PRE-LICENSED PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN

Job Description and Duties

The Department of Developmental Services (Department) is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join their team at the Stabilization Training Assistance Reintegration (STAR) Acute Crisis Homes. As a member of the STAR team, you will work to provide support to individuals with developmental disabilities during times of acute crisis. This role requires individuals who are passionate about person-centered care, and who are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. STAR currently provides assistance to adolescents (11-17 years old) and adults (18 years of age and older) who are receiving regional center services. The STAR homes are four to five bed homes in community settings (Vacaville, Springville, and Costa Mesa).

As a member of the Department STAR team, you will work in a community home setting where you will be responsible for assisting individuals with activities of daily living, providing emotional support, and promoting independence. This is an incredibly rewarding position for individuals who are passionate about helping others and who want to make a positive impact in their community. If you are looking for a career where you can truly make a difference, then we encourage you to apply for a role with the Department STAR Acute Crisis Homes today.

Effective October 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave Program.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

On-going interaction with consumers with developmental disabilities and severe psychiatric and behavioral conditions at STAR residence and in community settings, such as consumer's homes, hospital or psychiatric settings. Potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical nursing environment. Work will include travel and possible over-night stays.

Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

The classification of Pre-Licensed Psychiatric Technician is a temporary classification in the Psychiatric Technician series. Incumbents must have been graduated from a training program for Psychiatric Technicians accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners or must have been accepted by that Board to take the licensing examination. All positions in this class are established for nine months and all appointments are made on a temporary basis. Incumbents will be required to become licensed by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners within this nine-month period of time.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Knowledge of: Cultural sensitivity for the population being served, positive behavioral supports, trauma informed care, coaching skills training, person centered practices, and utilize less restrictive techniques to address behavioral issues. Competency in the area of self-defense and hands-on intervention training, including two-person wall containment with resistive consumers up to 350 lbs. for up to 10 minutes. Possesses and maintains sufficient strength, agility, endurance, and sensory ability to perform the duties contained in this duty statement. At least three months prior experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities who have challenging behavior service needs is highly preferred.

Ability to : Work with consumers with developmental disabilities (e.g. autistic spectrum disorder, intellectual disability) and severe behavior (e.g. aggression, self-injurious behavior, property destruction, and elopement) and psychiatric conditions and symptoms (e.g. psychosis, mood disorders, PTSD, and suicidal ideation); lift 100 pounds with assistance; complete all required training and perform them during work; respond quickly to alarm within 200 feet (may occur several times daily) in interior of building; run 100 yards; assist a consumer to a standing position up to 350 lbs; bend/squat up to 5 minutes; safely contain one limb of a combative consumer up to 5 minutes; and push/pull/lift up to 50 lbs. (including laundry or medication carts).

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the website.

Additional Information

This is a Non-Testing Class and anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for the position without taking an examination/assessment.

The next cut-off dates for this job posting are:

07/17/2026
07/31/2026
08/14/2026

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.