Psychiatric Technician (2305) - Citywide - H00038

City and County of San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City and County of San Francisco is seeking a qualified Psychiatric Technician for its Department of Public Health. This permanent civil service role is essential for providing general and psychiatric nursing care to patients with mental illnesses.

Responsibilities include administering medications, monitoring patient progress, and assisting with therapeutic activities under supervision.

Applicants must possess a valid Psychiatric Technician license and CPR certification. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Valid Psychiatric Technician license from California.
• CPR certification from the American Heart Association.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychiatric nursing care to mentally ill patients.
• Administer medications and take vital signs.
• Document patient care and changes in condition.
• Create a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Assist with rehabilitation activities.

Education

Psychiatric Technician license issued by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification

Job description

Overview

The Department of Public Health prioritizes equitable and inclusive access to quality healthcare. This position is a citywide exam posting for a Psychiatric Technician (CCT-2305-H00038). It is a permanent civil service role that requires onsite work in San Francisco public health facilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic general and psychiatric nursing care to mentally ill patients under the direction of a licensed physician, registered nurse, or clinical supervisor.
• Perform nursing procedures, including administering medications (oral, injections, enemas), taking and charting vital signs, and other tasks under supervision.
• Observe patient conditions and behavior, report significant changes, and document care in nursing progress notes.
• Create a safe and therapeutic environment, recognize early signs of escalation, and use crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Implement therapeutic activities and document patient participation; assist rehabilitation therapists with occupational and recreational therapies.
• Motivate patients to develop independence in activities of daily living (feeding, dressing, toileting) and ensure safe practices.
• Receive visitors, escort patients within the facility and to the community, order supplies, maintain records, and participate in orientation and training programs.
• Participate in the discharge process.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a valid Psychiatric Technician license issued by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians and current license status.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification issued by the American Heart Association.

Special Conditions

Some positions may require bilingual fluency in languages specified by the department; candidates who pass the required bilingual proficiency test will be considered for these roles.

Nature of Positions

Positions may require significant physical effort in controlling or restraining violent clients and continuous exposure to conditions that may result in accidents or injury.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.