Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin, TX is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III to join our inpatient care team at Austin State Hospital. The role supports nurses and provides direct patient care in a licensed psychiatric setting, helping patients with daily living activities and participating in recovery-focused programs.

The PNA III works under RN supervision, documents patient conditions, and collaborates with the recovery team to promote progress toward

Responsibilities

• Provides patient care services under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting.
• Maintains direct and ongoing therapeutic interactions with patients to promote living and social skills and progress towards the recovery plan.
• Participates in shift reports and recovery team meetings; documents patient conditions and behaviors in the electronic record.

Job description

Date: Aug 28, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

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: Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III

Job Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Adm AcuteCarePsych Direct Car

Posting Number: 20759

Closing Date: 10/27/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Support

Salary Range: $3,649.83 - $4,594.50

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-14

Shift: Evening

Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third)

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Austin State Hospital

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 4110 GUADALUPE

Other Locations:

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. 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.

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (PNA III) performs complex (journey-level) rehabilitative patient care services work. Provides patient care services under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. Work involves providing emergency, health, and personal care services to patients; interacting with patients therapeutically; observing, reporting, and documenting, in an electronic record, patient conditions and behaviors; and participating in individualized and unit-based programming. The PNA III has a primary responsibility to maintain direct and on-going therapeutic interactions with patients to promote living and social skills, thus encouraging progress towards a less restrictive environment than the hospital. As an integral member of the recovery team, provides verbal and supportive documentation concerning individual patient behaviors, progress towards individualized goals of the recovery plan. Participates in shift reports and recovery team meetings. Performs delegated nursing duties commensurate with competency. May provide guidance and oversee the assigned tasks of the PNA I and II. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Completion of work requires the performance of complex duties, while decision making is based on well-defined guidelines. The PNA III has no financial responsibility but is accountable for assigned property. Must understand that duties, location of work, and shift patterns are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital. Must understand that duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. This employee has full access to a limited set of records in accordance with HIPPA regulations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Performs 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.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

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 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.
• Communicate 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