Pre-Licensed Psychiatric Technician (Safety)

Job Description and Duties

This advertisement is posted "Until Filled". Application review dates are every two weeks as follows:

• 7/22/26
• 8/5/26
• 8/19/26
• 9/2/26

• 9/16/26
• 9/30/26
• 10/14/26
• 10/28/26

The Pre-Licensed Psychiatric Technician (Safety) will be directed by the Unit Supervisor, Supervising Registered Nurse, lead by a Senior Psychiatric Technician/Registered Nurse or Alternate Shift Lead on the assigned Program/Unit at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

• Helps to create a clean, safe and therapeutic environment for patients
• Apply mental health principles and relationship security with patients
• Performs custody tasks including: 
  • Escorting patients in the facility 
  • Distributing and inspecting patients’ mail for hazardous contraband 
  • Searching for drugs, contraband, weapons and inspecting 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 Trauma Informed Care (TIC)
• 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
• Performs nursing procedures such as observing patients physical condition and behavior, observing patient showers and shaves, performing security rounds and reporting of significant changes to a shift lead, unit supervisor or physician and recording nursing notes (co-signed by licensed staff) in the patients’ record
• Performs CPR, and follows infection control procedures

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 .

Working Conditions

• This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA). 
• This position is Limited Term (9 months); it may be canceled at any time.
• There are multiple vacancies for this classification. Positions filled may be assigned to any shift and any unit according to hospital need.

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.

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 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.

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 must submit proof of completion of a Psychiatric Technician training program accredited by the BVNPTE.
• Other - Candidates are requested to submit one (1) letter of recommendation and/or their latest performance or clinical evaluation.