Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III

Health & Human Services Comm; Wichita Falls (TX); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Wichita Falls is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III to support psychiatric care at Wichita Falls State Hospital. The role involves assisting with activities of daily living, monitoring patients alongside licensed nurses, and participating in recovery plans and crisis interventions.

The position is full-time, evening shift with additional shifts available and not eligible for telework.

Qualifications

• At least two (2) years of work experience.
• One year of psychiatric patient care experience required.
• Two years of patient care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly and follow assigned shift schedules.
• Assist with recovery plans and support patient goals.
• Help with activities of daily living, hygiene and eating.
• Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate effectively with team members to maintain a positive environment.
• Support RN with medication monitoring and vital signs.
• Co-facilitate groups and participate in crisis interventions when needed.
• Provide timely patient care information to the RN and team.

Skills

Patient care

CPR

TIPS

English literacy

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Training others

Job description

Career Opportunities: Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III (22132)

Posting ID22132-Posted10/06/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-ExtendCarePsych Direct Care-Healthcare Support-Wichita Falls State Hospital-Not Eligible for Telework- Other Locations (1) - 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: Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III

Job Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: ExtendCarePsych Direct Care

Posting Number: 22132

Closing Date: 01/04/2027

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); Weekends

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: Wichita Falls State Hospital

Job Location City: WICHITA FALLS

Job Location Address: 6515 KEMP BLVD

Other Locations: Wichita Falls

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.

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 on-going 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 and models appropriate response 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 an 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) gained by direct observation/interaction with patients to promote safety.

In the absence of the PNA IV, provides guidance, as requested, to the PNA Is and IIs in the performance of duties assigned by an RN to maintain smooth, efficient provision of patient care.

Performs other duties as assigned. 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

Ability to read, write and understand English to effectively communicate and carry out verbal and written instructions

Ability to provide patient care, to 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

If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification for CPR within the first 60 days of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria

At least two (2) years’ work experience.

One year of psychiatric patient experience or direct care required.

Two years of patient experience or direct care 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 Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, 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 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.

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 .

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.