Psychiatric Technician I/II

Department of Health & Human Services

What You'll Do: 
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Provide technical nursing to behavioral health patients. 
• Administers oral & hypodermic medications and performs wound treatments. 
• Assists in managing assaultive behavior. 
• Participates in interdisciplinary treatment team. 

Where You'll Do It: 
This position is located at 720 Wood St., Eureka - Sempervirens.

A typical work schedule for this position varies; 12-hour shifts, both days & nights. 

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, provides technical nursing and psychiatric care for in-patient and day treatment, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed patients; collaborates with other medical staff and interdisciplinary health treatment teams to evaluate and prepare treatment plans; assists with day treatment programming; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Psychiatric Technician I is the entry level class in this series.  Initially under close supervision, the incumbents perform the more routine technical nursing duties while learning County policies and procedures.  This class is alternately staffed with Psychiatric Technician II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level class.

Psychiatric Technician II is the journey level class in the series, fully competent to perform responsible and difficult patient assessments and prepare patient treatment plans for the mentally ill in out-patient, in-patient or after-care settings.  This class is distinguished from Psychiatric Nurse in that the latter provides professional nursing services requiring licensure as a Registered Nurse.

• Assesses patients upon admission to unit, evaluates patient needs for emergency medical treatment and/or emergency psychiatric medication, and makes presentation of physical and mental condition findings to attending physicians.
• Manages assaultive behavior of patients and places difficult patients in seclusion and/or restraints, as ordered by a physician.
• Participates as a team member in developing patient care plans and informs appropriate medical support staff of patient needs.
• Observes and charts vital signs, assists patients with personal hygiene activities, collects samples for routine lab tests, and performs facility house cleaning, cooking and other household livings tasks.
• Administers oral and hypodermic medications and observes and records their effects; obtains and transcribes appropriate orders from physician to facilitate patient treatment.
• May serve as case coordinator for assigned patients or clients.
• Performs crisis intervention, in person and over the phone, to provide support and assistance in problem resolution and to coordinate or arrange for the provision of needed services.
• Provides supportive services in a psychiatric health facility or a day treatment center including various group activities such as exercise and art; monitors patient adjustment and progress.
• Transports patients to other facilities, doctor's appointments or related activities.
• Maintains accurate records and files; documents patient progress and procedures performed.
• Confers with medical, clinical, and inter-agency staff regarding patient needs and ways of improving staff's ability to impact on patients.
• Develops communications with agencies specifically related to after care on as-needed and where-needed basis.
• Performs charge duties on limited basis including:  accepts report from previous shift, makes appropriate notes on charts, writes medication orders, reviews charts for completeness, assigns duties and oversees staff on assigned shift, and serves as liaison with on-call physician.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of general and psychiatric nursing care, as defined by the State of California licensing requirements.
• Techniques for dealing with disturbed individuals and/or their families.
• Medical and psychiatric terminology and first aid methods and procedures.
• Psychotropic medicines, including narcotics, and their side effects.
• Standard medical recordkeeping, including patient charting and the processing and maintenance of required documentation.
• Standard office administrative practices and procedures.
• Basic principles of staff direction and training.
• Basic diagnostic classification system of the most current version of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual.

 Skill in:

• Conducting psychiatric assessments and evaluations and reporting physical and mental condition findings to medical staff.
• Developing effective patient care treatment plans to facilitate patient medical or psychiatric improvement.
• Performing crisis intervention, managing assaultive behavior, responding promptly to patient emergency situations and taking effective action to control potentially violent incidents.
• Conducting occupational and recreational programs for patients.
• Administering medications and observing, recording and reporting their affects.
• Documenting patient histories and maintaining accurate records and files.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Providing oversight and direction.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver's license.  Must be licensed to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse or Psychiatric Technician in the State of California.

Desirable Education and Experience:

 A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

 Psychiatric Technician I: Completion of an accredited program qualifying for California State Licensure as a Psychiatric Technician, Registered Nurse or a Licensed Vocational Nurse.  Some experience in working with the chronically mentally ill is desirable.

Psychiatric Technician II: In addition to the above, two years of post-licensure experience in working with the chronically mentally ill in an in- or out-patient setting at a level equivalent to the County's class of Psychiatric Technician I.

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the county’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca. 

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by Human Resources staff and may also be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.    

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. 

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.  Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.  

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores.  The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The county utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered most qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

Can I change my application after submitting it?

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The county Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the county is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The county recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. 

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the county may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular county positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the county’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.  For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the county requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.  THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Salary : $25 - $38