Sr. Psychiatric Technician (Safety)

The Senior Psychiatric Technician (Safety) will be directed by the Unit Supervisor on the assigned Program and Unit at the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

• Responsible for organizing, prioritizing, delegating, and monitoring the assignments of the Level of Care (LOC) staff that are assigned to the Unit for the 8-hour shift.
• Collaborate with unit Registered Nurse (RN) to ensure the delivery of appropriate medical care and assessments as outlined in the RN Physical Assessment Tracking Tool (PATT).
• Work directly with their Unit Supervisor providing clear communication of all pertinent information related to the shift they lead.
• Provide feedback on the LOC staff they oversee to assist the Unit Supervisor in making accurate Performance Appraisal Evaluations.
• Maintain accurate unit documentation including daybook entries, acuities, daily staffing report, and sign in logs.
• Monitor and maintain staff and patient safety ensuring all security inspections and audits are completed per hospital policy.
• Responsible for creating a clean, safe and therapeutic environment for patients.
• Apply mental health principles and relationship security with patients.
• Supervise the delivery of patient treatment and activities.
• Performs and ensures nursing procedures such as administering medications including oral medications and hypodermic injection, observing patients physical condition and behavior and reporting significant changes to a registered nurse, unit supervisor or physician and ensure the recording of nursing notes in the patient record
• Maintain current CPR certification.
• Ensures staff facilities to identify security breaches that could lead to the escape of a patient.
• Observing and intervening in patient behavior that may injure people, damage property or signal impending escape attempts.
• Applies and demonstrates knowledge of correct methods in Therapeutic Strategies and Interventions (TSI), that includes patient containment, heavy lifting, applying restraints, and responding to emergency situations throughout the hospital.
• Demonstrates a knowledge of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the following: reachable on a certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility.


It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications.

If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.

Click here to take the Senior Psychiatric Technician (Safety) Examination


Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

• This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).
• There are multiple vacancies for this classification. Positions filled may be assigned to any shift and any unit according to hospital need.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN (SAFETY)

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-520390


Position #(s):
455-000-8252-XXX

Working Title:
Sr. Psychiatric Technician (Safety)


Classification:
SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN (SAFETY) $6,638.00 - $7,730.00 S
$6,927.00 - $8,320.00 T
$7,237.00 - $8,733.00 U
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
3


Work Location:
San Luis Obispo County


Telework:
In Office


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Facility:
DSH - Atascadero


Department Information The Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings, and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.


Department Website:


Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a(n) CA Psychiatric Technician License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

• All Employment Applications must include: "to" and "from" dates (month/day/year); time base; and civil service class titles (if applicable). Employment Applications received without this information may be rejected. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed Employment Application (STD. 678).

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 6/18/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.


Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Postal
Attn: DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
PO Box 7005


Atascadero , CA 93423-7005


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Drop Off
DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
10333 El Camino Real


Atascadero , CA 93422
Building 105 - Drop box available after hours
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other -
  • Candidates are requested to submit one (1) letter of recommendation and/or their latest performance or clinical evaluation.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Benefits There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
• Work life balance (some positions qualify for flexible work hours and schedules, and a minimum of 10 days of paid leave annually - specific accrual rates can be found here )
• Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc.)
• Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Commute Program
• Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• ScholarShare (college savings account)
• On-the-job training and professional development
• Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.



Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
DSH-Atascadero Employment Office
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View email address on click.appcast.io


Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Pearl Melena
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View email address on click.appcast.io
California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Additional Information

• Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
• Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted.
• Scanned, copied, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
• Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.
• Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
• This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.
• This position requires candidates to take and pass a drug screening test. You will be required to take and pass the drug screening test prior to being hired.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.