Special Attendant

Special Attendant

Date Posted: Jul 8, 2026

Requisition ID: 477400

Location:

Richmond, IN, US, 47374

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Richmond State Hospital:

Richmond State Hospital is about the people we serve and the community relationships we have developed, dating back to 1890. Richmond State Hospital is a public behavioral health facility operated by the state of Indiana and one of six state psychiatric hospitals within the Family and Social Services Administration Division of Mental Health and Addiction. As part of a newly integrated system of state psychiatric hospitals, we serve consumers across the state as the Eastern Center of Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Nestled in northwestern Richmond, our beautiful campus provides a quiet and peaceful environment. We provide psychiatric and co-occurring treatment to all adults regardless of race, religion, sex, gender identification, age, handicap, national origin, and ability to pay for services. We are proud of our heritage and committed to continuing our tradition of service. Richmond State Hospital offers individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, chaplain services, family therapy and education, group psych-education, rehabilitation therapies, and patient employment opportunities. Unit-based programming is augmented with campus-wide specialty groups. RSH has been a state leader in evidenced-based medication prescribing to both reduce the risks associated with polypharmacy and optimize clinical outcomes. The hospital clinical and medical leadership collaborate with the unit treatment teams to provide the most contemporary and comprehensive care possible.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $41,210.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

Behavioral & Therapeutic Support

• Assist in the implementation of the resident’s treatment plan.

• Monitor residents during daily routines (meals, classroom, bathroom, general areas).

• Observe, report, and record the condition and behavior of residents.

• Demonstrate therapeutic interventions (de-escalation, redirection, and approved techniques for prevention and management of behavior.

• Provide motivational techniques, counsel, teach, and demonstrate daily living skills as prescribed in the individual treatment plan.

• Advise clients on appropriate social behavior.

• Coordinate client activities under the direction of a professional by adapting prescribed treatment plans to individual client needs.

• Conduct ongoing assessments of clients’ training needs to meet treatment plan objectives for transitional living.

• Provide a safe environment for the client that will be conducive to learning and promote self-esteem and self-sufficiency.

Security & Safety:

• Ensure security of residents and maintain orderliness which occasionally requires restraining unruly, dangerous residents.

• Escort residents to and from various activity and therapy areas within the building and off grounds for medical, dental, or legal needs ensuring safety and maximum security.

• Secure doors, search visitors (if applicable per facility policy), operate radio systems, issue keys and escort visitors to various areas of the unit.

• Conduct searches of patient's rooms, searching for possible contraband, and ensure the safety of each patient.

• Assist in managing the aggressive behavior of clients.

Daily Living & Housekeeping

• Assist residents in cleaning and caring for their living areas, clothing, and supplies.

• Develop clients’ community living skills through activities such as daily living skills exercises (grocery shopping, accessing public transportation, locating community providers, etc., if applicable per facility policy).

• Maintain and distribute client funds for individual treatment programs (e.g., to teach budgeting skills).

Clinical & Emergency Response:

• Assist in carrying out occupational therapy/recreational therapy programs to maximize an individual’s capacity for independent living.

• Perform basic first aid in case of patient injury, such as applying antiseptics, bandages or utilizing CPR techniques and Heimlich maneuver as necessary.

Administrative Support

• Perform routine clerical functions, including ordering supplies, maintaining client folders and other patient unit/ward forms, filing progress notes, and answering ward/unit telephone.

Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Specialized knowledge of, and ability to apply, psychiatric nursing care practices including administering medications if certified or licensed.

• Specialized knowledge of the principles and methods needed to ensure therapeutic rehabilitation programs.

• Working knowledge of existing mental health provider systems.

• Practical knowledge of teaching techniques such as motivation, progress assessment, charting and behavior modification procedures with the ability to apply these skills as required.

• Specialized knowledge of needs of mentally ill client groups.

• Ability to operate routine medical equipment if trained/needed.

• Working knowledge of institution and unit procedures.

• Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations.

• Specialized knowledge of, and ability to apply, behavior modification, self-defense and restraining techniques as needed without injury to residents.

• Ability to recognize behaviors in clients or others and take appropriate action.

• Working knowledge of resident's behavior and ability to anticipate and deal with behavior changes on a daily basis.

• Demonstrate therapeutic interventions using the principles of de-escalation, re-direction, and approved techniques for prevention and management of behavior.

• Ability to counsel and guide residents in social behavior.

• Ability to write reports and keep records and charts accurately.

• Ability to complete required documentation in a timely and accurate manner.

• Perform routine clerical functions, including ordering supplies, maintaining client folders and other patient unit/ward forms, filing progress notes, and answering ward/unit telephone.

• Ability to perform and assist residents in performing housekeeping duties and daily living activities.

• Ability to maintain and distribute client trust accounts if needed.

• Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of Indiana.

• Certified or willing to become certified in professional rescuer CPR/AED

• A High School Diploma or HSE diploma, and  

• At least 1+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on click.appcast.io.

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