Psychiatric Nursing Assist V

Job Summary

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant (PNA) V – a senior‑level role that oversees daily operations, quality programs, and staff at Vernon State Hospital. The position requires extensive supervision, leadership, and direct patient care expertise. Working evenings, the assistant may be eligible for additional pay.

• Functional
  
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  Psychiatric Nursing Assist V
• Job Title: Psychiatric Nursing Assist V
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: Vernon South Campus
• Posting Number: 18160
• Closing Date: 07/24/2026
• Salary Range: $4,094.50 – $5,921.16 per month
• Shift: Evening
• Travel: Up to 5%
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time
• Reg/Tmp: Regular
• FLSA Status: Non‑exempt
• Location: 4730 College Dr, Vernon, TX (Vernon State Hospital)
• Additional Shift: Not eligible for Telework
• Telework Disclaimer: Position may be eligible for telework per agency policy.

The PNA V performs highly advanced supervisory work, including:

• Overseeing daily operations and delivery of quality programs and services on the assigned unit.
• Arranging work schedules to ensure adequate supervision and coverage based on supervision and direct‑care levels.
• Providing leadership, planning, assigning, and supervising PNAs; hiring, training, coaching, accounting for time and leave, and promoting professional growth.
• Modeling and coaching PNA IV staff to build supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ensuring care, treatment, training, and support activities are completed and documented in collaboration with other disciplines.
• Providing consultation, guidance, and support to staff for working with individuals who exhibit challenging behaviors.
• Maintaining a physical presence to ensure safe living conditions, infection control, and risk‑management protocols.
• Ensuring proper documentation of incidents and involvement in continuous quality improvement.
• Identifying areas for change and making recommendations to improve operations to the Unit Director.
• Attending assigned meetings, preparing reports, and participating in interdisciplinary teams.
• Performing other duties as assigned, including disaster response, COOP activation, and alternate shift patterns.

• Attend work on a regular basis, adhere to shift schedules, and perform duties as assigned, including overtime. (10%)
• Oversee unit operations, arrange schedules, and collaborate with other PNAVs. (10%)Lead, plan, assign, and supervise PNAs; hire, train, evaluate, and maintain accurate time entries. (10%)
• Train PNA IV staff to manage shifts, monitor behavior, and document program plans. (10%)
• Ensure care, treatment, and training is completed and documented, and promote integrated services. (10%)
• Provide consultation and strategies for working with individuals exhibiting challenging behaviors. (10%)
• Supervise staff duties, maintain safety, and provide positive feedback. (10%)
• Administer first aid, conduct emergency drills, and report significant changes in patient condition. (10%)
• Maintain safe environment, enforce infection control, and submit work orders. (10%)
• Engage in continuous quality improvement, report incidents, and recommend operational changes. (5%)
• Assist PNA staff with program procedures, investigations, and timeliness of administrative tasks. (5%)
• Attend routine meetings, serve on committees, and perform additional tasks such as transporting patients. (5%)
• Other duties as assigned, including disaster response or COOP activation. (5%)

• Knowledge of patient care techniques.
• Knowledge of therapeutic intervention.
• Knowledge of de‑escalation techniques.
• Skill in administering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Skill in responding to emergency psychiatric situations, including restraint and seclusion.
• Skill in use of TIPS (Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies).
• Ability to speak and read English.
• Ability to provide appropriate direct patient care.
• Ability to communicate effectively and model appropriate communication with staff and patients.
• Ability to conduct and mentor enhanced searches for contraband.
• Ability to observe, document, and report special observations for malingering.
• Ability to work with, teach, and model observations…