PRE-LICENSED PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN (SAFETY)

California Department of State Hospitals; California; On-site; USD 39,729 - 49,550; Full time

Job summary

California Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is seeking a Pre-Licensed Psychiatric Technician (Safety) for a 9 Month Limited Term – Full Time position in San Luis Obispo County. The role reports to the Unit Supervisor, Supervising Registered Nurse, and is supported by a Senior Psychiatric Technician/Registered Nurse on the assigned program/unit.

The incumbent will help create a clean, safe, therapeutic environment, apply trauma-informed care, and perform custody tasks including

Job description

Pre-Licensed Psychiatric Technician (Safety)

Classification: PRE-LICENSED PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN (SAFETY)

Job Code: JC-523713

Position #: 455-000-8254-XXX

Salary: $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.

Number of Positions: Multiple

Work Location: San Luis Obispo County

Telework: In Office

Job Type: 9 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Facility: DSH - Atascadero

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.

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