SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN

Secure an interview for Senior Psychiatric Technician at the California Department of Developmental Services' hiring fair on September 15 from 10 am – 2 pm in Vacaville. Use your full clinical skillset to make a real impact on the lives of people with developmental disabilities in a supportive residential environment. Register for the fair today. View the flyer for the North STAR Hiring Fair - Sept 2026.

About the role

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 provide support to individuals with developmental disabilities during times of acute crisis. This role requires individuals passionate about person-centered care and committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.

STAR currently assists adolescents (11-17 years old) and adults (18 years and older) receiving regional center services. The STAR homes are four to five-bed homes in community settings (Vacaville, Springville, and Costa Mesa). You will work in a community home setting, assisting individuals with activities of daily living, providing emotional support, and promoting independence.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with developmental disabilities and severe psychiatric and behavioral conditions.
• Provide support with activities of daily living.
• Offer emotional support and promote independence.
• Work in a community home setting with planned and scheduled travel, including possible overnight stays.
• May be required to work mandatory overtime to meet staffing requirements.

Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License (CDL).
• Pass a drug screening prior to being hired.
• Clear a background investigation prior to being hired.
• Obtain medical clearance prior to being hired.
• Possess a valid license to practice as a Psychiatric Technician issued by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners.
• Possess a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certificate or obtain one within 60 days of employment. A copy of a high school diploma/equivalent or verification of completion is required to acquire the RBT certificate.
• Upon appointment, successfully complete competency-based Direct Support Professional I and II training or pass the challenge test within one year of employment.
• Lawful authorization to work in the United States (the Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position).
• Residency in the State of California at the time of appointment, pursuant to California Government Code requirements.

Qualifications

• Cultural sensitivity for the population being served.
• Knowledge of positive behavioral supports, trauma-informed care, coaching skills training, person-centered practices, and utilizing less restrictive techniques to address behavioral issues.
• Sufficient strength, agility, endurance, and sensory ability to perform the duties.
• At least six months of prior experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities who have challenging behavioral service needs is highly preferred.
• Ability to work with individuals with developmental disabilities (e.g., autistic spectrum disorder, intellectual disability) and severe behavioral (e.g., aggression, self-injurious behavior, property destruction, and elopement) and psychiatric conditions (e.g., psychosis, mood disorders, PTSD, and suicidal ideation).
• Ability to perform self-defense and hands-on intervention training, including two-person wall containment with resistive individuals.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds without assistance and complete all required trainings.

Working Conditions

• Ongoing interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities and severe psychiatric and behavioral conditions at STAR residences.
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical nursing environment.

Pay

• Salary Range S: $6,638.00 - $7,730.00 per month
• Salary Range T: $6,927.00 - $8,320.00 per month
• Salary Range U: $7,237.00 - $8,733.00 per month
• New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Benefits

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, visit the CalHR Benefits Website and CalPERS Health Benefit Summary 2026.