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Texas Health and Human Services

Psychiatric Nursing Asst IV

Texas Health and Human Services, Austin, Texas, us, 78716

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Overview Join to apply for the

Psychiatric Nursing Asst IV

role at

Texas Health and Human Services .

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.

Job Details

Agency:

Health & Human Services Comm

Department:

Chaplaincy

Posting Number:

8171

Closing Date:

09/13/2025

Posting Audience:

Internal and External

Occupational Category:

Healthcare Support

Salary Group:

TEXAS-A-16

Salary Range:

$4,094.50 - $5,094.16

Pay Frequency:

Monthly

Shift:

Day

Additional Shift:

Days (First)

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:

Austin State Hospital

Job Location City:

AUSTIN

Job Location Address:

4110 GUADALUPE

Other Locations:

Austin

MOS Codes:

4C0X1,68X,HM

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? The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Responsibilities

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV (PNA Team Lead) performs advanced (senior level) rehabilitative patient care services under the clinical supervision of a licensed nurse to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting.

Coordinate assignments and duties for PNAs which include assisting the patients with activities of daily living, instructing staff on hospital and program procedures and policies, and providing emergency, health, and personal care services to patients; interacting therapeutically; observing, reporting, and documenting patient conditions and behaviors in an electronic record; and participating in individualized and unit-based programming.

As an integral member of the recovery team or the admissions team, provide verbal and written communication concerning individual patient behaviors and progress toward goals; participate in shift reporting and recovery team meetings, or meetings with admissions staff.

Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned, including disaster response and/or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. This may require alternate shift patterns and/or locations.

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

As the team lead, coordinates assignments for PNAs; assists patients with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care; participates in the implementation of individualized recovery plans.

Uses therapeutic, person-centered communication to engage patients and accompanies patients to appointments as required.

Communicates effectively with other team members to promote a positive workplace and shares information with other PNAs to support the patient’s treatment.

Serves as a participant in the recovery team or admissions team; provides ongoing verbal and written communication concerning patients; develops plans for treatment and instructs other PNAs on how to support recovery processes.

Uses basic computer skills to document and share patient care information clearly and timely.

Acts as the PNA IV Team Lead to assist the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, including taking and monitoring vital signs within competency.

Promotes safety through environmental awareness and positive engagement of patients to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.

Promotes classes and programs and encourages patient participation; co-facilitates groups as assigned or requested.

Models appropriate response in crisis or psychiatric emergency situations using the least restrictive intervention (TIPS) including verbal de-escalation under RN supervision.

Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques and uses an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) per American Heart Association guidelines.

Instructs other PNAs on providing RN with timely, clinically relevant patient information to support safety; participates in shift change.

Provides objective and relevant information to the supervising RN on an ongoing basis concerning the work performance of PNAs to support performance evaluation and identify training needs.

Serves as a preceptor for new employees, including PNA Is, IIs, and other staff on the unit.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of CAPPS, CARE, Microsoft Word, and Excel

Knowledge of patient aggression reduction interventions

Knowledge of patient care techniques and recovery programs

Knowledge of effective interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to interact with other team members

Skills in the use of computer and office equipment

Ability to prepare and maintain records, files, and reports

Ability to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others

Ability to read, write and understand English to effectively communicate and carry out instructions

Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid and CPR, perform TIPS, and communicate effectively

Ability to work with others and accept supervision; ability to train others

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

If transporting patients, a valid Texas driver license or obtain it within 90 days; out-of-state license requires driving record; eligible driving record per policy.

CPR certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria

Four years of work experience required.

At least three years of direct care experience required.

At least three years of psychiatric patient experience preferred.

Additional Information

At least three years of supervisory experience preferred.

Applicants must pass fingerprint background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and Employee Misconduct, LEIE).

Males 18-25 must be registered with Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered; Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21.

Flexibility in work hours may be required; overtime may be required.

Compliance with immunization policy; vaccination may be required; non-immunized staff may be required to wear a mask.

ADA accommodations available during hiring; contact HHSC for assistance.

Pre-employment checks and work eligibility; HHSC uses E-Verify; bring I-9 documentation on first day.

Telework may be eligible; subject to policy and supervisor discretion.

Nearest Major Market: Austin.

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