PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT

About the role

The Stabilization Training Assistance Re-Integration (STAR) homes provide 24/7 care for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities experiencing an acute crisis. These homes aim to empower individuals through person-centered approaches, helping them return home or transition to less restrictive community settings. STAR serves adolescents (11-17 years old) and adults (18+) receiving regional center services in four- to five-bed community homes located in Vacaville, Springville, and Costa Mesa.

The Psychiatric Technician Assistant (PTA) delivers behavioral training and psychiatric nursing care, including direct care, training, and recreational activities. PTAs also provide cross-training to community home staff or family to ensure continuity of care and maintain required credentials, including a Psychiatric Technician Assistant license and mandatory trainings.

Responsibilities

• Provide general behavioral training and psychiatric nursing care to consumers.
• Perform on-site direct care, training, and participate in recreational activities with consumers.
• Deliver cross-training to community home staff or family to maintain continuity of care.
• Maintain credentials for Psychiatric Technician Assistant licensure and attend required trainings.
• Model safe and healthy living behaviors in a home environment.
• Engage individuals with a wide range of interests while supporting self-determined lives.

Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License (CDL).
• Pass a drug screening prior to hire.
• Clear a background investigation prior to hire.
• Obtain medical clearance prior to hire.
• Possess a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health without restrictions.
• Acquire and maintain a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification within 365 days of employment.
• Complete competency-based training for Direct Support Professional I and II or pass the challenge test within one year of employment.
• Maintain continuing education units (CEUs) for license renewal and attend mandatory facility training, including CPR, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), and Ukeru training.
• Lawful authorization to work in the United States (visa sponsorship not provided).
• Residency in the State of California at the time of appointment.

Skills

• Knowledge of basic nursing care methods and techniques.
• Cultural sensitivity for the population served, including positive behavioral support, trauma-informed care, coaching skills, and person-centered practices.
• Ability to use less restrictive techniques to address behavioral issues.
• Experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors (highly desirable).
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds without assistance and complete self-defense and hands-on intervention training, including two-person wall containment with resistive individuals.
• Ability to work with individuals with developmental disabilities (e.g., autism, intellectual disability) and severe behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-injury, property destruction, elopement) or psychiatric conditions (e.g., psychosis, mood disorders, PTSD, suicidal ideation).

Working Conditions

• Ongoing interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or severe psychiatric and behavioral conditions in STAR residences and community activities.
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, medicinal preparations, and other clinical nursing environment conditions.
• Planned and scheduled travel with possible overnight stays.
• Mandatory overtime as needed to meet staffing requirements.

Pay

New to State candidates will be hired at the minimum salary of $3,800.00 per month. Effective October 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a 3% salary reduction in exchange for five hours per month of Personal Leave Program time.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
• Retirement benefits through CalPERS.
• Additional benefits may apply based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.

Department Information

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and related conditions. Services are delivered through state-operated developmental centers, community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers.

For questions, contact: ddsstarrecruitment@dds.ca.gov.