Surrogate Decision-making Program (SDMP) Registered Nurse (RN) II

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: Surrogate Decision-making Program (SDMP) Registered Nurse (RN) II 
Job Title: Nurse II 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: LTC Program Support 
Posting Number: 20923 
Closing Date: 09/22/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $7,761.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: 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: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W 
 
 
 

Job Description

The Surrogate Decision-making Program (SDMP) Registered Nurse (RN) II reports to the Manager of the SDMP for Community-based Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) for the state of Texas. This position has dual professional and administrative functions. In the professional capacity, must be knowledgeable of the law (Chapter 597 of the Texas Health and Safety Code) and department rule (Texas Administrative Code, Title 26, Part I, Chapter 261, Subchapter J) pertaining to the provision of written informed consent and the Code of Federal Regulations and Interpretative Guidance applicable to the ICF/IID Program. Must possess a broad range of knowledge of medical and dental terminology, medical and dental treatments and procedures, and the risks, benefits, and alternative of prescribed psychoactive medication regimens. Must have a working knowledge of the principles of best practice and the ability to accurately gather pertinent information regarding proposed medical or dental treatments or procedures or psychoactive medication regimens, analyze medical and dental case documentation, progress notes, treatment plans, and psychiatric consultations, interpret lab work, provide information about risks, benefits, and alternatives to proposed medical or dental treatments or procedures or psychoactive medication regimens, and produce a written case summary for proposed medical or dental treatments or procedures or use of psychoactive medication regimens in laymen terms. Must have the ability to communicate effectively and provide information and technical assistance to community program providers, including PowerPoint presentations, health care professionals, hospital personnel, family members, and representatives from other Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) departments about the SDMP. Reviews required forms and supporting documentation for completeness. Follows up on incomplete applications until they are completed or the application is closed because of outdated forms and documentation. As requested, reviews required forms and supporting documentation for completeness and prepared detailed case summaries for highly restrictive behavior procedure applications. Administrative duties may include but not limited to: reviewing new application packets, data entry for admissions and discharges, coordinating hearings (photo-coping, organizing, scanning, and emailing), recording hearings via Microsoft Teams, and saving recordings in the SDMP shared drive.

Essential Job Functions

1. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties assigned. 2. Reviews required forms and supporting documentation for completeness and prepares detailed case summaries regarding completed applications for medical or dental treatments or procedures, administration of psychoactive medication regimens, and highly restrictive behavior procedures. 3. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of proposed psychoactive medication regimens and identifies potential adverse side effects, drug to drug interactions, and risks, benefits, and alternatives. 4. Effectively communicates both verbally and in writing a thorough knowledge of medical processes and procedures relevant to proposed medical or dental treatments or procedures. 5. Provides information and technical assistance, including PowerPoint presentations, to community program providers, health care professionals, hospital personnel, family members, and representatives from other Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) departments about the Surrogate Decision-making Program (SDMP). 6. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the applicable statute (Chapter 597 of the Texas Health and Safety Code) and department rule (Texas Administrative Code, Title 26, Part I, Chapter 261, Subchapter J) governing the SDMP and federal and state guidelines regarding written informed consent. 7. Uses independent judgment in prioritizing and organizing workload and displays the ability to perform assigned tasks in a timely manner with minimal supervision. 8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with manager.  9. Complies with state mandated continuing education to maintain licensure as a registered nurse. 10. Demonstrates the ability to use personal computers and related software such as Word, Excel, and Microsoft Teams.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of medical and dental diagnoses and procedures, accepted medical treatment standards of care, and principles of best practice. Knowledge of the law (Chapter 597 of the Texas Health and Safety Code) and department rule (Texas Administrative Code, Title 26, Part I, Chapter 261, Subchapter J) pertaining to the provision of written informed consent and the Code of Federal Regulations and Interpretative Guidance applicable to the ICF/IID Program. Knowledge of medical and dental terminology, medical and dental treatments and procedures, and the risks, benefits, and alternative of prescribed psychoactive medication regimens. Knowledge of the principles of best practice. Ability to accurately gather pertinent information regarding a proposed medical or dental treatments or procedures or psychoactive medication regimens, analyze medical and dental case documentation, progress notes, treatment plans, and psychiatric consultations, interpret lab work, provide information about risks, benefits, and alternatives to a proposed medical or dental treatments or procedure or psychoactive medication regimens, and produce a written case summary of any proposed medical or dental treatments or procedures or use of psychoactive medication regimens in laymen terms. Ability to communicate effectively and provide information and technical assistance in a timely manner to community program providers, including PowerPoint presentations, health care professionals, hospital personnel, family members, and representatives from other Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) departments about the SDMP. Ability to review required forms and supporting documentation for completeness. Ability to follow up on incomplete applications until they are completed or the application is closed because of outdated forms and documentation. Ability to enter data for admissions and discharges, coordinate hearings (photo-coping, organizing, scanning, and emailing), recording hearings via Microsoft Teams, and save recordings in the SDMP shared drive.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Texas and be in good standing with the Texas Board of Nursing. Must maintain license throughout employment.

Initial Screening Criteria

Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Texas and be in good standing with the Texas Board of Nursing. Must have five years’ experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Additional Information (optional)

The position is located in the Winters Building at 701 W. 51st St., Austin, TX 78751.

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.