Psychiatric Technician

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in mental health services is seeking a compassionate Psychiatric Technician to join their dedicated team. This role involves providing direct and indirect psychiatric care, ensuring the comfort and safety of patients in a supportive environment. You will play a vital part in collaborating with treatment teams, managing patient behaviors, and maintaining accurate documentation. Join a forward-thinking organization that values professional development and offers a collaborative atmosphere where your contributions make a real impact on the lives of individuals seeking mental health support.

Qualifications

• Minimum six months experience in an adult and/or adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit.
• Experience with managing aggressive behavior and restraints.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic nursing care to promote patient comfort and safety.
• Collaborate with the treatment team on patient education and treatment goals.
• Assist in managing disturbed or potentially violent patients.

Skills

Patient Care

CPR Certification

Documentation Skills

Crisis Management

Education

Psychiatric Technician Certification

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Main Hospital - Los Angeles, CA

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $21.00 - $21.53

Description

Title of Position: Psychiatric Technician

Location: Gateways Hospital & Mental Health Center Patient Care Services

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Union/Non-Union: Union

Supervisor: R.N. – Manager/Director of Nursing

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center, located in Los Angeles, is a non-profit organization providing comprehensive mental health services for Children, Adolescents, Transitional Aged Youth, and Adults. The organization includes a 55-bed hospital and six outpatient facilities, employing approximately 400 staff members.

Summary of Position

The Psychiatric Technician performs direct and indirect psychiatric care to promote the comfort, safety, and well-being of patients according to hospital policies.

Essential Duties

• Perform basic nursing care to promote patient comfort and safety.
• Demonstrate ability to perform CPR, seclusion, and restraint per hospital policies.
• Accurately measure and record vital signs and other patient data as per doctor’s orders.
• Report important patient observations promptly to the charge nurse.
• Maintain accurate documentation on dietary sheets, check sheets, point sheets, and contraband sheets.
• Assist in creating a clean, therapeutic environment, including cleaning and laundry.
• Implement time-out and 1:1 observation as ordered.
• Transport and accompany patients to hospital appointments.
• Assist in orienting new psychiatric technicians.
• Collaborate with the treatment team on patient education and treatment goals.
• Encourage and monitor patient hygiene, dietary habits, and activities of daily living.
• Act as co-leader in patient groups as assigned.
• Carry out patient teaching projects under supervision.
• Assist in managing disturbed or potentially violent patients and respond to emergencies, including hospital codes.
• Complete tasks promptly and accurately.
• Work independently with good judgment.
• Participate in staff development and unit meetings.
• Conduct in-service training with supervision.
• Seek learning opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Request guidance from supervisors when needed.

Education & Certificates

• Psychiatric Technician Certification obtained through the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians within 90 days of hire.

Qualifications

• Minimum six months experience in an adult and/or adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit, including chemical dependency units.
• Experience with involuntary patients and managing aggressive behavior, seclusion, and restraints.

Requirements

• Pass background checks (DOJ, FBI, CCL).
• Valid California Driver’s license.
• TB clearance.
• Acceptable driving record.
• Fire and Safety Training, CPR/First Aid, and CPI certification (to be completed within specified timeframes).

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform essential functions, including lifting up to 25 pounds.