Psychiatric Advanced Nurse Practitioner

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 Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Job Title:

Psychiatric Advanced Nurse Pra

Agency:
Health & Human Services Comm

Department:
Max Sec Psych  Psychiatry

Posting Number: 14237

Closing Date: 03/27/2026

Posting Audience:
Internal and External

Occupational Category:
Healthcare Support

Salary Range: $12,390.00 - $14,356.00

Pay Frequency:
Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-29

Shift: Day

Additional

Shift:

Telework:
Not Eligible for Telework

Travel:
Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Full Time/Part Time:
Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Exempt

Facility

Location:

Vernon State Hospital

Job Location City: VERNON

Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 290X,46YX,66P,66R,HS

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 nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, 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 Advanced Practice RN is appointed by the Medical Director subject to the approval of the State Hospital Superintendent. Performs highly advanced (senior-level) psychiatric care under the supervision as delegated by a psychiatrist. Work involves assessing, planning, and providing comprehensive psychiatric patient care independently or in collaboration with other health care professionals. Plans, assigns, and/or supervises the work of others, including other APRNs as well as performs assigned administrative duties.

Meets face to face with individuals served as needed. Directs psychiatric activities/treatment, monitors trends and activities, and makes recommendations for improvement. Prescribes medications to include antipsychotics, orders and interprets laboratory and diagnostic testing, consults, and referrals. Performs all other duties as assigned by the Medical Director, including planning, assigning, and/or supervising the work of others; and representing the Medical Director in their absence.

Participates in the quality assessment and performance improvement program. Serves as a leader of the patient's recovery team. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Works under the clinical and administrative supervision of the Medical Director and/or delegating physician. May also work collaboratively with physicians via telemedicine.

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 also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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.

Operates within the scope of their licensure to promote and maintain a therapeutic and safe psychiatric milieu. Oversees and provides acute and long-term psychiatric care to individuals, including daily assessment in the patient's mental health status. Evaluates and makes appropriate referrals for patient's injury or change in physical status. The assessment also includes diagnosis, treatment, and development of a plan of care with documentation of the acute issue as it pertains to psychiatric treatment.

Prescribes medications, including antipsychotics, orders laboratory and diagnostic testing, consults, makes…