Registered Nurse (RN) - Med Surg
Austin State Hospital
Austin, TX

Nurse II

Nurse II This position requires a current Texas Registered Nurse license (in good standing). All HHSC employees will receive an automatic 5% increase to their annual salary effective September 1, 2024, per the 88th Texas Legislature. This position will require the nurse to enter Long Term Care Facilities 8-10 times per month. In a typical week, the nurse will work 2-3 days in the facility and 2-3 days from the home office. This position can be filled statewide. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) division seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Nurse II in the Quality Monitoring Program (QMP). MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS's mission by performing senior-level consultative services and technical assistance work to include: providing guidance in the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of QMP initiatives and procedures; functioning as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders, assisting with critical projects; conducting monitoring visits and providing guidance relevant to the federally mandated Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Medicaid program to Texas nursing facilities. In addition, this position will assist with the provision of education to nursing facility staff and others as it relates to quality improvement and effective compliance with federal and state PASRR regulations. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy. The ideal candidate also has the ability to implement creative solutions to problems, works collaboratively with peers on team projects and independently with little supervision; maintains collaborative relationships with colleagues and team members and is able to build rapport with facility staff and residents. Performs other duties as assigned. This position works under the direct supervision of the PASRR Director within QMP, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The PASRR Nurse II conducts onsite monitoring visits, both independently and as part of a team, to ensure compliance to the program standards and implementation of Medicaid laws and regulations relevant to the federally mandated PASRR Medicaid program. This includes independently conducting medical and community-based programming record reviews and onsite quality monitoring visits to nursing facilities to ensure that persons with intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) have been appropriately screened and evaluated; are placed in the least restrictive residential setting to meet their needs; and are receiving the specialized services needed to maximize the individual's potential. The PASRR Nurse II performs a review of elements of an individual's medical and community-based programming record, any relevant documents, interviews the Service Coordinator and other providers of services, and observes the individual engaged in activities or receiving necessary services and supports as specified in the Individual Service Plan (ISP) and Nursing Facility Comprehensive Care Plan (NFCPC). The PASRR Nurse II must use independent, professional judgment in determining if PASRR systems are providing services as outlined in the PASRR evaluation, providing educational consultation, producing accurate quality assurance, and providing orientation to peers and others as needed. The position will be responsible for assisting with the development and updating of program policy/procedures and educational programs, documenting complete and accurate reports, monitoring visit activities, and communicating pertinent information regarding visits with the Director. This position requires 80% travel, local and statewide, including overnights. Essential Job Functions: Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for clients and staff. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. Plans and conducts monitoring and on-site visits, duties, and other actions necessary to review individual nursing services and activities, programming records, and other relevant documentation of the supports and services the individual is receiving to ensure most effective compliance with federal and state PASRR regulations and according to departmental standards. Conducts debriefings with program provider staff related to PASRR and PASRR quality assurance. (40%) Communicates on a complex level with others (internally or externally; for example, facility staff, contractors, HHSC program staff) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, and address issues related to PASRR and PASRR quality service reviews. Serves as a resource on nursing practices and education programs by performing educational and consultative work. Provides complex technical assistance to others (for example, facility staff, contractors, HHSC program staff) on PASRR policies, procedures, rules, regulations, standards, or requirements. (20%) Documents on-site review findings and interview discussions used to determine recommendations for quality improvement and effective compliance with federal and state PASRR regulations. Completes quality assurance ratings and prepares written reports, as needed, supporting the actions and remedies recommended. (15%) Schedule visits to nursing facilities where the quality service review will occur. Tracks, and monitors situations requiring follow-up, plans, coordinates, or schedules activities on a complex level to ensure task deadlines and program needs are met. (10%) Research inquiries or complaints, recommends resolutions, and prepares responses. (5%) Maintains current knowledge in assigned area by reviewing program policies and procedures, guidance documents, conducting literature reviews and synthesizing the information to share with others. (5%) Attends meetings or seminars, or educational opportunities as assigned. (5%) Completes other duties as assigned. Knowledge Skills Abilities: * Ability to work collaboratively across MCS to accomplish objectives. * Ability to implement creative solutions to problems. * Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities. * Knowledge of nursing facility policies and services provided. * Knowledge of PASRR program rules and services provided. * Ability to evaluate the quality of services for persons with an IDD. * Skilled in public speaking and presentations. * Skilled in complaint resolution. * Knowledge of best clinical practices in programs that serve persons with IDD. * Ability to write clearly and concisely, using correct grammar and punctuation. * Ability to make oral presentations. * Skilled in the use of computers, preferably in a PC, or Windows-based operating environment. * Skilled in understanding complex federal regulations. * Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. * Ability to operate and drive a vehicle. * Ability to perform other essential job functions such as sitting, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending, and lifting to 25 lbs. Registration or Licensure Requirements: This position requires a current Texas Registered Nurse license (in good standing) and a current Texas driver's license. BSN or higher preferred, but not required. Initial Selection Criteria: * Minimum 2 years of experience working with persons with IDD. * Experience making oral presentations and providing educational consultation. * Willing to travel 80% of the time. Additional Information: This position is a mobile worker position. This position requires the selected candidate to be a part of a team of highly-skilled, capable and motivated individuals. All offers of employment are subject to the results of a fingerprint criminal background check. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. 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. MOS Code: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX. 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