Lead PCT/CNA
About The Position
Western State Hospital is hiring a Lead PCT to provide recovery-oriented direct care in a hospital setting under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. The role supports a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment and helps motivate patients to participate in individualized treatment plans. Care is provided to people with serious mental illnesses, substance abuse issues, and/or intellectual or developmental disabilities. Lead PCTs are part of unit-based treatment teams and work alongside nurses providing round-the-clock patient care. They also contribute to the hospital’s Learning Center, where patients take classes to develop skills that support recovery. This posting is open only to current Western State Hospital employees. Available assignments include Hickory (first/second shift), Oak (second/third shift), and Spruce (first/second shift).
Requirements
- Must be a current Western State Hospital employee who has completed the one-year probationary period, or has been waived to six months with a recommendation from the current RNC.
- Ability to provide direct psychiatric patient care under the supervision of licensed staff.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff and psychiatric patients.
- Ability to work in a secure, locked environment with people experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness and/or additional forensic or legal involvement.
- Ability to follow instructions and report observations and behaviors to licensed staff in a timely manner.
- Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care.
- Skills in directing and assisting psychiatric patients with activities of daily living.
- Willingness to learn basic knowledge of developmental and psychiatric disorders, human behavior, age-specific needs, and personality development.
- Willingness to learn basic treatment measures that promote mental health for adult, developmentally disabled or impaired, and/or geriatric populations.
- Vision and hearing adequate to recognize and respond to hazardous situations and ensure facility safety.
- Ability to work effectively with staff as part of a team.
- Ability to perform repetitive walking and/or standing, bending, lifting, and reaching to position, restrain, transfer, transport, or escort individuals and assist with activities of daily living.
- Ability to work overtime during staffing emergencies in a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week psychiatric hospital, potentially including a 16-hour shift when necessary.
- Ability to complete annual competency training, including TOVA III with physical restraints.
- Ability to complete and maintain Basic Life Support certification for Healthcare Providers with the American Heart Association.
- Basic computer skills.
- If a CNA, certification must be maintained in good standing with the Virginia State Board of Nursing.
Nice To Haves
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) preferred.
- Bilingual Spanish.
- Veteran or spouse of a veteran.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct psychiatric patient care under the supervision of licensed staff.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment.
- Support and motivate patients to engage in individualized treatment plans and treatment programs.
- Take patients’ vital signs and assist with activities of daily living, including feeding, cleaning, and serving meals.
- Provide one-on-one direct observation.
- Use de-escalation techniques and appropriately intervene in crisis or problem situations to manage patient behavior and the milieu.
- Work as a member of the unit-based treatment team alongside nursing staff.
- Contribute to Learning Center classes that help patients develop skills supporting recovery.
- Follow instructions and promptly report observations and patient behaviors to licensed staff verbally, in writing, or electronically.
- Apply infection prevention and control practices in daily activities.
- Complete annual competency training, including TOVA III with physical restraints.
- Maintain Basic Life Support certification for Healthcare Providers through the American Heart Association.
- If employed as a CNA, maintain certification in good standing with the Virginia State Board of Nursing.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
