Psychiatric Technician (Safety)

Job Description and Duties

** See the Additional Information section regarding pay differentials you may be eligible for! **

The Psychiatric Technician (Safety) will be directed by the Unit Supervisor, RN Shift Lead, Senior Psychiatric Technician, or Health Services Specialist depending on the shift/program assigned at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

• Help to create a clean, safe and therapeutic environment for patients or inmates.
• Apply mental health principles and relationship security with patients or inmates.
• Supervise patient activities.
• Perform custody tasks including supervision of patient activities.
• Shakedown; i.e., searching for drugs, contraband, weapons and inspecting facilities to identify security breaches that could lead to the escape of a patient or inmate.
• Observe and intervene in patient behavior that may injure people, damage property or signal impending escape attempts.
• Applies and demonstrates knowledge of correct methods in Therapeutic Strategies and Interventions (TSI), that includes patient containment, heavy lifting, applying restraints, and responding to emergency situations throughout the hospital.
• Perform nursing procedures such as administering medications including oral medications and hypodermic injection, observing patients or inmates physical condition and behavior and reporting significant changes to a shift supervisor, unit supervisor or physician and recording nursing notes: in the patients or inmate record
• CPR, and following infection control procedures

Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

12-hour shifts and other alternate schedules may be available based on current staffing needs.

This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).

There are multiple vacancies for this classification. Positions filled may be assigned to any shift and any unit according to hospital need.

Special Requirements

• 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.

Applicants MUST have a current/valid California Psychiatric Technician license issued by the BVNPT AND MUST provide their valid PT License Number on their application.

Please submit one (1) letter of recommendation and/or your latest performance or clinical evaluation.

Only applicants who have a Psychiatric Technician license free and clear of disciplinary action will be offered an interview.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package including:

• Medical Benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Holidays and leave
• Defined benefit retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• Commute Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Eligibility and Minimum Requirements

In order to be considered for this job vacancy, you must satisfy one of the following requirements:

1. BE LIST ELIGIBLE: Successfully complete the competitive State civil service exam pertaining to this classification at , OR
2. BE TRANSFER ELIGIBLE: Have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable (employees who wish to be considered based on transfer eligibility must meet the minimum qualifications of the classification per DPA Rule 250), OR
3. BE REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBLE: Have obtained previous permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid license to practice as a Psychiatric Technician issued by the BVNPTE.

*Minimum qualifications will be verified prior to being scheduled for an interview. Please provide proof of minimum qualifications with your application submission.

*If it is determined that an applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications, the applicant’s name may be removed from the eligibility list.

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.
• Other -

  Applicants MUST have a current/valid California Psychiatric Technician license issued by the BVNPT AND MUST provide their valid PT License Number on their application.

• Other - Please submit one (1) letter of recommendation and/or your latest performance or clinical evaluation.