Psychiatric Nursing Asst III

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: Max Sec Psych  Nursing

Posting Number: 3990

Closing Date: 12/31/2025

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Support

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-14

Salary Range: $3,649.83-$4,594.50

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First);
Evenings (Second);
Nights (Third);
Weekends

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility

Location:

Vernon State Hospital

Job Location City: VERNON

Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 4C0X1, 68X, HM

• 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.
• Takes an active role in the implementation of the individualized recovery plans and offers consistent, ongoing support in assisting patients reaching their goals. Uses therapeutic, person-centered communication skills in promptly and effectively engaging patients. Assists with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care. Accompanies patient to appointments as required.
• Communicates effectively with other team members to promote a positive workplace.
• Serves as a participant in the recovery team or admissions team. Provides on-going collaborative verbal, and written communication concerning patients.
• Uses basic computer skills, documentation skills, and reporting procedures to communicate patient care information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.
• Assists the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment. Includes taking and monitoring vital signs and performing other assigned tasks within competency level.
• Proactively promotes safety through continuous environmental awareness and positive engagement of patients to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promotes classes and programs offered and encourages patient participation. Co-facilitates groups as assigned or requested.
• Responds and models appropriate response in crisis or psychiatric emergency situations using the least restrictive intervention necessary by applying Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS) including verbal de-escalation under the direct supervision of an RN to ensure the health and safety of all persons.
• Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques and use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.
• Provides RN with timely, clinically relevant patient information (such as possible side effects of medication, disease/injury, behavioral escalation) gained by direct observation/interaction with patients to promote safety.
• In the absence of the PNA IV, provides guidance, as requested, to the PNA Is and IIs in the performance of duties assigned by an RN to maintain smooth, efficient provision of patient care.
• 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):

• Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient centered recovery programs
• Knowledge of basic computer skills
• Knowledge of effective interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to interact with other team members utilizing effective interpersonal skills
• Skills in taking vital signs
• Ability to read, write and understand English to effectively communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions
• Ability to provide patient care, to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and to conduct TIPS
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision
• Ability to train and provide guidance to others

• If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an…