DSA Admissions

Hiring range: $39,982 – $55,175 (Pay Band 3). Agency: Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services, Western State Hospital.

About the role

The Psychiatric Care Technician provides direct patient care and support within the Harvest/Webb Learning Center, Admissions Office, and other hospital areas as assigned. This position plays an important role in maintaining a safe, therapeutic, recovery-oriented environment while supporting patients throughout treatment and the admission process.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient supervision and support during Learning Center/PSR programming while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Implement individualized treatment plans and one-to-one interventions using recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care principles.
• Serve as a role model and provide direction to PCT/DSA staff regarding patient engagement, assignments, safety procedures, and appropriate use of sensory integration tools.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to behavioral and psychiatric emergencies using TOVA principles and least-restrictive approaches.
• Assist with orientation of new employees to Learning Center procedures and expectations.
• Provide coverage in the Admissions Office as needed, including monitoring newly admitted patients, obtaining and documenting vital signs, assisting with patient needs, and supporting the admission process.
• Provide direction and assistance to PCT/DSA staff assigned to Admissions Office duties.
• Complete required patient observations, safety checks, flow sheets, reports, and other clinical documentation accurately and timely.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, hygiene, appropriate clothing, nutritional needs, and other direct-care needs.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients, coworkers, nursing staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain a safe therapeutic environment and support hospital efforts to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint.
• Provide unit support and accept deployment to the Learning Center, Admissions Office, inpatient units, or other areas based on patient care and staffing needs.
• Assist with patient transportation to off-site clinical appointments when assigned.
• Complete required annual competencies, mandated training, core training requirements, and continuing education.
• Demonstrate reliability and flexibility, including the ability to adjust work schedules or remain beyond scheduled hours when necessary to support patient care and safe staffing.

Requirements

• Able to effectively communicate with patients and staff.
• Able to follow instructions and report observations/behaviors to licensed nurse.
• Demonstrates knowledge of trauma-informed care.

Qualifications

• Previous healthcare experience preferred.
• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and/or previous psychiatric experience preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus.
• Veteran or spouse of veteran status considered.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

Pay

Minimum of $39,982 to a maximum of $55,175.