Psychiatric Nursing Asst I

Texas Health and Human Services; Big Spring (TX); On-site; USD 30,902 - 39,590; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time-off benefits

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is hiring a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I in Big Spring, Texas. This role involves providing routine rehabilitative patient services under clinical supervision, assisting with daily living activities, and ensuring safe patient care.

The ideal candidate should have experience in patient care techniques and be able to communicate effectively. A comprehensive benefits package is included, which covers health insurance, retirement plans, and generous time-off benefits.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of patient care techniques and recovery programs.
• Ability to read, write and understand English.
• Six months of direct care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with activities of daily living and promote self-care.
• Accompany patients to appointments.
• Communicate effectively and participate in recovery team meetings.
• Monitor patients for medication administration.
• Maintain accurate documentation of patient behaviors.

Skills

Patient care techniques

Basic computer skills

Effective communication

First aid and CPR

Job description

Date: Jul 2, 2026
Location: BIG SPRING, TX
Agency: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
Department: IntermedCare Psych Direct Care

Functional Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst I
Job Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst I
Posting Number: 18501
Closing Date: 09/30/2026
Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Range: $2,769.08 - $3,547.58 per month
Shift: Regular Evening and Weekend
Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%

Facility Location: Big Spring State Hospital
Job Location Address: 1901 N HIGHWAY 87, BIG SPRING, TX

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time‑off benefits, and numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Role Overview

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant I (PNA I) performs entry‑level to routine rehabilitative patient services work under the clinical supervision of a licensed nurse. The role includes providing emergency, health, and personal care services, interacting with patients therapeutically, monitoring and documenting patient conditions and behaviors, participating in individualized and unit‑based programming, and maintaining direct therapeutic interactions to promote living and social skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating to promote independence and self‑care.
• Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate effectively with other team members and participate in shift reports and recovery team meetings.
• Assist the licensed nurse in monitoring patients for medication administration or treatment, taking and monitoring vital signs, and performing other assigned tasks within competency level.
• Promote safety through continuous environmental awareness and positive engagement of patients to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promote classes and programs offered and encourage patient participation; co‑facilitate groups as assigned or requested.
• Respond in crisis or psychiatric emergency situations using the least restrictive intervention necessary, applying Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS) and verbal de‑escalation under RN supervision.
• Perform CPR, Heimlich techniques, and use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) as per American Heart Association specifications.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation as required.
• Maintain accurate documentation in an electronic record of patient conditions and behaviors.

Essential Job Functions

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, a rotating schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy. Performs other duties as assigned, including supporting roles for disaster response and COOP activation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of patient care techniques and of treatment, therapy, developmental, and patient‑centered recovery programs.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills.
• 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 conduct TIPS.
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision.

Registrations, Licensure, and Certifications

If transporting patients, possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. CPR certification is required or must be obtained within the first 60 days of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria

Six (6) months’ direct care work experience.

Additional Information

Six months of direct care experience is preferred.

Pre‑Employment Checks and Work Eligibility

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and required registry checks. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age (21 for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth). Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures is required.

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to supervisor discretion and business needs.

Legal and Disability Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability.