Psychiatric Technician

Job Description and Duties

At the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) State-Operated Facilities Division (SOFD), we are always looking for innovating approaches to meet evolving needs of our staff and consumers. The Stabilization Training Assistance Reintegration (STAR) homes are staffed 24/7 and provide individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities experiencing an acute crisis, to live and learn in an environment that will enable them to successfully return home or transition to less restrictive living settings in the community. The staff within the home strive to empower individuals through person centered approaches to lead self-determined lives. 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).

If you are looking for a job that allows you to make positive impact on individuals, the STAR homes will be a great place to work. We are seeking individuals that will engage individuals with a wide range of interests, while modeling safe and healthy living behaviors in a home environment. The Psychiatric Technician (PT) provides general behavioral training and psychiatric nursing care to STAR consumers. The PT will perform on-site direct care, training, and participate in recreational activities with consumers. The PT will provide cross-training to the consumer’s community home staff or family to maintain a continuity of care. PT will be responsible for maintaining credentials in required or a Psychiatric Technician license and attend required trainings.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Working Conditions

On-going interaction with consumers 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. Must possess and maintain sufficient strength, agility, endurance, and sensory ability to perform the duties contained in this duty statement. Must be able to work with consumers 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). Must be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance. Must be able to complete all required training and perform and be competent in self-defense and hands-on intervention training, including two-person wall containment with resistive consumers. 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. Must be competent in the areas of cultural sensitivity for the population being served, positive behavioral supports, trauma informed care, coaching skills training, person centered practices, and utilize less restrictive techniques to address behavioral issues. Must have at least six months’ prior experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities who have challenging behavior service needs.

Department Information

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $68,076.00 - $79,188.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $68,076 - $79,188