Executive. The Employee Health Nurse is responsible for the promotion of employee health and well-being. Provides all new employees with education and any necessary immunizations. Initiates an employee file for each new employee and sends reminders for follow-up vaccinations. Maintains a database for tracking all employee health information; serves as an active member of the hospital Wellness Committee; organizes an annual health fair; coordinates blood drives; and takes the lead in the promotion of Agency wellness initiatives. The Employee Health Nurse coordinates employee services with general medical services and risk management when staff have been injured or have had an on-the-job exposure. Maintains open communication with the Infection Control Practitioner. Works under general supervision, with moderate 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.

 

Provides all new employees with education and immunizations regarding the Hepatitis Series, Td/Tdap, and influenza, and completes a tuberculin screening test. Initiates a file for each new employee in order to record immunizations and send reminders for subsequent Hep B injections, annual flu vaccine/declination, and annual TST screening. Maintains a database for tracking all employee information to be reported to the Infection Control Practitioner, as required by the Agency.

 

Participates in the promotion of employee health and well-being by organizing an annual on-site health fair, coordinating blood drives, takes lead in the promotion of Agency wellness initiatives, and serves as an active member of the Hospital Wellness committee.

 

Facilitates employee access to general medical services and risk management when staff have been injured on the job. Performs a systematic assessment of the injury and documents findings; completes, receives, reviews, and files employee injury reports; reviews the employees file to ensure vaccinations are current. Works collaboratively with Risk Management to provide consultation as it relates to employees who have been injured on the job to decrease worker’s compensation costs.

 

Coordinates employee services with general medical services and risk management when staff have had an occupational exposure on the job. Follows up on all occupational exposures; providing education and support and initiates supportive documentation according to HHSC, CDC, and hospital policies and procedures. Maintains open communication with the Infection Control Practitioner as it relates to such an exposure. Coordinates with the lab to arrange appointments for initial and subsequent lab studies. Submits quarterly infection control reports to the Infection Control Practitioner.

 

Maintains a clean therapeutic treatment environment. Ensures mothers room is clean and uncluttered, and the refrigerator’s temperature is maintained as per policy; the medication refrigerator temperature is maintained as per policy and is clean with no food items stored with medication; all drugs are labeled and stored as per policy; all staff refrigerators are clean with items labeled as per policy; The Joint Commissions standards are followed regarding items stored.

 

Assists the Nurse Educator with competency development for tuberculin skin testing during new nurse orientation. Demonstrates own competence in performing the TST.

 

Provides cross departmental coverage for general medical services LVN when the need arises. Demonstrates competency in services provided during coverage period.

 

Works closely with general medical services to follow up on any recall notices related to medical equipment and supplies. Ensures any recalled supplies or equipment are promptly removed from service.

 

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, and the role of peer review in the provision of professional nursing.

Knowledge of HHSC policies and procedures.

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

Knowledge of the Recovery Model of Care.

Knowledge of professional nursing Standards including CPR.

Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of infection control practices and procedures including immunizations.

Knowledge of workers compensation policies and procedures.

 

Skills in utilizing computer hardware/software.

Skills in administering restraint and seclusion.

Strong coaching skills 

 

Ability to provide patient care.

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 manage time effectively.

Ability to intervene therapeutically with patients experiencing psychiatric disorders (delusions, hallucinations, suicidal/homicidal ideation)

Ability to perform CPR, the Heimlich Maneuver, use the AED, provide First Aid

Ability to provide patient/family education regarding medications, disease processes, and health maintenance/promotion.

 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

 

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) 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:

 

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

 

At least one (1) year of work experience as an RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility.

 

Experience working with employee health issues preferred.

 

Experience administering immunizations 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 and Terrell 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.