Psychiatric Nursing Asst III

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant III

Agency:
Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Department:
Psych Security Direct Care

Posting Number: 11762

Location:

Kerrville State Hospital, 721 Thompson Dr, Kerrville, TX

Salary: $3,649.83 - $4,594.50 per month

Shift: Day (additional shifts Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends may apply)

Eligibility for Telework:
No

Employment Type:

Regular, Full‑time, Non‑exempt

Closing Date:
March 5, 2026

• Attend work on a regular basis and may work specified shifts or rotating schedules, including extended shifts and overtime.
• Implement individualized recovery plans and provide ongoing support to help patients reach goals.
• Use therapeutic, person‑centered communication skills to engage patients, assist with activities of daily living, hygiene, and eating.
• Accompany patients to appointments as required.
• Communicate effectively with team members to promote a positive workplace and provide collaborative verbal and written communication concerning patients.
• Use basic computer skills, documentation, and reporting procedures to record patient care information clearly and concisely.
• Assist the licensed RN in monitoring patients for medication administration, taking and monitoring vital signs within competency level.
• Promote safety through environmental awareness and positive engagement of patients to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.
• Promote and encourage participation in classes and programs; co‑facilitate groups as assigned.
• Respond to crisis or psychiatric emergency situations using the least restrictive intervention, applying Treatment Intervention Protection Strategies (TIPS) under RN supervision.
• Perform CPR/Heimlich techniques and use an AED safely according to American Heart Association guidelines.
• Provide the RN with timely, clinically relevant patient information to promote safety.
• When PNA IV is absent, provide guidance to PNA I and II as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

• Knowledge of patient care techniques and treatment, therapy, developmental and patient‑centered recovery programs.
• Basic computer skills and documentation skills.
• Effective interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to interact with other team members using interpersonal skills.
• Skill 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 and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and conduct TIPS.
• Ability to work with others and accept supervision.
• Ability to train and provide guidance to others.

• Valid Texas driver license (or ability to obtain within 90 days) if transporting patients; out‑of‑state license holders must submit an original certified driving record.
• CPR certification, or ability to obtain CPR certification within the first 60 days of employment.

• At least 2 years’ work experience.
• One year of psychiatric patient experience or direct care required.

Two years of patient experience or direct care preferred. All 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). Male applicants 18‑25 must be registered with Selective Service. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age;
Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. Duties may include overtime and/or extended hours. Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and related state hospital procedures is required. Employees must receive vaccinations as per level of contact with patients. Non‑vaccination for influenza may necessitate mask use and other protective measures.

Military occupation(s) relating to the initial selection criteria and registration…