Job Description
Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Schedule: 12-hour shifts | Days, Nights, or Weekends
About Nexus Children's Hospital - Houston Nexus Children's Hospital - Houston offers structured, inpatient care for
children ages 4 to 18 with
severe autism and other
intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) . Situated in a quiet neighborhood in Houston's
Westchase District , this bright, home-like environment provides a safe, supportive space for children to grow and heal.
Our dedicated team helps patients
reduce aggressive behaviors , develop
effective communication methods , improve
social interaction , and ultimately
reintegrate successfully into their communities - because at Nexus,
we're mending minds. Position Summary The
Patient Care Assistant (PCA) provides direct care, structure, and emotional support to children and adolescents with autism and developmental disabilities. Working under the supervision of licensed nurses and behavioral health professionals, the PCA helps patients build communication skills, manage behaviors, and participate in therapeutic and educational activities designed to enhance independence and quality of life.
Key Responsibilities - Provide direct care and supervision for pediatric patients, assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and grooming.
- Observe, monitor, and accurately document patients' behavior, communication progress, participation, and vital signs.
- Foster a safe, predictable, and nurturing environment consistent with trauma-informed and autism-sensitive practices.
- Support behavioral interventions, sensory activities, and structured routines designed to promote stability and engagement.
- Assist in implementing individualized care and behavioral support plans under clinical direction.
- Respond to behavioral escalations or crises using approved de-escalation and intervention techniques to ensure safety.
- Collaborate closely with nurses, therapists, behavioral specialists, and educators to provide coordinated, compassionate care.
Licensure & Certifications - De-escalation Training - required within 30 days of hire
- CPR / BLS Certification - required
Our Core Values: GOPTIC At Nexus,
GOPTIC is more than a slogan-it's the foundation of how we care for children and families.
- Genuine - We act with honesty, integrity, and empathy in all interactions.
- Ownership - We take responsibility for our actions and celebrate our shared success.
- Positivity - We create a hopeful and encouraging environment for every child and family.
- Teamwork - We work together across disciplines to achieve the best outcomes.
- Innovation - We constantly seek better, more creative ways to support healing and growth.
- Compassion - We put our patients first, leading with kindness and understanding.
Before You Apply Ask yourself:
- Have you worked with children or adolescents who have autism or developmental disabilities?
- Can you commit to 12-hour shifts ?
- Are you flexible to work days, nights, or weekends ?
- Are you passionate about helping children build communication, social, and life skills ?
- Do you live the GOPTIC values every day?
If your answer is
YES , we invite you to
apply today and join the
Houston team within the
Nexus network of care - where we're
mending minds and empowering growth every day.
Job Tags
Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Weekend work, Day shift,