Psychiatric Nursing Assistant II - Client Transportation

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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 Nursing Assistant II (PNA II)- Client Transportation Transcort, performs moderately complex (journey-level) rehabilitative patient care services work. Provides patient care services under the clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide quality psychiatric nursing care in an inpatient setting. Work involves transportation and escort of patients both on and off grounds for activities and appointments. Providing emergency, health, and personal care services to patients; observing, reporting, and documenting, in an electronic record, patient conditions and behaviors; interacting with patients therapeutically. Performs delegated nursing duties commensurate with competency. Performs routine on unit PNA II duties when transportation services are not needed and as required for staffing needs. May provide guidance to the PNA Is. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Completion of work requires the performance of moderately complex duties, while decision making is based on well-defined guidelines. The PNA II has no personal financial responsibility but is accountable for making purchases with state gasoline credit cards and appropriately utilizes state monies for the purchase of patient meals as outlined in facility and state policy. Must understand that duties, location of work, and shift patterns are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital. Must understand that duties may include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. This employee has full access to a limited set of records in accordance with HIPPA regulations.

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.

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.

Provides transportation/escort service to patients by providing therapeutic support, remaining with patients at outside appointments and ensuring patient arrival with belongings and appropriate documents.

Demonstrates responsible behavior in the handling of motor vehicles following state regulated traffic laws and driving in a safe manner to ensure the safety and well-being of patients during transport.

Reports information regarding patient status, transportation/escort issues, unsafe conditions, etc. to supervisor and/or other departments/agencies to ensure safety, continuity, and appropriate level of care.

Uses basic computer skills, documentation skills, and reporting procedures to communicate patient care information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.

Demonstrates sound judgment in making purchases with state gasoline credit cards and appropriately utilizes state monies for the purchase of patient meals as outlined in facility and state policy.

Completes check sheet daily and reports vehicle issues to supervisor and/or fleet management. Cleans vehicle after every trip and maintains vehicle mileage log.

Monitors patients as assigned to respond appropriately to ensure patient safety. Performs CPR techniques correctly and safely according to the specifications of the American Heart Association.

Utilizes therapeutic communication skills in interactions with patients and interacts with patients in a caring, respectful manner to promote the healing process and return of the patient to the least restrictive environment.

Performs routine PNA duties on patient care unit as needed and assigned including promoting safety by continuous monitoring of environment, responding effectively to emergency situations, facilitating, and assisting with programming, and assisting licensed nurse with any delegated task.

Serves as preceptor and provides guidance to PNAI's as assigned.

Serves on unit hospital committees as appointed.

In the event of unauthorized departure, this staff is expected to call local PD and the hospital immediately.

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 understanding of client’s rights.

Must be physically and mentally able to perform Treatment Intervention and Preventative Strategies (TIPS),

Heimlich maneuver and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Skill in basic reading, writing and arithmetic.

Skill in observing and evaluating behavior changes in individuals served in a psychiatric setting.

Skill in verbal communication to divert the behavior of individuals who have differing abilities to understand and to respond.

Skill in verbal and written communication to effectively communicate with hospital personnel, patients and the public when accompanying individuals to scheduled activities/appointments.

Ability to pass an agency provided defensive driving course.

Knowledge and understanding of Texas traffic laws.

Must be able to work closely with psychiatric patients.

Must be able to assist physically compromised patients.

Basic computer skills and the ability to operate standard office equipment.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Ability to lift, carry, pull, and push over 70 pounds.

Ability to read, write, and count.

Ability to identify and ensure correction of motor vehicle problems.

Ability to follow appropriate procedures when involved in an unexpected occurrence such as a motor vehicle accident while transporting patients.

Ability to respond appropriately to medical emergencies (heart attack, seizure, etc.) while in transport.

Ability to make decisions independently.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. 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:

Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent OR twelve (12) months’ work experience.

Direct care experience is preferred.

Additional Information:

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 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.