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: Clinical Safety Officer
Job Title: Safety Offcr I
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: General Admin
Posting Number: 4067
Closing Date: 05/10/2025Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare SupportSalary Group: TEXAS-B-17
Salary Range: $4,150.00 - $5,372.41Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Terrell State Hospital
Job Location City: TERRELL
Job Location Address: 1200 E BRIN
Other Locations:
MOS Codes:
0918,5702,5711,5713,5769,7242,7596,8012,8056,8156,166X,1S0X1,1T0X1,1Z1X1,30C0,38A,38B,3E7X1,3E9X1
43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,612X,632X,640A,649X,711X,712X,721X,731X,732X,740A,749X,74A,74D,AB,AST,BM,BOSN
DC,MA,ME,MSSD,MST,OAF10,OAF11,OAP10,OAP11,OAP13,OAP14,OAP16,OAR10,OS,OSS,SEI19
Texas State Psychiatric Hospital Employees only need to apply, Terrell State Hospital Employees preferred.
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 Safety Officer I (Clinical Safety Officer) performs routine (journey-level) directives and provides assistance, as it relates to improving patient and staff safety and interaction. This position will take direction from the State Hospital leadership with direct supervision from the Assistant Superintendent with moderate supervision and limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment. This position will be heavily involved in the day-to-day training of front-line staff in verbal de-escalation practices. This position will also train other patient care staff including Social Services, Psychology and Food Service to incorporate verbal de-escalation training into their daily functioning. Work is performed in accordance with state laws, Texas Administrative Code, and State Hospital (SH) policies and procedures. The Safety Officer-I will report to the De-ecalation Department.
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.
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.
Facilitates and supports comprehensive employee safety training programs, ensuring all staff are well-versed in essential safety protocols and procedures. Additionally, provides in-depth verbal de-escalation training tailored for front-line and patient care staff to effectively manage and diffuse potentially volatile situations, enhancing the overall safety and well-being of both employees and patients.
Collaborates continuously with the facility Director of Programs to continuously develop and refine verbal de-escalation techniques and procedures. Regularly assesses and evaluates existing safety regulations and standards, recommending necessary modifications to improve their effectiveness and ensure full compliance with current guidelines and best practices.
Introduces verbal de-escalation training as a key component of all New Employee Orientation (NEO) classes, ensuring that new staff members are equipped with essential conflict management and resolution skills from the start. This foundational training helps new employees handle challenging situations effectively and safely. Additionally, maintains, or assists in maintaining, a comprehensive library of technical materials related to safety. This library serves as a valuable resource for ongoing staff education, providing up-to-date information and best practices that support a safe and well-informed work environment.
Actively tracks and monitors all staff training sessions to ensure that the principles and techniques covered are continuously practiced and reinforced in daily interactions between staff and patients at TSH. This involves regular observations and assessments to confirm that staff members are effectively applying their training in real-world scenarios. Additionally, maintains a detailed log of all incidents and prepares comprehensive incident reports. These reports are used to analyze patterns, identify areas for improvement, and enhance overall safety practices within the facility.
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):
Ability to communicate and relay verbal de-escalation training techniques to staff.
Ability to create rich learning environments that encourage teamwork and facilitate staff cohesion.
Ability to use Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel programs.
Knowledge of hospital policies and procedures.
Ability to train multi-disciplinary teams in an efficient manner.
Ability to communicate in both written and verbal form in a professional manner.
Ability to communicate with staff, public and other entities, representing the hospital in a professional manner.
Ability to market TSH verbal de-escalation techniques to other state hospitals within HSCS.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, such as reporting statutes as it relates to the assigned special programs.
Skill in administering CPR.
Skill in leading and training staff.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
None
Initial Screening Criteria:
At least 24 months of psychiatric patient care required.
At least 24 months of De-escalation training or experience 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 Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and 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 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. Vaccines may be provided. 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.
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