PRE-LICENSED PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN (SAFETY)

Job Posting: Pre-Licensed Psychiatric Technician (Safety)

Department of State Hospitals

JC-523713

Pre-Licensed Psychiatric Technician (Safety)

PRE-LICENSED PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN (SAFETY)

$3,560.00 - $4,440.00 per Month

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

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

11/12/26

11/25/26

12/9/26

12/23/26

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 Duty Statement.

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.

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-523713

Position #(s):

455-000-8254-XXX

Working Title:

Pre-Licensed Psychiatric Technician (Safety)

Classification:

PRE-LICENSED PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN (SAFETY)

$3,560.00 - $4,440.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

San Luis Obispo County

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

9 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Facility:

DSH - Atascadero

Department Information

The Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings, and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.

Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero

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.

Application Instructions

Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of State Hospitals

DSH - Atascadero Postal

Attn: DSH - Atascadero Employment Office

PO Box 7005

Atascadero, CA 93423-7005

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of State Hospitals

DSH - Atascadero Drop Off

DSH - Atascadero Employment Office

10333 El Camino Real

Atascadero, CA 93422

Building 105 - Drop box available after hours

08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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.

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 benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero

Human Resources Contact:

DSH-Atascadero Employment Office

(805) 468-3384

ASHEmployment@dsh.ca.gov

Pearl Melena

(805) 468-2007

Pearl.Melena@dsh.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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.

Psychiatric Technician Programs

Below are some Psychiatric Technician Training programs that offer the courses needed to help you become a licensed Psychiatric Technician.

Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero/Cuesta College (805) 468-3175

Cypress College (714) 484-7283

Hacienda La Puente Adult Education, Willow Center (626) 934-2817

Mt. San Antonio College (909) 274-4963

Napa Valley College (707) 256-7600

Porterville College (559) 791-2321

San Bernardino Valley College (909) 384-4550

San Joaquin Delta College (209) 954-5478

West Hills College Coalinga (559) 934-2760

Yuba College (530) 740-1745

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.