Psychiatric Nursing Asst IV

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Date:
Nov 25, 2025

Location:

VERNON, TX

Agency:
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Facility:
Vernon State Hospital

Salary: $4,094.50 – $5,094.16 per month (TEXAS-A-16)

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV (PNA Team Lead) leads a team of PNAs in providing advanced psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse. The role includes coordinating assignments, providing direct patient care, maintaining patient records, and leading recovery team and admissions activities. The position may also involve additional hours for evenings, nights, weekends, and maximum security locations.

• Attend work on a regular basis, may be asked to work a specific shift schedule, rotating schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Coordinate assignments and duties for PNAs, including assistance with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence.
• Implement individualized recovery plans and support patients in reaching their goals.
• Use therapeutic, person‑centered communication skills to engage patients promptly and effectively.
• Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate effectively with team members and share information about patients' treatment.
• Participate in recovery team or admissions team meetings and provide ongoing verbal and written communication concerning patients.
• Provide guidance to PNAs on medication monitoring, vital signs, and other assigned tasks within competency level.
• Promote safety through continuous awareness and positive patient engagement.
• Co‑facilitate groups and encourage patient participation.
• Respond to crisis or psychiatric emergency using least restrictive intervention and TIPS under RN supervision.
• Perform CPR/Heimlich techniques and use an AED safely.
• Provide objective information to the supervising RN and support performance evaluations.
• Pre‑train and orient new employees, including PNAs I, II, III, and other temporary personnel.

• Knowledge of CAPPS, CARE, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Knowledge of patient aggression reduction interventions.
• Knowledge of patient care techniques, treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient‑centered recovery programs.
• Effective interpersonal and leadership skills to interact with team members.
• Computer and office equipment skills.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
• Ability to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.
• English reading, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid and CPR, conduct TIPS, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision.
• Ability to train others.

• Valid Texas driver license required if transporting patients; must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
• CPR certification or ability to obtain certification within first 60 days of employment.

• Four years of work experience required.
• At least 3 years direct care experience.
• Preferred: at least 3 years psychiatric patient experience.
• Preferred: at least 3 years supervisory experience.

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE).
• Minimum age 18 for state‑operated facility;
  Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required; overtime and extended hours possible.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy is required; vaccination per CDC guidelines.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age; males 18‑25 must register with Selective Service.

HHSC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.