PNA III / Direct Care

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Functional Title: PNA III / Direct Care
Job Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Chld /orAdolPsych Direct Care
Posting Number: 20777
Closing Date: 09/15/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $3,649.83- $4,594.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-14
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third); Weekends
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Waco Center for Youth
Job Location City: WACO
Job Location Address: 3501 N 19TH ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 4C0X1,68X,HM

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (PNA III) performs complex (journey-level) rehabilitative patient care services work under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. Work involves providing emergency, health, and personal care services to patients; observing, reporting, and documenting, in an electronic record, patient conditions and behaviors; interacting with patients therapeutically; and participating in individualized and unit-based programming. The PNA III has a primary responsibility to maintain direct and ongoing therapeutic interactions with patients to promote living and social skills, thus encouraging progress towards a lesser restrictive environment. As an integral member of the recovery team or admissions team, provides verbal and supportive documentation concerning individual patient behaviors, including progress or lack thereof, towards individualized goals of the recovery plan. Participates in shift reports and recovery team meetings or admissions team meetings. Performs delegated nursing duties commensurate with competency. May provide guidance and oversee the assigned tasks of the PNA Is and IIs. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Completion of work requires the performance of moderately complex duties, while decision-making is based on well-defined guidelines. The PNA III has no financial responsibility but is accountable for assigned property. Must understand that duties, location of work, and shift patterns are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital. Must understand that duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. This employee has full access to a limited set of records in accordance with HIPPA regulations.

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.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

• Takes an active role in the implementation of the individualized recovery plans and offers consistent, ongoing support in assisting patients in 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 patients 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 ongoing, 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 a 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, etc.) gained by direct observation/interaction with patients to promote safety.

• In the absence of the PNA IV, provides guidance and preceptorship, as requested, to the PNA Is and IIs in the performance of duties assigned by a RN to maintain smooth, efficient provision of patient care.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure efficient operation of the patient care unit. 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.

• Skill 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, 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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications :

• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy. Must be able to drive state vehicles and golf carts.

• CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification for CPR within the first 60 days of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• At least two (2) years’ work experience is required.

• One (1) year psychiatric patient or direct care experience is required.

• Two (2) years' psychiatric patient or direct care experience is preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and Employee Misconduct, and List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and State Hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All of these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, State Hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Waco Center for Youth is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that serves teenagers ages 13 through 17 with emotional difficulties and/or behavioral problems. Waco Center for Youth bases its treatment philosophy on the belief that both behavior change and an understanding of self and others are equally important in achieving significant long term success in treatment. The mission of Waco Center for Youth is “to give each youth a chance for change” by providing comprehensive psychiatric residential treatment services to emotionally disturbed adolescents of the state of Texas. The facility is operated by the Health and Human Services Commission and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Facilities.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on aiapply.co. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.