Psychiatric Nursing Asst II

Texas Health and Human Services; Wichita Falls (TX); On-site; USD 34,010 - 46,312; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time-off benefits

Opportunities for career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services in Wichita Falls is seeking a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant II to provide rehabilitative patient care services. The PNA II will assist patients with daily activities, implement recovery plans, and monitor their conditions under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

This full-time position requires twelve months of relevant work experience and offers a salary range of $3,047.58 - $4,149.83 monthly. Join a team dedicated to improving the lives of Texans.

Qualifications

• Twelve months of work experience.
• Twelve months of direct care experience is preferred.
• Ability to provide patient care and administer CPR.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with activities of daily living.
• Implement individualized recovery plans.
• Monitor patients for medication administration.

Skills

Patient care techniques

Taking vital signs

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Education

At least 12 months of work experience

CPR certification

Job description

Date: Jun 9, 2026

Location: WICHITA FALLS, 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.

Job Details

• Functional Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst II
• Job Title: Psychiatric Nursing Asst II
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: MaxSecPsych Direct Care
• Posting Number: 17801
• Closing Date: 09/07/2026
• 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
• 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
• MOS Codes: 4C0X1,68X,HM

Brief Job Description

The Psychiatric Nursing Assistant II (PNA II) performs moderately complex rehabilitative patient care services work. They provide patient care services under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to deliver quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. The role involves emergency, health and personal care services to patients; therapeutic interaction; observation, reporting and documentation of patient conditions and behaviors in an electronic record; and participation in individualized and unit‑based programming. The PNA II maintains direct and ongoing therapeutic interactions with patients to promote living and social skills, encouraging progress toward a lesser restrictive environment. They provide verbal and supportive documentation of individual patient behaviors and progress toward recovery plans, and participate in shift reports and recovery team meetings. Delegated nursing duties commensurate with competency are performed. Guidance may be provided to PNA Is. The PNA II works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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 and performs other duties as assigned.
• Takes an active role in implementing individualized recovery plans and offers consistent, ongoing support in assisting patients with reaching their goals. Uses therapeutic, person‑centered communication skills to engage patients promptly and effectively.
• 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 on the recovery team or admissions team, providing ongoing collaborative verbal and written communication concerning patients.
• Uses basic computer, documentation, and reporting skills to communicate patient care information clearly, concisely, and timely.
• Assists the licensed nurse 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.
• Responds in crisis or psychiatric emergency situations using the least restrictive intervention necessary, applying Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS) including verbal de‑escalation under RN supervision to ensure the health and safety of all persons.
• Performs CPR/Heimlich techniques and correctly uses an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) according to American Heart Association specifications.
• Provides the RN with timely, clinically relevant patient information such as possible side effects of medication, disease/injury, or behavioral escalation, resulting from direct observation and interaction with patients to promote safety.
• When a PNA III or IV is absent, provides guidance and preceptorship to PNAs as requested, maintaining smooth and efficient patient care delivery.
• Serves on 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 insights 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, which may include participation and/or serving in a supporting role for disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, possibly requiring alternate shift patterns and/or locations.

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.
• Skills 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 or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and 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 one no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle.
• 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.

Additional Information

• Twelve (12) months of direct care experience is 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, 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; applicants for the Waco and Terrell Center for Youth positions must be at least 21 years of age.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required; overtime and/or extended hours may be necessary.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements may include, but are 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.

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 online 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

• Selected candidates 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. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.