PNA II / Direct Care

Texas Health and Human Services Commission; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (100% paid)

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Waco seeks a PNA II / Direct Care to join the Waco Center for Youth. You will assist with care plans, support daily living activities, and help teens toward recovery in a collaborative team.

This full-time, non-telework role requires flexible shifts including evenings and weekends. HHSC provides a strong benefits package: 100% paid employee health insurance for eligible staff, pension, generous leave, and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of patient care techniques and recovery programs.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and reporting.
• Interpersonal and leadership skills for teamwork.
• Ability to take vital signs and monitor patient status.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English.
• Ability to provide patient care, first aid, CPR, and TIPS.
• Ability to train and guide others.

Responsibilities

• Attend regular shifts and comply with scheduling.
• Assist with individualized recovery plans and daily living activities.
• Communicate effectively with team members to support patient care.
• Participate in recovery and admissions teams with clear documentation.
• Assist licensed nurses with medication monitoring and vital signs.
• Promote safety and engage patients to reduce risks.
• Contribute to committees and quality improvement efforts.

Skills

Patient care techniques

Basic computer skills

Interpersonal leadership

Vital signs

English literacy

Medical communication

Team collaboration

Training others

Education

CPR certification

Texas driver's license

Job description

Career Opportunities: PNA II / Direct Care (22685)

Posting ID22685-Posted10/27/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-Chld /orAdolPsych Direct Care-Healthcare Support-Waco Center for Youth-Not Eligible for Telework- Additional Shifts available (4) -b. $3000 - $4999 per month

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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage .

Functional Title:PNA II / Direct Care
Job Title:Psychiatric Nursing Asst II
Agency:Health & Human Services Comm
Department:Chld /orAdolPsych Direct Care
Posting Number:22685
Closing Date:11/26/2026
Posting Audience:Internal and External
Occupational Category:Healthcare Support
Salary Range:$3,047.58-$4,149.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group:TEXAS-A-12
Shift:Evening
Additional Shift:Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third); Weekends
Telework:Not Eligible for Telework
Travel:Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary:Regular
Full Time/Part Time:Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:Nonexempt
Facility Location:Waco Center for Youth
Job Location City:WACO
Job Location Address:3501 N 19TH ST
Other Locations:None
MOS Codes: 4C0X1,68X,HM

Brief Job Description :

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs) :

• 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.
• Takes an active role in the implementation of the individualized recovery plans and offers consistent, ongoing support in assisting patients in reaching their goals. Uses therapeutic, person-centered communication skills in promptly and effectively engaging patients. Assists with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care. Accompanies patients to appointments as required.
• Communicates effectively with other team members to promote a positive workplace.
• Serves as a participant in the recovery team or admissions team. Provides ongoing, collaborative, verbal and written communication concerning patients.
• Uses basic computer skills, documentation skills, and reporting procedures to communicate patient care information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.
• Assists the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment. Includes 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.
• Responds 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 CPR/Heimlich techniques and use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.
• Provides RN with timely, clinically relevant patient information (such as possible side effects of medication, disease/injury, behavioral escalation, etc.) gained by direct observation/interaction with patients to promote safety.
• In the absence of the PNA III and IV, provides guidance and preceptorship, as requested, to the PNA Is in the performance of duties assigned by a RN to maintain smooth, efficient provision of patient care.
• Serves in both unit-based and hospital-wide committees as appointed, contributing to interdisciplinary efforts focused on quality improvement, patient safety, and strategic planning. Responsibilities include attending regular meetings, collaborating with team members, and offering insight to enhance patient care and support departmental goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure efficient operation of the patient care unit. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to 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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) :

• Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient-centered recovery programs.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of effective interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to interact with other team members utilizing effective interpersonal skills.
• Skill in taking vital signs.
• 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, and to conduct TIPS.
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision.
• Ability to train and provide guidance to others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications :

• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy. Must be able to drive state vehicles and golf carts.
• CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification for CPR within the first 60 days of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria :

• Twelve (12) months' work experience is required.
• Twelve (12) months' direct care experience is preferred.

Additional Information :

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and Employee Misconduct, and List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the 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.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and State Hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All of these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, State Hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Waco Center for Youth is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that serves teenagers ages 13 through 17 with emotional difficulties and/or behavioral problems. Waco Center for Youth bases its treatment philosophy on the belief that both behavior change and an understanding of self and others are equally important in achieving significant long term success in treatment. The mission of Waco Center for Youth is “to give each youth a chance for change” by providing comprehensive psychiatric residential treatment services to emotionally disturbed adolescents of the state of Texas. The facility is operated by the Health and Human Services Commission and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Facilities.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited tothose listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions .

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