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: MaxSecPsych 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 Brief Job Description 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. Essential Job Functions • 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, Skills And Abilities 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 as a lead worker providing direction to others. 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, conduct TIPS, and communicate effectively. Ability to work with others and accept supervision. Ability to train others. Certifications & Eligibility • Valid Texas driver license (or ability to obtain within 90 days) for transporting patients; out‑of‑state licenseees must provide a certified driving record. • CPR certification or ability to obtain within 60 days of employment. Qualifications and Requirements • Four years of general work experience, including at least three years of direct care experience; three years of psychiatric patient experience is preferred. • At least three years of supervisory experience is preferred. • Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks, including CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and LEIE. Males aged 18–25 must be registered with 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. • Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital procedures regarding immunizations is required. Employees must be vaccinated for hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and influenza; if not vaccinated for influenza, a mask and other protective measures may be required. • HHSC uses E‑Verify and requires I‑9 documentation on the first day of work. Work Hours and Overtime Flexibility in work hours may be required. The position may require overtime and/or extended hours. Other Information Nearest Major Market: Wichita Falls #J-18808-Ljbffr