Psychiatric Care Technician-2nd shift

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career advancement opportunities

Flexible scheduling

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers seeks Psychiatric Care Technicians (2nd shift) and CNAs at Western State Hospital. Staff provide direct patient care, follow treatment policies, and support recovery-oriented care in a 24/7 psychiatric setting. Workload includes rounds, documentation, and safety observations.

The roles require flexibility for 12- or 8-hour shifts, weekend work, and potential overtime with shift differentials. A strong team approach and adherence to protocols are essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to provide direct psychiatric patient care under supervision of licensed staff.
• Ability to effectively communicate with staff and psychiatric patients.
• Ability to work in a secure environment with individuals in acute mental illness.
• Follow instructions and report observations to licensed staff promptly.
• Knowledge of recovery/trauma-informed care; intervene in crisis situations.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living; promote mental health recovery.

Responsibilities

• Deliver quality care as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Monitor and document vital signs in the EHR.
• Assist individuals with ADLs.
• Provide one-on-one direct observations.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques for behavioral situations.
• Administer CPR and perform TOVA-approved interventions.
• Serve meals and maintain cleanliness in patient areas.
• Observe and report interventions, treatments, behaviors, and well-being.

Skills

Direct patient care

Communication

Crisis intervention

Observation & reporting

Infection control

Teamwork

ADL assistance

De-escalation

Education

CNA certification

BLS certification

Spanish language (plus)

Tools

EHR documentation

Job description

Title: Psychiatric Care Technician-2nd shift

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: salary range from $39,982 to 55,175

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Western State Hospital

Agency Website:https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/wsh/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Western State Hospital (WSH) is a state-of-the-art psychiatric facility that has been operating since 1828 under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. WSH is a 302-bed Joint Commission-accredited hospital situated in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, just 30 minutes from major university towns. It is affiliated with the University of Virginia's Department of Psychiatric Medicine and serves as a training ground for professionals from various colleges and universities in nursing, social work, psychology, and activity therapy.

Position Available: Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs) & CNAs for 1st and 2nd shift.

WSH is currently seeking 1st and 2nd shift Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs) and Certified Nursing Aides (CNA) to provide direct patient care in a safe and therapeutic environment for specific patient populations in our 24/7 psychiatric hospital. PCTs and CNAs will follow care and treatment policies and procedures while demonstrating knowledge of population-specific needs and competencies under the guidance of licensed nursing staff. The role involves delivering recovery-oriented care in a hospital setting while maintaining a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver quality care as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Monitor and document vital signs in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Assist individuals with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• Provide one-on-one direct observations.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques to manage behavioral situations.
• Ability to administer CPR and perform TOVA approved physical interventions
• Serve meals and maintain cleanliness in patient areas.
• Ensure accountability within a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Foster healthy interpersonal interactions in adult acute admissions, geriatric units, and extended rehabilitation service units.
• Observe and report on interventions, treatments, behaviors, physical and emotional well-being, and other relevant situations.
• Document and communicate observations effectively.
• Employ specialized training to promote mental wellness recovery.
• Escort patients to the learning center for various classes, external & internal medical appointments.

Employment Details

Western State Hospital is looking for full-time classified Psychiatric Care Technicians and Certified Nursing Aides for 2nd shift. PCTs and CNAs will work (2) 12-hour shifts and (2) 8-hour shifts, or (5) 8-hour shifts per week. The successful candidate must work every other weekend, with holidays and overtime required as needed.

Shift Differentials for PCTs and CNAs

• 1st shift weekends: $3.00/hr.
• 2nd shift weekdays: $2.50/hr.; weekends/holidays: $3.00/hr.
• 3rd shift weekdays: $2.25/hr.; weekends/holidays: $3.00/hr.

Benefits of Working at Western State Hospital

• Career advancement opportunities
• Professional Skills Incentive available
• Flexible scheduling to maintain a work-life balance
• Choice of 11 different insurance packages, including health, dental, and vision
• Two retirement savings plans to help secure your financial future
• 24/7 security on site
• Shift and weekend differentials for select positions
• Paid sick and personal time off
• Loan repayment options for clinical positions
• State employee discount program for various products and services, including movie tickets, special events, cell phone plans, Kings Dominion, and other entertainment and travel options
• Tuition reimbursement available
• Three weeks of dedicated paid training
• Paid vacation time
• Paid life insurance
• Twelve paid holidays

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to provide direct psychiatric patient care under the supervision of licensed staff.
• Ability to effectively communicate with staff and psychiatric patients.
• Ability to work in a secure and locked environment with individuals who are experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness and/or additional forensic/legal involvement.
• Able to follow instructions and report observations/behaviors of psychiatric patients to licensed staff in a timely manner by describing observations verbally, in written, or electronically.
• Demonstrate knowledge of recovery/trauma informed care.
• Appropriately intervene in crisis or problem situations.
• Has skills in providing direction and assistance to psychiatric patients in activities of daily living.
• Willing to learn basic knowledge of developmental and psychiatric disorders along with human behavior, age-specific needs, and personality development.
• Willing to learn basic treatment measures to promote mental health appropriate to the adult, developmentally disabled or impaired, and/or geriatric populations.
• Vision and hearing adequate to recognize and respond to hazardous situation and ensure safety at facility.
• Ability to work effectively with staff in a team approach.
• Ability to perform infection prevention and control practices and appropriately apply standards in daily activities.
• Ability to perform repetitious walking and/or standing, bending, lifting and reaching over to position/restrain/transfer/transport and/or escort individuals, and provide assistance with activities of daily living.
• Ability to work overtime due to staffing emergencies in a 24-hour 7 day per week psychiatric hospital which at times may mean working a 16-hour shift if and when necessary
• Complete all annual competency training to include TOVA III with physical restraints.
• Complete and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers with the American Heart Association
• Has basic computer skills.
• If CNA, maintain certification in good standing with the Virginia State Board of Nursing

Additional Considerations

• Previous healthcare experience preferred
• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and/or previous psychiatric experience preferred
• Demonstrated consistent work history preferred
• Bi-lingual Spanish/English a plus
• Veteran or Spouse of Veteran
• Bilingual
• Certified Nursing Assistant

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Background Investigation

All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

Compliance Under Virginia Code

Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at [phone] during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity

The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

Veteran Preference

DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We strongly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply to the state application and respond accordingly.

Contact Information

Name: Elizabeth Weber

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.