Psychiatric Technician or Psychiatric Technician Trainee - SCF

DEDICATED TO STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND INDEPENDENCE OF IDAHOANS

The Division of State Care Facilities within the Department of Health & Welfare is looking for several Psychiatric Technician (PT) or Psychiatric Technician Trainee (PTT) for our Nampa location, who is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals facing mental health and developmental challenges and is interested in becoming a full-time classified Psychiatric Technician, playing a vital role in supporting and empowering clients through compassionate, skilled care. As a Psychiatric Technician, you will provide direct care and support to individuals in various settings, including inpatient facilities serving adolescents and adults with intellectual, developmental, and mental health needs. Your work will involve assisting clients with daily living activities, monitoring their well-being, implementing treatment plans, and participating in therapeutic interventions. You will work collaboratively with clinical teams to ensure comprehensive and individualized care.

Psychiatric Technician Trainee (temporary benefited & full-time permanent) : $16.81/hour

Psychiatric Technician (temporary benefited & full-time permanent): $19.68/hour

Work Environment: Positions are based at state-operated, 24-hour treatment facilities in Nampa, ID, offering tranquil and historic settings conducive to healing and growth. Selected applicants will be assigned a primary facility; however, employees may be required to float between facilities as needed in emergency situations or to maintain appropriate staffing levels. Flexibility and a team-oriented mindset are essential in supporting safe and effective operations across programs.

This position requires certification in CPR and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (training will be provided upon hire).

Employees may be required to work weekends, holidays, and a variety of shifts, including day, swing, and NOC shifts.

**This announcement will be used to fill both temporary and permanent positions.

This position is not eligible for telework.

The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare is a drug-free workplace. Any applicant offered employment in this position, will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test. In addition, the applicant will be required to complete and pass a criminal history background investigation after a conditional offer of employment.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit at retirement.
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
• Paid parental leave
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax (full-time/30 hours per week)
• 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
• Deferred compensation plan
• Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Wide variety of training opportunities
• Some positions offer flexible hours and/or telecommuting
• Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
• Employee assistance program

Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

• Provide direct care to individuals with intellectual, developmental, or mental health needs, assisting with daily activities, personal hygiene, and mobility as needed.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment that promotes emotional stability and therapeutic progress.
• Assist in implementing individualized treatment plans, therapeutic interventions, and psychosocial rehabilitation activities under clinical supervision.
• Monitor, document, and report patients’ behaviors, symptoms, treatment responses, and overall mental and physical health status.
• Administer prescribed medications, observe for side effects, and accurately document and report any concerns.
• Conduct and co-facilitate therapeutic group sessions, skills training, behavior management, and symptom management activities.
• Respond calmly and effectively to crises or challenging behaviors, utilizing approved de-escalation and intervention techniques.
• Work closely with nurses, clinicians, and interdisciplinary team members to support treatment goals and patient well-being.
• Teach and model coping strategies, healthy habits, and positive social and daily living skills to enhance self-esteem and independence.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and comfortable living environment through light housekeeping and infection control practices.

**You must possess all the minimum qualifications below to pass the exam for this position. Please make sure your resume or work history supports your meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Failure to do this may disqualify you from being considered for this position. It is highly recommended to attach a one-page cover letter to your application to demonstrate how you meet the requirements below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN TRAINEE (temporary benefited positions):

• Some knowledge of personal hygiene and first aid . Typically gained by at least two months of experience performing these functions OR a willingness to learn them.
• Experience following written and oral instructions . Typically gained by at least six months of experience.
• Ability to read and write in English .
• Must be at least 19 years of age.

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN (Full-time permanent positions):

• Some knowledge of human services to include psychology, nursing, or social work. Typically requires a completed college course in psychology, nursing or social work OR at least six months experience in dual diagnosis, behavioral interventions, mental health disorders and medications, psychiatric symptoms or therapeutic communications OR completed Psychiatric Technician training program through Southwest Idaho Treatment Center, State Hospital North, State Hospital West or State Hospital South OR at least six months of work experience providing treatment services for the mentally ill.
• Experience with behavior management for individuals diagnosed with mental illness and developmental disabilities . Typically gained by completion of at least six credits of upper-division college coursework in psychology or special education OR at least six months of work experience completing behavioral assessments and/or mental health scales, analyzing behavior and its function, and developing or assisting in developing behavior support plans. Experience may have been gained through SHS, SHW, SWITC, or SHN's sponsored training.

• A valid driver's license. Must be at least 21 years of age and meet eligibility requirements to drive a state vehicle.

Below is preferred experience. It is not required for the position but applicants with this experience may receive consideration over other applicants.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Licensure.

Learn About a Career with DHW

***PLEASE NOTE: application assistance is not available after the business hours listed below, on the weekends, or on holidays and you must apply before 11:59 pm on the closing date. When applying, use CHROME as your browser to avoid complications.

If you have questions, please contact us at:

Email is the quickest way to get an answer to your questions.

(answered Monday through Friday during business hours MST)

EMAIL: dhwjobs@dhw.idaho.gov
PHONE: (208) 334-0681

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

Salary : $20