Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV Team Lead

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Antonio, TX

5d • $4,095 - $5,094 • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV Team Lead performs advanced rehabilitative patient care under the clinical supervision of a licensed nurse in an inpatient psychiatric setting. The role coordinates assignments and duties for Psychiatric Nursing Assistants (PNAs), supports patients with activities of daily living and individualized recovery plans, and provides emergency, health, and personal care. The Team Lead interacts therapeutically with patients; observes, reports, and documents patient conditions and behaviors in an electronic record; and participates in individualized and unit-based programming, recovery team meetings, shift reports, or admissions team meetings. The position works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The role provides guidance and instruction to PNAs on hospital procedures, patient care, reporting, and communication; assists licensed nurses with monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment and completing assigned tasks within competency; and helps promote safety and patient participation in classes and programs. The Team Lead models appropriate crisis responses, including least-restrictive interventions and verbal de-escalation under direct RN supervision, and serves as a preceptor for new employees. The position may support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which may require a different shift pattern or work location.

This is a full-time, regular, nonexempt position at San Antonio State Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. It is not eligible for telework and may involve travel up to 5%. The posted salary range is $4,094.50 to $5,094.16 per month. The position is primarily associated with day shift, with additional day and night shifts listed. Evening, night, and/or weekend work may qualify for additional pay. Flexible work hours, overtime, extended hours, rotating schedules, or alternate shifts may be required.

Requirements

• Four years of work experience.
• At least three years of direct care experience.
• Knowledge of CAPPS, 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.
• Computer and office equipment skills.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
• Ability to serve as a lead worker and provide direction to others.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English and effectively communicate and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to provide patient care, administer first aid and CPR, conduct TIPS, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision.
• Ability to train others.
• CPR certification or ability to obtain certification within the first 60 days of employment.
• If transporting patients, a valid Texas driver license is required, or must be obtained within 90 days of hire to drive a state vehicle; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and applicable registry checks.
• Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization-related operating procedures is required.
• Must provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work; HHSC uses E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of psychiatric patient experience preferred.
• At least three years of supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate assignments and specific duties for PNAs.
• Support patients with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care.
• Support implementation of individualized recovery plans and help patients work toward their goals.
• Use therapeutic, person-centered communication to engage patients and accompany them to appointments as required.
• Communicate with team members and share information with PNAs about their roles in supporting patient treatment.
• Participate in recovery or admissions teams and provide collaborative verbal and written communication about patients.
• Instruct PNAs on documenting and communicating patient progress toward individualized goals, and on supporting patients’ recovery processes.
• Use basic computer skills and answer PNAs’ questions about reporting procedures so patient care information is communicated clearly and promptly.
• Assist licensed nurses and guide PNAs in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, including taking and monitoring vital signs and performing assigned tasks within competency.
• Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive patient engagement to reduce unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promote classes and programs and encourage patient participation; co-facilitate groups as assigned or requested.
• Model crisis and psychiatric emergency responses using the least restrictive intervention necessary, including TIPS and verbal de-escalation under direct RN supervision.
• Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and use an Automatic External Defibrillator according to American Heart Association specifications.
• Instruct PNAs to provide the RN with timely, clinically relevant patient information, including observed medication side effects, illness or injury, and behavioral escalation.
• Participate in shift change and shift reporting.
• Provide the supervising RN with objective, relevant information about assigned PNAs’ work performance to support evaluations and identify training or performance-improvement needs.
• Precept and provide orientation and ongoing training to new employees, including PNA IIs, PNA Is, and temporarily assigned personnel.
• Attend work regularly and work assigned or rotating shifts, extended shifts, or overtime as required.
• Participate in or support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Additional pay may be available for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed