Nurse Manager

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 Manager 
Job Title: Nurse Manager 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Adm AcuteCarePsych Nursing 
Posting Number: 20036 
Closing Date: 09/17/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $8,300.00 - $10,785.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26 
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,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. 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 Manager performs advanced (senior-level) nursing functions such as planning, developing, coordinating, supervising and evaluating the provision of nursing care on a 24-hour basis. Directs the day-to-day operations of all assigned areas. Identifies and implements standards of practice that are consistent with the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), The Texas Administrative Code (TAC), the Texas State Board of Nursing and other state and federal regulations related to State Hospitals (SHs). Ensures a competent and sufficient workforce including hiring, time and leave activities, training/coaching, and evaluating staff performance. Participates in the development and support of integrated interdisciplinary treatment teams.  Works closely with other divisions and departments, interdisciplinary teams (IDTs), individuals, and their families, and external organizations such as professional groups, advocacy groups, surveyors and monitors. Participates in performance improvement and quality assurance activities. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.  Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include 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.

Plans, organizes, directs and manages the daily operations and activities of the assigned nursing area following HHSC policies and procedures, and state and federal rules and regulations, in order to provide quality health services and care to individuals served.  Facilitates the implementation of standards of practice that are consistent with oversight entities such as the Board of Nursing, Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and State Hospital.

Establishes, implements and evaluates a nursing staffing plan that identifies and deploys minimum resources needed to comply with all regulatory and professional standards. Ensures the continuous (24-hours/day, days/week) timely availability of nursing staff to meet individual care needs. Assesses and develops assignments to direct care nurses based on individual needs and care complexity that will assure safe and quality care.  As assigned, collaborates with other nurse managers and the hospital Staffing Committee to establish and evaluate an annual staffing plan for nursing service that identifies minimum staffing for all levels of nursing personnel to promote a safe environment that complies with all regulatory and professional standards. Seeks and utilizes suggestions to effectively streamline work efforts and minimize redundancy. Keeps 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. Ensures 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.).

Hires, trains, and promotes professional growth of assigned nurses so that a competent workforce is maintained. Ensures that all assigned staff are compliant in training pursuant to agency and facility standards. Reviews essential job functions, performance expectations, coaches job performance, and provides supportive and constructive feedback.  Conducts performance evaluations of assigned staff to give employees timely feedback on their performance and oversees staff development plans. Ensures awards and recognition activities that promote staff morale. Proactively identifies and seeks opportunities for improved recruitment and retention of qualified personnel.

Plans, organizes, and manages the daily activities of the assigned nursing staff. Provides clinical direction and expertise and ensures that the nursing care provided is based on provider orders and meets the specialized individual needs. Oversees nursing performance indicators to ensure nursing tasks and treatments are performed with accuracy and quality. Participates 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.  Effectively uses a tracking system to oversee performance indicators.  Provides feedback and takes any corrective action needed.

Oversees the implementation of nursing policies, procedures and protocols so as to promote a professional environment, promote the mission of the program and assure congruence with professional and organizational expectations.  Conducts periodic rounds/ observations of the assigned nurses as they perform routine work. Collaborates with other disciplines to ensure nurses are operating as part of the interdisciplinary team. Performs chart reviews/audits to determine the nursing documentation is sufficient and accurate. Assists nurses in resolving issues that arise.  As needed, advocates for the nursing perspective and initiates action to resolve issues, consulting with the Assistant Chief Nurse Executive (ACNE) and/or the Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) if necessary.  Conducts or participates in monthly meeting(s) with nursing staff and other managers to provide feedback and resolve issues. 

Develops and updates training curricula and provides in-service training to assigned nursing staff in collaboration with the Nurse Educator.  Oversees completion of required training.  Assigns targeted training, such as training on nursing care plans based upon audits/reviews. Provides clinical direction and expertise and ensures that care provided is based on an appropriate cognitive level to meet specific and specialized individual needs. Works with teams to implement resident-centered trauma informed care.  Provides opportunities for clinical learning experiences such as by visiting other SHs, SSLCs, and local hospitals.

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 individual 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 individuals’ rights are protected by addressing issues found in individual care reports, client abuse and neglect reports, 24-hour reports, and other reporting mechanisms. Ensures 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 individuals when assigned. Alerts leadership to safety/risk management issues and actively facilitates problem-solving strategies.

Participates in the development and support of partnerships with key stakeholders including individuals and their families. Partners with leadership to help design and deliver a high-quality using an interdisciplinary approach. Participates in assigned committees and workgroups as requested. Promotes positive working relationships with outside agencies (e.g. Provider Investigations (PI), Office of Inspector General (OIG), other HHSC departments, programs and divisions including ancillary/support services, (e.g. Pharmacy, Medical Staff, Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Dietary, etc.). Works with external stakeholders such as professional groups, advocacy groups, surveyors and monitors as assigned. 

Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Maintains skills in CPR and other emergency techniques and initiates emergency treatment 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 and Abilities (KSAs):

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 state and federal laws, the Joint Commission, regulations, policy and procedures related State Hospitals or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.

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 individuals.

Skills in the use of computer/software and an electronic health record system.

Skill in time management and prioritization.

Strong interpersonal skills which promote teamwork.

Strong coaching skills.

Ability to appropriately interact with individuals’ mental illness, with their family members, and with staff members. 

Ability to provide individual care; to prepare and maintain records; to interpret policies and procedures; to interpret health care regulations; and to recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment.

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

Ability to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities.

Ability to instruct, train, and supervise the work of others.

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

Ability and skills to perform comprehensive physical assessments and identify abnormal findings on evaluation and to recognize signs and symptoms of illness or injury. 

Ability to analyze, assimilate, and integrate information in order to make nursing judgments about conditions and the acuity of conditions, to develop plans of care, and to evaluate outcomes of care.

Ability to provide nursing care for individuals and/or staff members in emergency situations.

Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). And Treatment Intervention and Protection Strategies (TIPS).

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

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

Must maintain current CPR certification.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred.

Four (4) years’ experience working in a setting with other professional disciplines.

Four (4) years’ experience with a psychiatric population and/or with severe and persistent mental illness.

Five (5) years of experience in direct nursing practice as a practicing registered nurse in a hospital setting to include planning and directing daily clinical activities of a nursing care unit.

Three (3) years’ experience as an administrative nurse with supervisory authority over other nurses preferred.

Three (3) years’ experience working as a team leader or nursing manager 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.