Certified Nursing Assistant/Mental Health Aide

Ocean view psychiatric hospital • Long Beach, CA

4d • $23 - $24

About The Position

The Certified Nursing Assistant/Mental Health Aide provides direct, frontline care and monitoring for patients admitted under involuntary psychiatric holds under California’s Lanterman-Petris-Short Act, including 5150 and 5250 holds. The role works under the supervision of the Mental Health Manager and in collaboration with nursing and clinical teams to maintain a secure, therapeutic environment, support crisis de-escalation, and assist people experiencing acute psychiatric crises.

The position is in the Psychiatric Adult Inpatient department and follows a rotating three-day, 12-hour schedule combining weekdays and weekends. Available shifts are 7:00 AM–7:30 PM and 7:00 PM–7:30 AM. The work may take place in a locked unit and may involve patients with complex needs, a noisy or sporadically chaotic environment, and exposure to hostile behavior and profanity. Evening, night, weekend, holiday, and variable-shift availability may be required based on patient-care and operational needs.

Physical demands include extended periods of standing and walking, moving around the unit, cooking, bending, stooping, and sitting. The role may require assisting with patient containment, emergency restraints, CPR, and the lifting or repositioning of adult patients, including physically resistive or assaultive patients who may weigh 100 pounds or more, according to facility protocols and training. Employment is contingent on fingerprinting, background clearance, verification of required credentials and education, and satisfactory professional reference checks. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not provided for certain roles unless otherwise specified.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience in caregiving and patient-support roles.
• At least 1–2 years of experience in a behavioral health, healthcare, or hospital setting.
• Ability to remain calm, composed, and effective in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Strong foundation in trauma-informed care, verbal de-escalation, and boundary-setting, particularly regarding sharp kitchen utensils; emotional resilience and knowledge of California patient-rights guidelines.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across disciplines and departments.
• Proficiency with computers and standard keyboard functions for data entry and electronic documentation.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English.
• Ability to safely perform containment, escort, and physical intervention procedures with patients exhibiting assaultive or aggressive behavior, in accordance with facility protocols and training.
• Prior experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for documentation and care coordination.
• Current CPR, BLS, and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of employment.
• Crisis-prevention or intervention training, such as HWC, CPI, or PMAB, or de-escalation certification.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, Title 22, and other applicable regulatory standards.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or variable shifts as needed based on operational or patient-care needs.
• Successful completion of Live Scan fingerprinting and background-check clearance; verification of required licenses, certifications, and education; and satisfactory professional reference checks.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in psychology, behavioral health, or a related human-services field.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Food Handler’s Card.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate understanding of and comply with Patients’ Rights, LPS statutes, and seclusion and restraint protocols.
• Conduct and document strict, timely safety checks.
• Maintain constant visual observation of patients on suicide or high-risk watch.
• Identify escalating behaviors and use approved crisis-prevention and de-escalation techniques to safely manage aggressive or self-harming behavior.
• Provide direct care and support that promotes patient independence with hygiene, grooming, and other activities of daily living.
• Assist with daily preparation, portioning, and serving of patient meals and snacks; follow dietary restrictions, allergy information, and nutrition guidelines while maintaining a safe environment around utensils.
• Obtain and record vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration, in accordance with clinical protocols.
• Observe and accurately document patient behavior, moods, nutritional intake, and vital signs in accordance with institutional policy and state regulations.
• Assist nursing staff with intake processing, patient searches for contraband, inventorying personal belongings, and final discharge routing.
• Assist with patient containment, escort, and physical intervention procedures when required, following facility protocols and training.

Benefits

• $2.00 per hour shift differential for eligible overnight shifts.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for qualifying employees.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and advancement within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED