SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 74,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California, Department of Developmental Services, seeks a Senior Psychiatric Technician for the STAR Acute Crisis Homes in Orange County. You will assist adolescents and adults with daily living activities, provide emotional support, and promote independence in a community home setting.

Mandatory licensure as a Psychiatric Technician in California and RBT certification within 60 days of employment; direct care experience with developmental disabilities is valued.

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid license to practice as a Psychiatric Technician issued by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners.
• RBT certification within 60 days of employment.
• Complete Direct Support Professional I and II training or pass the challenge test within one year.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living and provide emotional support.
• Promote independence and person-centered care for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Work in STAR Acute Crisis Homes in community settings (Vacaville, Springville, Costa Mesa).
• Ensure a safe, supportive environment during acute crises.

Education

California Psychiatric Technician License

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Certification

Job description

Job Posting:SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN

Department of Developmental Services - Headquarters

JC-530630 -

JC-530630 - SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN
SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN

$6,638.00 - $8,733.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

The Department of Developmental Services (Department) is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to join their team at the Stabilization Training Assistance Reintegration (STAR) Acute Crisis Homes. As a member of the STAR team, you will work to provide support to individuals with developmental disabilities during times of acute crisis. This role requires individuals who are passionate about person-centered care, and who are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.STAR currently provides assistance to adolescents (11-17 years old) and adults (18 years of age and older) who are receiving regional center services. The STAR homes are four to five bed homes in community settings (Vacaville, Springville, and Costa Mesa).

As a member of the DepartmentSTAR team, you will work in a community home setting where you will be responsible for assisting individuals with activities of daily living, providing emotional support, and promoting independence. This is an incredibly rewarding position for individuals who are passionate about helping others and who want to make a positive impact in their community. If you are looking for a career where you can truly make a difference, then we encourage you to apply for a role with the DepartmentSTAR Acute Crisis Homes today.

Effective October 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave Program.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

On-going interaction with individuals with developmental disabilities and severe psychiatric and behavioral conditions at STAR residence. Potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical nursing environment. Work may include planned and scheduled travel with possible over-night stays. May be required to work mandatory overtime as needed to meet staffing requirements.
This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.
Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN

SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN $6,638.00 - $7,730.00S $6,927.00 - $8,320.00T $7,237.00 - $8,733.00U New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Orange County

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Developmental Services (Department) is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities.

These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

Possession of a valid license to practice as a Psychiatric Technicianissued by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners.

It is the applicant responsibility to submit proof/verification of a valid license and/or certification. Acceptable verification includes; License copy or printout from the Department of Consumer Affairs, located at; https://search.dca.ca.gov .

Possession of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certificate orMUST possess a RBT certificate within 60 days of employment. In order to acquire your RBT certificate, you MUST provide a copy of a high school diploma/equivalent or Verification of completion of high school or equivalent/higher.

Upon appointment, must successfully complete competency-based Direct Support Professional I and II training, or pass the challenge test, prior to or within one year of employment.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Knowledge of : Cultural sensitivity for the population being served, positive behavioral supports, trauma informed care, coaching skills training, person-centered practices, and utilizing less restrictive techniques to address behavioral issues. Possesses and maintains sufficient strength, agility, endurance, and sensory ability to perform the duties contained in this duty statement. At least six months prior experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities who have challenging behavior services needs is highly preferred.

Ability to: Work with individuals with developmental disabilities (e.g. autistic spectrum disorder, intellectual disability) and severe behavioral (e.g. aggression, self-injurious behavior, property destruction, and elopement) and psychiatric conditions and symptoms (e.g. psychosis, mood disorders, PTSD, and suicidal ideation). Perform self-defense and hands-on intervention training, including two-person wall containment with resistive individuals. Be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance and be able to complete all required trainings.

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

The cutoff dates for this job posting are:

09/17/2026

10/01/2026

10/15/2026

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The cutoff dates for this job posting are: 09/17/2026 10/01/2026 10/15/2026

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

Multiple positionsmay be filled from this recruitment. Thisrecruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during thelife of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will beverified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting MinimumQualifications with education, you must include your unofficialtranscripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required uponappointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications,the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering theminactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have beenwithheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

If you have not taken theSenior Psychiatric Technicianexam/assessmentyou may find the exam for thisclassificationat the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtaineligibilityfor hire.Click here to gain list eligibility.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts.

Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off