PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT (SAFETY)

Under the direction of the Shift Lead, provides a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment on the unit where forensic individuals reside. The Psychiatric Technician Assistant (PTA) assists licensed care staff by participating in rehabilitation/habilitation treatment programs, including behavioral management training, care, and supervision. Helps individuals develop and utilize their potential for self-care and activities of daily living.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing rehabilitation and habilitation treatment programs, including behavioral management training.
• Support individuals in activities of daily living and self-care.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for forensic individuals.
• Work extended hours and various shifts as required, including floating to all work areas within the facility.
• Maintain professional conduct and high work performance standards.
• Perform custody tasks such as escorting forensic individuals, counting and distributing utensils/tools, inspecting facilities for security breaches, and intervening in behaviors that may cause injury or signal escape attempts.
• Act as a mandated reporter for suspected abuse cases.
• Maintain required Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and complete annual training and physical requirements.

Requirements

• Must possess and maintain Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.
• Must complete annual training and physical requirements.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance.
• Must be able to participate in individual containment, intervention, or restraint.
• Must have sufficient strength, agility, endurance, and sensory ability to handle mentally and emotionally stressful emergency situations.
• Must work extended hours and various shifts, including mandatory overtime on a periodic and rotating basis.
• Must float to all work areas within the facility if required.

Working Conditions

• Regular interactions in residences or training sites where individuals receive services.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and other clinical/nursing environment conditions.
• Constant awareness of safety and security to prevent non-allowable items from being used as weapons.
• Escorting individuals to different areas on/off campus, including driving state vehicles (golf carts, vans, cars).
• Standing for extended periods and responding to behavioral/medical interventions.

Pay

$3,201.00 - $4,360.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Benefits

• Access to excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits.
• Retirement benefits.

Schedule

• Full-time, 12-month limited term position.
• In-office only; not eligible for telework.

Effective October 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three (3) percent in exchange for five (5) hours per month of Personal Leave. Temporary state housing may be available for those relocating to fill hard-to-recruit positions.

To obtain list eligibility, interested individuals may take the Psychiatric Technician Assistant (Safety) Examination. Exam Bulletin and Instructions.