Psychiatric Aide - Norristown State Hospital

Psychiatric Aide Position

Are you a compassionate and dedicated individual who is eager to make a profound impact on the lives of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens? As a Psychiatric Aide with the Department of Human Services, you will play an essential role in delivering hands-on care at Norristown State Hospital. This position allows you to support patients through meaningful interactions and daily activities. You will work closely with the nursing team to promote safety, comfort, and dignity for every patient. This role is ideal for someone who wants to help others and be part of a strong care team.

This position provides direct, patient-centered care and supports daily living needs under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. As a Psychiatric Aide, you will perform the following duties:

• Daily Care: Assist patients with hygiene, dressing, eating, mobility, and other daily activities
• Patient Monitoring: Observe patient behaviors, take vital signs, and report changes to nursing staff
• Safety Support: Escort patients, supervise activities, and help maintain a safe therapeutic environment
• Emergency Response: Provide basic first aid and assist during medical or psychiatric emergencies
• Record Tasks: Document patient information and complete assigned reports accurately
• Team Participation: Support coworkers, attend trainings, and follow hospital procedures to ensure quality care

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours during training are 1st shift (7:00 AM to 3:30 PM). Once training is complete, you will work 2nd shift (3:00 PM to 11:30 PM). This includes a rotating schedule of weekends and holidays as assigned, with a 30-minute lunch. Your schedule may change based on operational needs.
• Overtime and travel required, as needed
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Aide Trainee program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Six months of experience in the care, activities, and personal guidance of individuals with mental health or physical illness or disabilities; or
• Certification as a Nurse Aide or Nursing Assistant through the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and a drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Older Adult Protective Services Act. Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.