Psychiatric Tech

Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Hospital Los Angeles is seeking a Psychiatric Tech to provide care and 1:1 observation for pediatric patients with high-risk behaviors under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

You will help maintain safety for patients and staff through proactive safety measures, therapeutic support, and behavioral interventions, with a schedule of 7am-7:30pm, 3x12-hour shifts, and weekend/holiday requirements.

Qualifications

• Active California Psychiatric Technician license (BVNPT) required.
• Current BLS certification from American Heart Association.
• Minimum 1 year of direct patient care as a Psychiatric Technician.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Complete facility Behavioral Health curriculum within 3 months of hire.
• Preferred: pediatric/adolescent patient care experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and 1:1 observation for pediatric patients with high-risk or escalating behaviors under RN supervision.
• Maintain patient and staff safety through proactive safety measures, therapeutic support, and behavioral interventions.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Patient care experience

Safety awareness

Education

California Psychiatric Technician license (BVNPT)

BLS (American Heart Association)

Job description

Schedule: Shift 7am-7:30pm. 3x12hr shifts per week with weekend and holiday requirements.

Purpose Statement/Position Summary: The Psychiatric Tech provides care and 1:1 observation for pediatric patients with high-risk behaviors and complex behavioral health needs under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.

As an integral member of the Behavioral Health team, the Psychiatric Tech plays a vital role in maintaining patient and staff safety through proactive safety measures, therapeutic support, and effective behavioral interventions.

Minimum Qualifications/Work Experience

Required: 1+ year experience as a licensed Psychiatric Technician providing direct patient care to individuals exhibiting high-risk or escalating behaviors. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred: Experience working in an acute care or medical hospital setting. Pediatric or adolescent patient care experience.

Education/Licensure/Certifications

Required: Active California Psychiatric Technician license issued by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Current BLS from American Heart Association. Complete facility-provided Behavioral Health curriculum within 3 months of hire.

Preferred: Training or certification in crisis prevention/de-escalation, trauma-informed care, or workplace violence prevention. Experience applying behavioral intervention frameworks (e.g., ABA or positive behavior support) within Psychiatric Technician scope of practice.