Psychiatric Nursing Asst

Date: Jul 2, 2026
Location: BIG SPRING, TX
Agency: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
Department: Intermed Care Psych Direct Care

Functional

Title:

Psychiatric Nursing Asst I
Job Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst I
Posting Number: 18501
Closing Date: 09/30/2026
Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Range: $2,769.08 - $3,547.58 per month
Shift: Regular Evening and Weekend
Additional Shift: Days (First);
Evenings (Second);
Nights (Third)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%

Facility

Location:

Big Spring State Hospital
Job Location Address: 1901 N HIGHWAY 87, BIG SPRING, TX

Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time‑off benefits, and numerous opportunities for career advancement.

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I (PNA I) performs entry‑level to routine rehabilitative patient services work under the clinical supervision of a licensed nurse. The role includes providing emergency, health, and personal care services, interacting with patients therapeutically, monitoring and documenting patient conditions and behaviors, participating in individualized and unit‑based programming, and maintaining direct therapeutic interactions to promote living and social skills.

• Assist with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self‑care.
• Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate effectively with other team members and participate in shift reports and recovery team meetings.
• Assist the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, taking and monitoring vital signs, and performing other assigned tasks within competency level.
• Promote safety through continuous environmental awareness and positive engagement of patients to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promote classes and programs offered and encourage patient participation; co‑facilitate groups as assigned or requested.
• Respond in crisis or psychiatric emergency situations using the least restrictive intervention necessary, applying Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS) and verbal de‑escalation under RN supervision.
• Perform CPR, Heimlich techniques, and use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) as per American Heart Association specifications.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation as required.
• Maintain accurate documentation in an electronic record of patient conditions and behaviors.

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, a rotating schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy. Performs other duties as assigned, including supporting roles for disaster response and COOP activation.

• Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient‑centered recovery programs.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills.
• Ability to read, write and understand English to effectively communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and conduct TIPS.
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision.

If transporting patients, possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. CPR certification is required or must be obtained within the first 60 days of employment.

Six (6) months’ direct care work experience.

Six months of direct care experience is preferred.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and required registry checks. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age (21 for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth). Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures is required.

This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to supervisor discretion and business needs.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability.