RN I - Direct Care

Texas Health and Human Services; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 64,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Generous leave

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Abilene, TX is seeking a Nurse I for Direct Care. This role performs routine nursing duties, administers medications, conducts health assessments, and participates in case management under the Nurse Manager supervision.

Evening shift with potential overtime and weekend work. The position offers state benefits including 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time staff, a defined benefit pension, generous leave, and opportunities for

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in Texas.
• ACEN/CCNE accredited education preferred.
• Must maintain CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Administers medications, immunizations, and treatments.
• Performs physical health assessments and documents findings.
• Develops and monitors care plans with the healthcare team.
• Coordinates and supervises nursing care within the unit.
• Maintains accurate medical records and reports.

Skills

Nursing techniques

Communication skills

CPR certification

Emergency procedures

Medical records management

Education

RN license (Texas)

ACEN/CCNE education (preferred)

Tools

EHR

Job description

Date: Sep 29, 2026

Location: ABILENE, 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.

• Functional Title: RN I - Direct Care
• Job Title: Nurse I
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: Campus Nursing
• Posting Number: 21954
• Closing Date: 12/28/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
• Salary Range: $5,746.66 - $6,779.25
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20
• Shift: Evening
• 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: Abilene State Supported Living Center
• Job Location City: ABILENE
• Job Location Address: 2501 MAPLE ST
• Other Locations: Abilene
• MOS Codes: 290X,46AX,46FX,46NX,46PX,46SX,46YX,66B,66C,66E,66F,66G,66H,66N,66P,66R,66S,66T,66W

Brief Job Description

This position is available for Morning, Evening and Night shifts on multiple homes.

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

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

Free CEUs and updated resources through Lippincott access for all nurses.

Performs routine nursing duties. Work involves providing for the assessment, care and treatment of individuals. May train others. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Works under the supervision of the Nurse Manager. The Direct Care RN I may assign nursing responsibilities to the Direct Care LVN in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act. The responsibility of the Direct Care RN is to provide for and supervise the professional nursing care of the individuals who reside in a State Supported Living Center. The Direct Care RN is available to unit personnel to make nursing decisions on a 24-hour basis. She/he is a member of the professional team and shares responsibility with other team members for the development of the individual’s program. Work involves communication skills, i.e. relaying information to other team members, Primary Care Provider (PCP), nurses; data entry, documentation, completing reports, maintaining personnel records, supervisory duties, and following all facility rules/policies. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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.
• Administers medications, immunizations, and treatment and observes individuals for unusual symptoms and reactions.
• Conducts physical assessments of individual health needs and implements appropriate action.
• Implements and monitors case management service plans.
• Instructs and assists individuals in meeting their health care needs.
• Prepares, maintains, and reviews individual records and individual assessments.
• May participate in quality assurance reviews.
• Complies with all State/Federal/Local standards; Facility Policy, ICF Standards, and Texas Nurse Practice Act.
• Manages individual’s medical record (paper chart/EHR).
• Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.
• 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 and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment programs; and of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to provide individual care, to prepare and maintain records, to explain public health law, and to communicate effectively.
• Must maintain current CPR certification.
• Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment

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).

Or

Issued a temporary permit to perform duties under supervision awaiting license issue.

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited 4 year or 2 year college or university is required.

Prior employment experience as an LVN or a Registered Nurse is 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 Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

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.

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.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Abilene