Psychiatric Technician I/II (20708617)

Psychiatric Technician I/II

Tri-City is looking for two individuals to fill the positions of Psychiatric Technician I/II who will provide medication support services both in the field and at the office. This particular position is located within the Adult Outpatient Clinic and will report to the Medication Support Team Manager & the Medication Support Services Supervisor. The Psychiatric Technician I/II will appeal to individuals who are inspired by challenges and opportunities presented in working with an engaged and active community by providing all manner of adjunctive medication support services.

Psychiatric Technician I: This is the entry-level classification in the Psychiatric Technician series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine medication monitoring, administration, and support, while learning Authority policies and procedures.

Psychiatric Technician II: This is the journey-level classification in the Psychiatric Technician series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Psychiatric Technician I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Examples of essential duties include:

• Under the direction of clinical staff, provides medication management services to a caseload of clients in the office and in the field; ensures the proper acquisition and administration of medication.
• Provides education and training to clients, their families, and/or staff on the proper care and use of medications, including symptoms of, reactions to, or side effects of, specific medications; informs clients of the impact of abuse and/or misuse of medications.
• Conducts home/field visits to evaluate client's physical environment and behavior such as anxiety, withdrawals, and behavioral health progression/regression.
• Takes and records measures of clients' vital signs, physical condition, and behaviors; assists and observes clients self-dispense medication as prescribed by a psychiatrist and administers scheduled injections.
• Conducts medication checks on clients to assess their overall medication management capabilities; takes appropriate action if client poses danger with respect to the use or abuse of medication; observes, evaluates, records, and reports to professional staff changes in client's condition.
• Motivates clients to develop self-reliance in daily living; encourages clients to participate in group and/or individual therapy/program activities.

Ideal candidate education and experience:

Education:

• Psychiatric Technician I/II: Equivalent to a level of education and course of study, which would qualify as an accredited program for incumbents to obtain licensure as a Psychiatric Technician in the State of California.

Experience:

• Psychiatric Technician I: None.
• Psychiatric Technician II: Two (2) years of experience performing medication management and support duties for behavioral health clients.

Licenses and certifications:

• Possession of a valid Psychiatric Technician licensure issued by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, a satisfactory driving record, and a properly registered and insured vehicle, to be maintained throughout employment.

Candidates must be proficient in Cerner/Electronic Health Records, Outlook and comfortable working in the field with moderate to severe behavioral health clients. Bilingual candidates are preferred.

Full-time employee benefits:

• Sign-on Bonuses: $2500 for eligible positions.
• Merit Salary Increases: Annually based on performance, budget availability and supervisor approval.
• CalPERS Pension: 2% @ 55 for Classic Members and 2% @ 62 for PEPRA Members; employee contributes 7% for Classic and 7.75% for PEPRA. No Social Security.
• Vacation: 80 hours per year, increasing with years of service with a maximum of 240 hours; cash out option available.
• Sick Leave: Full-Time employees = 88 hours per year with no cap.
• Holidays: 11 paid holidays per calendar year plus an additional 16 hours of Floating Holidays.
• Longevity Pay: $2500 at 5 years of service; $5000 at 10-35 milestone years of service.
• Flexible Work Schedule: 9/80 and/or intermittent teleworking, where applicable and approved by supervisor.
• Health Insurance: Medical (Kaiser HMO), dental (MetLife PPO) and vision coverage (EyeMed) of which 80% is paid by Tri-City Mental Health Authority (TCMHA).
• Life Insurance: Paid at one times annual salary, paid by Tri-City MHA with additional optional coverage available.
• Deferred Compensation (457b): Available to interested employees; no employer match.
• Additional Optional Benefits: EAP, FSA, STD/LTD & ADD, Bilingual Incentive Pay, On Call Pay, Employee Referral Fee Program, Loan Forgiveness, Credit Union available through CU of So Cal, paid time off for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and more.