Stand out for this role — generate a tailored resume and cover letter in about a minute.
Texas Health and Human Services is seeking a Nurse III - House Supervisor at Austin State Hospital. The role oversees after-hours nursing operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and provides clinical leadership across nursing staff.
The position emphasizes staffing, patient safety, and collaboration with hospital leadership. Eligible for overtime and career growth within HHSC’s hospital system.
Date: Sep 10, 2026
Location: 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.
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 III House Supervisor performs highly complex nursing work and is responsible for the after-hours operation of campus-based nursing services. This position encompasses multiple responsibilities which include management of clinical nursing practice and patient care delivery, development of nursing personnel, ensuring compliance with regulatory and professional standards, and other hospital policies and procedures. The House Supervisor develops and ensures program specific staffing plans are met and initiates action to reassign staff to accomplish appropriate staffing at all times. Serves as a consultant, clinical and administrative expert to all staff after-hours. Advises and communications about unusual incidents or significant events are conveyed to the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD), Medical Officer of the Day (MOD), Chief Nurse Executive (CNE), Assistant Chief Nurse Executive (ACNE) and Nurse Manager, when applicable. Participates in development of nursing policy and decision-making as a member of the Nursing Clinical Operations Team. Serves in the capacity of a Lead Clinical RN as assigned, or as needed. Must understand that duties, location of work and shift patterns are subject to change, as determined by administration, to meet the needs of the hospital. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned including 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.
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.
Coordinates the after-hours operation of campus-based nursing services and the delivery of quality patient care. Makes hospital rounds on each area to promote nursing visibility and to assess unit operations are followed according to policy and procedure. Assists after hours nursing staff in the promotion of a safe and therapeutic environment. Ensures compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Texas Board of Nursing, Texas Nurse Practice Act, and the rules and regulations of the Agency and state hospital system. Prepares the daily house supervisor’s report for official record and dissemination to hospital leadership.
Implements program specific staffing plans ensuring they are met according to nursing policies and procedures. Provides direction and leadership ensuring nurse staffing summaries are timely, complete, and accurate and takes action to reassign staff to meet the required staffing numbers. Provides Clinical RN unit coverage as needed or assigned to meet staffing plans. Administration of medication, treatment, assessment, and patient monitoring.
On site subject matter expert and consultant to all clinical and administrative staff. Collaborates with the AOD, MOD, Chief Nurse Executive (CNE), Assistant Chief Nurse Executive (ACNE), and Nurse Managers for the onsite coordination of the hospital’s after-hours nursing services. Provides training and direction to staff, assists leadership in identifying needed improvements.
Point of contact and resource to external customers. Coordinates external visits and request from these external customers including but not limited to HHSC Provider Investigators, Office of Inspector General (IOG) representatives, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, etc. Provides with requested information as required. Facilitates and coordinates interviews with staff and/or patients as requested and within required guidelines. Manages the client abuse/neglect process after hours to assure patient safety and needs are met. Takes appropriate staff action and mitigation as needed to ensure safety of patients and staff.
Coordinates a smooth admission process during non-traditional work hours. Conducts triage and assessment of patients presenting for admission Communication with the Mental Health Authority, outside medical hospital, and law enforcement as needed and appropriate. Planning and coordination of required discipline assessments and the unit placement for patients meeting eligibility for admission.
Administrative Nurse designee during disasters and emergencies, and coordinates emergency and disaster drills for the hospital. Reports to the site of the incident to provide direction and support to nursing staff. Incident Commander during disasters and emergencies occurring after hours following hospital emergency management procedures.
Member of the Nursing Clinical Operations Team and other appointed hospital committees and workgroups by actively participating with a focus on problem solving and performance improvement. Active in the planning, development, and implementation of performance improvement plans and initiatives. Represents nursing leadership and works collaboratively with other hospital disciplines in the development of hospital policies and procedures.
Participates in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement activities by completing hospital rounds, audits, medical records reviews; clinical reviews/investigations; identifying deficiencies; development of in-service training; and implementing performance improvement plans.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned including 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.
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.
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’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Austin