Nurse III-Admissions Coordinator in Vernon, TX

Description

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 III-Admissions Coordinator 
Job Title: Nurse III - Admissions Coordin 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: MedClinic/Prof Medical Svs M 
Posting Number: 10413 
Closing Date: 11/04/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Salary Range: $7,532.75 - $8,886.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Regular Weekend 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: Vernon State Hospital 
Job Location City: VERNON 
Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR 
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 nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, 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 III (Admissions Coordinator) performs complex (senior level) nursing work. The Admissions Coordinator provides clinical and administrative supervision of Admissions' personnel; and provides assessment, care, and treatment of patients throughout the admissions process. They perform complex leadership and management duties including consultation with state hospital personnel, community liaisons, law enforcement, officers of the court, persons served and their families, guardians, and others. The Admissions' Coordinator ensures that the admission process flows smoothly making recommendations for needed improvement; and provides a high level of customer satisfaction. During admission, observes the patients for unusual symptoms and conducts nursing assessments to determine eligibility for health services through hospital admission; Participates in the identification of training needs related to admission, laws, rules, and regulations and develops curriculum to address those needs. They participate in the development of nursing specific policies and procedures, prepare monthly department schedules, and participate in the hiring process. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends. 

This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

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 supervision to Admission staff in accordance with hospital and nursing policies to ensure the patients being admitted receive optimum care during the admissions process. Observes the patient for unusual symptoms and conducts nursing assessments to determine eligibility for hospital admission. Reviews admission records to assure the patient receives the required documentation provided at the time of admission.

Interacts with state hospital personnel, community liaisons, law enforcement, officers of the court, persons served and their families, guardians, and others by providing consultation, training, and technical assistance. Ensures adequate staffing based on number of expected admissions and historical data (busiest times of day/week, etc.) to ensure the patient is properly assessed and treated. Prepares monthly department schedule and participates in the hiring process.

Administers medications and treatment to the patients if required during the admission process and ordered by the physician. Assures that milieu is recovery based and trauma informed care is provided. Ensures prompt intervention, instruction, modeling, coaching, and counseling for both staff and patients to promote therapeutic communication and meet patient healthcare needs. Quickly follows up on patterns of behavior that do not promote a welcoming, safe milieu.

Carries out medical staff practitioners' orders and implements nursing interventions according to acceptable nursing care standards and hospital policies and procedures. Assist in the client abuse and neglect investigation process.

Complies with all established safety rules, regulations, and procedures. Promotes safety by ensuring that employees are fully trained to carry out their assigned duties in accordance with safety procedures. Promptly investigates all accidents and/or injuries incurred by employees in order to determine cause and contributing factors so that corrective action can be taken to prevent recurrence.

Participates in Nursing Services performance improvement activities by evaluating, collecting, organizing, and presenting program specific data by retrieving available reports and information generated by Admissions and/or quality improvement in order to facilitate the provision of quality nursing care and a safe working environment. Conducts inspections, audits, and participates in the development of nursing specific policies and procedures to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and state hospital system.

Participates in the identification of admissions specific training needs and develops in-service training curriculum to address those needs. Maintains required competencies and continuously enhances nursing skills through continuing education (classes, articles, webinars, etc.) and communicates information to employees.

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, CPR, Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), Treatment, Intervention, and Protection Strategies (TIPS)

Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures

Knowledge of infection control practices and procedures

Knowledge of workers compensation policies and procedures

Demonstrated skills of accurately observing and identifying significant patient behaviors and accurately describing such events in the patient's record

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 supervise, organize, and manage the Admissions Department

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

Ability to intervene therapeutically with patients experiencing delusions, hallucinations, and/or aggression

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

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

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners required AND

At least three (3) years of work experience as a RN in a recognized health agency, hospital, or health care facility.

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 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.