Psych Tech/CNA Behavioral Health PRN

Join St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho—where nationally recognized quality meets small-town heart. We’re proud to be recognized for excellence and patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, inclusion in Becker’s list of “Great Community Hospitals,” and U.S. News & World Report accolades for maternity care.
Here, you’ll find a teamwork-first culture, leaders who support you, and coworkers who genuinely have your back. New grads are welcome—we’re committed to training, mentoring, and helping you build confidence as you grow. And because we know great care starts with taking care of our people, we offer competitive benefits and a workplace you can feel good about.
If you’re looking for a place to do meaningful work, build a career, and feel proud serving your community—you belong at St. Joe’s.

Job Summary

The Psychiatric Technician / Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides basic physical and emotional care for patients in the behavioral health setting under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. The role supports both mental health treatment and nursing care delivery by assisting with patient activities, safety, hygiene, mobility, and therapeutic programming. Responsibilities include implementing structured activities, monitoring patient behavior, and performing delegated clinical tasks.

Essential Functions

• Provide physical and emotional comfort and safety to patients
• Assist with personal hygiene, ambulation, toileting, feeding, and hydration
• Transport or assist in moving and positioning patients using proper techniques and equipment
• Collect and document vital signs, height, weight, and other delegated clinical data
• Participate in therapeutic programming including group activities and patient engagement
• Lead or support therapeutic community groups and end-of-day wrap-up sessions
• Escort patients to therapy groups or appointments as assigned
• Assist with meal tray delivery, feeding assistance, and clean-up
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized patient rooms and common areas
• Follow infection control guidelines including use of universal precautions
• Observe and report changes in patient behavior, mood, or physical condition

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients and team members
• Knowledge of basic nursing care procedures and behavioral health safety practices
• Ability to function effectively in a team environment and manage challenging behaviors
• Strong interpersonal skills and respect for patient dignity and confidentiality
• Understanding of behavioral health principles and willingness to support therapeutic milieu
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and reaching
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with patient transfers
• Requires physical ability to respond quickly and safely in crisis situations
• Visual and auditory acuity required for patient monitoring and care
• Inpatient behavioral health and general clinical settings
• Exposure to blood, body fluids, communicable diseases, and potentially aggressive behavior
• Requires use of PPE and adherence to hospital safety protocols
• Shift work including weekends and holidays may be required

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Completion of a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant training program required

Licenses/Certifications

• Current CNA certification in state of practice required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within time frame required by facility policy

Experience

• Experience in behavioral health or psychiatric inpatient care preferred