Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV Team Lead

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV Team Lead for the Austin State Hospital campus. The role leads PNAs, coordinates assignments, and supports recovery plans while ensuring patient safety and high-quality care in an inpatient setting.

The PNA IV Team Lead collaborates with RNs and the recovery/admissions teams, facilitates group activities, and aids in documentation and communication of patient progress.

Qualifications

• Four years of work experience required.
• At least three years Psychiatric patient experience preferred.
• CPR certification within first 60 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate PNAs, oversee daily living activities for patients, and promote independence.
• Provide verbal and written reports to RN and recovery/admissions teams.
• Assist with medication administration under supervision and monitor patient safety.
• Facilitate group activities and participate in shift change and handoffs.

Skills

CAPPS

CARE

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Functional Title

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV Team Lead

Job Title

Psychiatric Nursing Asst IV

Agency

Health & Human Services Comm

Department

Motor Pool

Posting Number

16979

Closing Date

10/05/2026

Posting Audience

Internal and External

Occupational Category

Healthcare Support

Salary Range

$4,094.50 - $5,094.16

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Salary Group

TEXAS-A-16

Shift

Compressed Weekend

Additional Shift

Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third)

Telework

Not Eligible for Telework

Travel

Up to 10%

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

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.

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant IV (PNA Team Lead)

Performs advanced (senior level) rehabilitative patient care services work under the clinical supervision of a licensed nurse to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. Work involves coordinating assignments and specific duties for all PNAs which include assisting the patients with activities of daily living, instructing staff on hospital and program procedures and policies, and 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. As an integral member of the recovery team or the admissions team provides verbal and supportive communication and documentation concerning individual patient behaviors, progress or lack thereof towards individualized goals of the recovery plan. Actively participates in shift reporting and recovery team meetings, or meetings with admissions staff. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 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. 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. As the team lead, coordinates assignments and specific duties for PNAs which include assisting the patient with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self-care. 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. Accompanies patient to appointments as required. Communicates effectively with other team members to promote a positive workplace. Shares information with other PNAs so they understand their role in supporting the patient’s treatment. Serves as a participant in the recovery team or admissions team. Provides on-going collaborative verbal, and written communication concerning patients. Instructs other PNAs on how to provide verbal and written communication concerning patient’s progress or lack thereof to their individualized goals. Develops plans for treatment and instructs other PNAs on how to take an active role with patients’ recovery processes. Uses basic computer skills and responds to questions from other PNAs on reporting procedures to communicate patient care information clearly and concisely in a timely manner. The PNA IV Team Lead assists the licensed nurse and provides guidance to other PNAs in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, including 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. 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 a RN to ensure the health and safety of all persons. Performs the CPR/Heimlich techniques and use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) correctly and safely according to the specification of the American Heart Association. Instructs other PNAs on how to provide the RN with timely, clinically relevant patient information (such as possible side effects of medication, disease/injury, or behavioral escalation gained by direct observation/interaction with patients to promote safety. Actively participates in shift change. Provides objective and relevant information to the supervising RN on an ongoing basis concerning the work performance of assigned PNAs to support a more comprehensive performance evaluation and to assist in the identification of training and/or other performance improvement opportunities. Serves as a preceptor (orientation and on-going training) for new employees including PNA Is, IIs, and other temporarily assigned personnel to the unit. 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 and experience in CAPPS, CARE, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Knowledge of patient aggression reduction interventions.
• Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient centered recovery programs.
• Knowledge of effective interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to interact with other team members utilizing effective interpersonal skills.
• Skills in the use of computer and office equipment.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
• Ability to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.
• 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, to conduct TIPS, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision.
• Ability to train others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

If transporting patients, will be required to have 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

Four years of work experience required.

At Least Three (3) Years Direct Care Experience Required

At least three (3) years Psychiatric patient experience preferred.

Additional Information

At least three (3) years Supervisory experience preferred. 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. Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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 to those 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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin