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 (PNA 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 PNAs, supports patients with activities of daily living, and provides emergency, health, and personal care. It includes therapeutic interaction with patients; observation, reporting, and electronic documentation of patient conditions and behaviors; and participation in individualized and unit-based programming. As part of the recovery or admissions team, the PNA IV provides verbal and written information about patient behaviors and progress toward recovery goals, participates in shift reporting and team meetings, and works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The position is based in the Maximum Security Unit at San Antonio State Hospital. Work schedules are 7 a.m.–7 p.m. or 7 p.m.–7 a.m.; the position may also require rotating schedules, overtime, extended hours, or alternate shifts and locations during disaster response or Continuity of Operations activation. The role may be eligible for additional pay for evening, night, weekend, or maximum-security work. It is not eligible for telework.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission offers full-time eligible employees 100% paid employee health insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off, and career advancement opportunities.

Requirements

• At least 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 and the ability to work effectively with team members.
• Skill using computers and office equipment.
• 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 communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions effectively.
• 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 the record must meet HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Must pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and required registry checks.
• Must be at least 18 years old to work at a state-operated facility.
• Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and applicable state hospital procedures.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Coordinate assignments and specific duties for PNAs.
• Assist 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; accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate with team members and share information so PNAs understand their roles in supporting patient treatment.
• Participate in recovery or admissions teams and provide ongoing verbal and written communication concerning patients.
• Instruct PNAs on documenting and communicating patient progress toward individualized goals; develop treatment plans and guide PNAs in supporting 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 medication administration or treatment, taking and monitoring vital signs, and performing assigned tasks within competency.
• Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive engagement with patients to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promote classes and programs, encourage patient participation, and co-facilitate groups when assigned or requested.
• Model appropriate responses in crises or psychiatric emergencies, using the least restrictive intervention and TIPS, including verbal de-escalation, under direct RN supervision.
• Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and use an AED safely and correctly according to American Heart Association specifications.
• Instruct PNAs on providing RNs with timely, clinically relevant patient information, including observations about possible medication side effects, illness or injury, and behavioral escalation; participate in shift change.
• Provide the supervising RN with objective, relevant information about assigned PNAs’ work performance to support performance evaluation and identify training or improvement opportunities.
• Serve as a preceptor for orientation and ongoing training of new PNA I and II employees and other personnel temporarily assigned to the unit.
• Attend work regularly and perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or COOP activation as needed.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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