Texas.gov - State of Texas Official Website
Psychiatric Nursing Asst III
Texas.gov - State of Texas Official Website, Austin, Texas, us, 78716
Overview
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:
Psychiatric Nursing Asst III Job Title:
Psychiatric Nursing Asst III Agency:
Health & Human Services Comm Department:
Adm AcuteCarePsych Direct Car Posting Number:
9643 Closing Date:
11/28/2025 Posting Audience:
Internal and External Occupational Category:
Healthcare Support Salary Group:
TEXAS-A-14 Salary Range:
$3,649.83-$4,594.50 Pay Frequency:
Monthly Shift:
Day Additional Shift:
Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third) 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 APS/SS/CAPS - Days 7am-3pm APS/SS/CAPS - Evening 3pm-11pm
Responsibilities and Role
The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (PNA III) performs complex (journey-level) rehabilitative patient care services under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. Duties include emergency, health, and personal care services, therapeutic interactions with patients, observation and documentation of patient conditions in an electronic record, and participation in individualized and unit-based programming. The PNA III maintains direct therapeutic interactions to promote living and social skills and progress toward a lesser restrictive environment. It serves as an integral member of the recovery team, providing verbal and supportive documentation concerning patient behaviors and progress toward individualized recovery plan goals. The PNA III may supervise PNA I and II tasks and works under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Duties may change to meet hospital needs and may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. The employee has access to a limited set of records in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Other duties include participating in disaster response and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities, potential shift pattern changes, and possibly additional pay for evening, night, or weekend work.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Attend work regularly and be prepared to work specific or rotating shifts, including overtime per agency leave policy. Implement individualized recovery plans and provide ongoing support to help patients achieve goals using therapeutic, person-centered communication. Assist with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence; accompany patients to appointments as required. Communicate effectively with team members to promote a positive workplace; participate in recovery or admissions team meetings. Use basic computer and documentation skills to report patient care information clearly and timely. Assist licensed nurses in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, including taking vital signs and other tasks within competency. Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive engagement to minimize unsafe situations. Promote and co-facilitate classes and programs; participate in groups as assigned or requested. Respond to crises or psychiatric emergencies using least restrictive interventions (TIPS) under RN supervision to ensure health and safety. Perform CPR/Heimlich and AED use per American Heart Association guidelines. Provide timely, clinically relevant information to the RN to support patient safety and care decisions. In the absence of PNA IV, provide guidance to PNA I and II as requested to maintain smooth patient care.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of patient care techniques and recovery programs, including therapy and patient-centered approaches Knowledge of basic computer skills Effective interpersonal and leadership skills; ability to collaborate with team members Skills in taking vital signs Ability to read, write, and understand English to carry out instructions Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid/CPR, and conduct TIPS Ability to work with others and accept supervision Ability to train and guide others
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications
If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it within 90 days of hire; provide an original certified driving record if using out-of-state license. CPR certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of employment.
Initial Screening Criteria
At least two (2) years of work experience One year of psychiatric patient experience or direct care required Two years of patient experience or direct care preferred
Additional Information
Applicants must pass fingerprint background checks, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and LEIE; Selective Service registration for males 18-25. All applicants must be at least 18 years old; Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21. Flexibility in work hours; overtime/extended hours may be required. Immunization policy compliance; vaccination may be required; if not immunized, protective measures may be necessary. Review Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC. Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. ADA accommodations available during hiring; contact HHSC for assistance if needed. Pre-employment checks and work eligibility: E-Verify; bring I-9 documentation on first day. Telework eligibility: may be eligible; subject to policies and supervisor needs.
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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:
Psychiatric Nursing Asst III Job Title:
Psychiatric Nursing Asst III Agency:
Health & Human Services Comm Department:
Adm AcuteCarePsych Direct Car Posting Number:
9643 Closing Date:
11/28/2025 Posting Audience:
Internal and External Occupational Category:
Healthcare Support Salary Group:
TEXAS-A-14 Salary Range:
$3,649.83-$4,594.50 Pay Frequency:
Monthly Shift:
Day Additional Shift:
Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third) 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 APS/SS/CAPS - Days 7am-3pm APS/SS/CAPS - Evening 3pm-11pm
Responsibilities and Role
The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (PNA III) performs complex (journey-level) rehabilitative patient care services under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. Duties include emergency, health, and personal care services, therapeutic interactions with patients, observation and documentation of patient conditions in an electronic record, and participation in individualized and unit-based programming. The PNA III maintains direct therapeutic interactions to promote living and social skills and progress toward a lesser restrictive environment. It serves as an integral member of the recovery team, providing verbal and supportive documentation concerning patient behaviors and progress toward individualized recovery plan goals. The PNA III may supervise PNA I and II tasks and works under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Duties may change to meet hospital needs and may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. The employee has access to a limited set of records in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Other duties include participating in disaster response and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities, potential shift pattern changes, and possibly additional pay for evening, night, or weekend work.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Attend work regularly and be prepared to work specific or rotating shifts, including overtime per agency leave policy. Implement individualized recovery plans and provide ongoing support to help patients achieve goals using therapeutic, person-centered communication. Assist with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence; accompany patients to appointments as required. Communicate effectively with team members to promote a positive workplace; participate in recovery or admissions team meetings. Use basic computer and documentation skills to report patient care information clearly and timely. Assist licensed nurses in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, including taking vital signs and other tasks within competency. Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive engagement to minimize unsafe situations. Promote and co-facilitate classes and programs; participate in groups as assigned or requested. Respond to crises or psychiatric emergencies using least restrictive interventions (TIPS) under RN supervision to ensure health and safety. Perform CPR/Heimlich and AED use per American Heart Association guidelines. Provide timely, clinically relevant information to the RN to support patient safety and care decisions. In the absence of PNA IV, provide guidance to PNA I and II as requested to maintain smooth patient care.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of patient care techniques and recovery programs, including therapy and patient-centered approaches Knowledge of basic computer skills Effective interpersonal and leadership skills; ability to collaborate with team members Skills in taking vital signs Ability to read, write, and understand English to carry out instructions Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid/CPR, and conduct TIPS Ability to work with others and accept supervision Ability to train and guide others
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications
If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it within 90 days of hire; provide an original certified driving record if using out-of-state license. CPR certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of employment.
Initial Screening Criteria
At least two (2) years of work experience One year of psychiatric patient experience or direct care required Two years of patient experience or direct care preferred
Additional Information
Applicants must pass fingerprint background checks, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and LEIE; Selective Service registration for males 18-25. All applicants must be at least 18 years old; Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21. Flexibility in work hours; overtime/extended hours may be required. Immunization policy compliance; vaccination may be required; if not immunized, protective measures may be necessary. Review Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC. Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. ADA accommodations available during hiring; contact HHSC for assistance if needed. Pre-employment checks and work eligibility: E-Verify; bring I-9 documentation on first day. Telework eligibility: may be eligible; subject to policies and supervisor needs.
#J-18808-Ljbffr