Evening Shift PNA IV - Team Lead

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•San Antonio, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV (Team Lead) to join their team. HHSC is committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of Texans, offering a supportive environment and comprehensive benefits. The organization comprises nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state-supported living centers, all accredited by The Joint Commission and focused on recovery-oriented, science-based treatment. This advanced (senior level) role involves providing rehabilitative patient care services under the clinical supervision of a licensed nurse in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Key responsibilities include coordinating assignments for other PNAs, assisting patients with daily living activities, instructing staff on procedures, providing emergency and personal care, therapeutically interacting with patients, observing and documenting patient conditions, and participating in programming. The PNA IV also assists in the hiring and training process of PNAs, oversees their direct reports, and contributes to recovery or admissions teams by providing communication and documentation on patient behaviors and progress. The position operates under limited supervision, allowing for initiative and independent judgment, and may involve participation in disaster response or COOP activation.

Requirements

Knowledge and experience in CAPPS, CARE, Microsoft Word, and Excel
Knowledge of patient aggression reduction interventions
Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient centered recovery programs
Knowledge of effective interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to interact with other team members utilizing effective interpersonal skills
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, to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, to conduct TIPS, and to communicate effectively
Ability to work with others and accept supervision
Ability to train others
If transporting patients, will be required to have a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle.
Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification for CPR within the first 60 days of employment.
Four years of work experience.
At least three (3) years direct care experience.
Pass a fingerprint criminal background check.
Pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Pass registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.

Nice To Haves

At least three (3) years Psychiatric patient experience.
At least three (3) years Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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.
Oversees the daily operations and coordinates assignments and specific duties for PNAs which include assisting the patient with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care.
Takes an active role in the implementation of the individualized recovery plans and offers consistent, ongoing support in assisting patients reaching their goals.
Uses therapeutic, person-centered communication skills in promptly and effectively engaging patients.
Accompanies patient to appointments as required.
Communicates effectively with other team members to promote a positive workplace.
Shares information with other PNAs so they understand their role in supporting the patient’s treatment.
Serves as a participant in the recovery team or admissions team.
Provides on-going collaborative verbal, and written communication concerning patients.
Instructs other PNAs on how to provide verbal and written communication concerning patient’s progress or lack thereof to their individualized goals.
Develops plans for treatment and instructs other PNAs on how to take an active role with patients’ recovery processes.
Uses basic computer skills and responds to questions from other PNAs on reporting procedures to communicate patient care information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.
Assists the licensed nurse and provides guidance to other PNAs in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, including 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.
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 the CPR/Heimlich techniques and use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) correctly and safely according to the specification of the American Heart Association.
Instructs other PNAs on how to provide the RN with timely, clinically relevant patient information (such as possible side effects of medication, disease/injury, or behavioral escalation gained by direct observation/interaction with patients to promote safety.
Actively participates in shift change.
Provides objective and relevant information to the supervising RN on an ongoing basis concerning the work performance of assigned PNAs to support a more comprehensive performance evaluation and to assist in the identification of training and/or other performance improvement opportunities.
Serves as a preceptor (orientation and on-going training) for new employees including PNA Is, IIs, and other temporarily assigned personnel to the unit.
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.
Assists in the Hiring and Training process of PNAs.
Oversees their direct report.
Interacting with patients therapeutically.
Observing, reporting, and documenting, in an electronic record, patient conditions and behaviors.
Participating in individualized and unit-based programming.
Actively participates in shift reporting and recovery team meetings, or meetings with admissions staff.