Psychiatric Nursing Asst IV

Date:
Jun 1, 2026

Location:

VERNON, 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.

Functional

Title:

Psychiatric Nursing Asst IV

Job Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst IV

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Max Sec Psych  Psychology

Posting Number: 17445

Closing Date: 08/30/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Support

Salary Range: $4,094.50 - $5,094.16

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-16

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: Vernon

MOS Codes: 4C0X1,68X,HM

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV (PNA Team Lead) performs advanced rehabilitative patient care services in an inpatient setting under the clinical supervision of a licensed nurse. The role includes coordinating assignments and duties for all PNAs, providing assistance with activities of daily living, educating staff on procedures and policies, delivering emergency, health, and personal care services, and documenting patient conditions and behaviors in an electronic record.

The team lead participates in individualized and unit‑based programming, shift reporting, and recovery team meetings, exercising significant initiative and independent judgment.

• Attend work on a regular basis and perform duties as assigned, including remaining available for rotating or extended shifts and overtime in accordance with agency leave policy.

• Coordinate assignments for PNAs, assisting patients with activities of daily living, promoting independence and self‑care.

• Implement individualized recovery plans, providing consistent support to help patients achieve goals.

• Use therapeutic, person‑centered communication skills to engage patients effectively.

• Accompany patients to required appointments.

• Communicate with team members to foster a positive workplace and share information with other PNAs about patient care roles.

• Participate in the recovery or admissions team, providing verbal and written updates on patient progress.

• Offer guidance to PNAs on communication of patient progress and treatment.

• Use basic computer skills and respond to questions about reporting procedures, ensuring clear and timely communication of patient care information.

• Assist the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication administration, taking vital signs, and performing tasks within competency level.

• Promote safety through environmental awareness and patient engagement; minimize unsafe situations and injuries.

• Promote and, when appropriate, co‑facilitate classes and programs.

• Respond to crisis or psychiatric emergency situations with least restrictive interventions, including verbal de‑escalation under RN supervision, and use CPR/AED skills as required.

• Provide objective information to the supervising RN for performance evaluations and identification of training or improvement opportunities.

• Serve as a preceptor for new employees and temporarily assigned personnel.

• Knowledge of CAPPS, CARE, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Knowledge of patient aggression reduction interventions.
• Knowledge of patient care techniques and treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient‑centered recovery programs.
• Knowledge of effective interpersonal and leadership skills; 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…