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:

1. Have you worked with children or adolescents who have autism or developmental disabilities?
2. Can you commit to 12-hour shifts?
3. Are you flexible to work days, nights, or weekends?
4. Are you passionate about helping children build communication, social, and life skills?
5. 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.