PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT

California Department of Developmental Services; California (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The California Department of Developmental Services is hiring a Psychiatric Technician Assistant (PTA) in California. The PTA will provide essential behavioral training and psychiatric nursing care to individuals with developmental disabilities in STAR homes.

This role involves direct support, recreational activity participation, and training for community home staff to ensure continuity of care. Qualified candidates must possess a valid CNA license and RBT certification within their first year.

Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, and retirement benefits.

Qualifications

• Valid California CNA license issued without restrictions.
• Certification as RBT within 365 days of employment.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in direct care for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds and complete safety training.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site direct care and training for STAR consumers.
• Support transition to less restrictive living settings.
• Cross-train community staff to maintain continuity of care.

Skills

Behavioral training

Psychiatric nursing care

Support to individuals with developmental disabilities

Training community home staff

Education

California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license

Certification as Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Competency-based training for Direct Support Professional I and II

Job description

Job Description

The Psychiatric Technician Assistant (PTA) provides general behavioral training, psychiatric nursing care, and direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities and severe psychiatric and behavioral conditions in the STAR homes. The PTA will perform on‑site direct care, training, participate in recreational activities, and provide cross‑training to the consumer’s community home staff or family to maintain continuity of care. The PTA will uphold credentials required for the Psychiatric Technician Assistant license and attend required trainings.

Responsibilities

The PTA will:

• Provide on‑site direct care, training, and recreational activity participation for STAR consumers.
• Support the transition of individuals to less restrictive community living settings.
• Cross‑train consumer’s community home staff or family to maintain continuity of care.
• Maintain required licenses and certifications, and attend all mandated trainings.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• A valid California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license issued by the California Department of Public Health without restrictions.
• Certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) within 365 days of employment.
• Completion of competency‑based training for Direct Support Professional I and II or pass the challenge test within one year of employment.
• Minimum of 6 months of experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities and challenging behavior.
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds without assistance and complete safety and intervention training (e.g., self‑defense, two‑person wall containment).
• Drug screening, background investigation, medical clearance, and a valid California Driver’s License (CDL) with any endorsements.

Special Requirements

In addition to the qualifications above, the PTA must be able to:

• Work with clients who have psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, mood disorders, PTSD, and suicidal ideation.
• Operate safely in a clinical nursing environment, including potential exposure to communicable diseases and blood‑borne pathogens.

Benefits

As a state employee, you and your family will have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement benefits, and other benefits provided under the applicable collective bargaining unit.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, and other protected categories. All applicants and employees are expected to comply with the state’s drug‑free workplace policy.