PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT

Job Description and Duties

At the Department of Developmental Services (Department) State-Operated Facilities Division (SOFD), we are always looking for innovating approaches to meet evolving needs of our staff and consumers. The Stabilization Training Assistance Re-Integration (STAR) homes are staffed 24/7 and provide individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities experiencing an acute crisis, to live and learn in an environment that will enable them to successfully return home or transition to less restrictive living settings in the community. The staff within the home strive to empower individuals through person centered approaches to lead self-determined lives. STAR currently provides assistance to adolescents (11-17 years old) and adults (18 years of age and older) who are receiving regional center services. The STAR homes are four to five bed homes in community settings (Vacaville, Springville, and Costa Mesa).

If you are looking for a job that allows you to make a positive impact on individuals, the STAR homes will be a great place to work. We are seeking individuals that will engage individuals with a wide range of interests, while modeling safe and healthy living behaviors in a home environment. The Psychiatric Technician Assistant (PTA) provides general behavioral training and psychiatric nursing care to STAR consumers. The PTA will perform on-site direct care, training, and participate in recreational activities with consumers. The PTA will provide cross-training to the consumer’s community home staff or family to maintain a continuity of care. The PTA will also be responsible for maintaining credentials in required of a Psychiatric Technician Assistant license and attend required trainings.

The Department now offers an entrance salary rate of $3800.00 for this classification.

Effective October 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave Program.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

On-going interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or severe psychiatric and behavioral conditions at STAR residence and community activities. Potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical nursing environment. Work may include planned and scheduled travel with possible overnight stays. May be required to work mandatory overtime as needed to meet staffing requirements.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• 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) Certified Nurse Assistant Certificate. You will be required to provide a copy of your certificate prior to being hired.

CERTIFICATION OR LICENSE: Possession of a valid license to practice as a Certified Nursing Assistant, issued by the California Department of Public Health without restrictions is required, and as a licensed professional, you must maintain a valid certification and comply with all professional conduct requirements within your licensure; acquire and maintain a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification within 365 days of initial employment; successfully complete competency-based training for Direct Support Professional I and II or pass the challenge test prior to or within one year of employment; and be responsible for obtaining the required continuing education units (CEUs) for license renewal and attending mandatory facility training, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), and Ukeru training.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Knowledge of: Basic nursing care methods and techniques. Competence in the areas of cultural sensitivity for the population being served, positive behavioral support, trauma informed care, coaching skills training, person-centered practices and utilizing less restrictive techniques to address behavioral issues. At least six months' prior experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities who have challenging behavior service needs is highly desirable. Possesses and maintain sufficient strength, agility, endurance, and sensory ability to perform the duties contained in this duty statement.

Ability to: Work with individuals with developmental disabilities (e.g. autistic spectrum disorder, intellectual disability) and severe behavior (e.g. aggression, self-injurious behavior, property destruction, and elopement) and psychiatric conditions and symptoms (e.g. psychosis, mood disorders, PTSD, and suicidal ideation). Be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance and complete all required training and perform and be competent in self-defense and hands-on intervention training, including two-person wall containment with resistive individuals.

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits. 

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the website.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The next cut-off dates for this job posting are:

09/10/2026
09/24/2026
10/08/2026

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

If you have not taken the Psychiatric Technician Assistant exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click here to gain list eligibility.

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.