Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV - Team Lead

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

2d • $4,095 - $5,094 • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV (PNA Team Lead) performs advanced rehabilitative patient care services 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. 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. As a member of a recovery or admissions team, the position communicates and documents patient behavior 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 role also provides guidance and training to other PNAs, assists licensed nurses with monitoring patients during medication administration or treatment, and promotes patient and staff safety. Other assigned duties may include supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation, potentially at a different location or on an alternate shift pattern. The position is based at Austin State Hospital in Austin, Texas, is not eligible for telework, and may involve up to 5% travel. Additional pay may be available for evening, night, and/or weekend work.

Requirements

• At least four years of work experience.
• At least three years of direct care experience.
• Knowledge and experience with CAPPS, CARE, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Knowledge of patient aggression-reduction interventions, patient care techniques, treatment and therapy, developmental programs, and person-centered recovery programs.
• Effective interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to interact effectively with team members.
• 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 carry out 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 required registry checks.
• Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
• 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, including patient assistance with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating.
• Support implementation of individualized recovery plans and help patients work toward their goals using therapeutic, person-centered communication.
• Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate with team members and PNAs about their roles in supporting patient treatment.
• Participate in recovery team or admissions team activities and provide ongoing verbal and written communication about patients.
• Instruct PNAs on communicating patient progress toward individualized goals and on supporting patients’ recovery processes.
• Use computer skills and respond to PNA questions about reporting procedures to communicate patient care information clearly and promptly.
• Assist licensed nurses and guide PNAs in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, taking and monitoring vital signs, and performing other tasks within competency level.
• Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive engagement with patients to reduce unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promote available classes and programs, encourage patient participation, and co-facilitate groups as assigned or requested.
• Model appropriate responses during crises or psychiatric emergencies using the least restrictive intervention necessary, including verbal de-escalation and TIPS under direct RN supervision.
• Perform CPR and Heimlich techniques and use an AED according to American Heart Association specifications.
• Guide PNAs in providing RNs with timely, clinically relevant patient information based on observation and interaction, and actively participate in shift changes.
• Provide the supervising RN with objective information about assigned PNAs’ work performance to support evaluations and identify training or performance-improvement needs.
• Serve as a preceptor and provide orientation and ongoing training for new employees, including PNA Is, IIs, and temporarily assigned personnel.
• Attend work regularly and comply with assigned or rotating shifts, extended shifts, and overtime as required.
• Perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or COOP activation when required.

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: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed