Psychiatric Care Technicians/CNAs - PM Shift

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Marion, VA

2d•$39,982 - $55,175•Onsite

About The Position

Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Marion, Virginia, is recruiting Psychiatric Care Technicians/CNAs for its Nursing Services Team. The position provides direct patient care under the supervision of licensed nursing staff and supports nurses as part of an interdisciplinary team. Technicians help maintain a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment and provide care on adult acute admissions, geriatric, and Extended Rehabilitation Service units. The work includes observing, reporting, and documenting patients’ interventions, treatments, behaviors, physical condition, emotional well-being, and other relevant changes, using specialized training to promote mental wellness and recovery. The position is scheduled for 12-hour PM shifts, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and requires working at least every other weekend. Rotating weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required, including overtime in staffing emergencies. Shift differentials and weekend/holiday supplements are available. Employees must maintain CNA certification in good standing with the Virginia Board of Nursing; the posting also states that CNA certification will be obtained within the probationary period. The role is in a secure, locked environment serving individuals experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness and/or additional forensic or legal involvement. The employer conducts an extensive background investigation and pre-employment drug screening. The advertised salary range is $39,982 to $55,175 per year.

Requirements

Maintain CNA (Certified Nursing Aide) certification in good standing with the Virginia State Board of Nursing.
Obtain CNA certification through the Virginia Board of Nursing within the probationary period, as stated in the posting.
Ability to distinguish safe from unsafe patient behavior through observation, interaction, and listening.
Ability to read, write, and speak English and communicate effectively with others.
Ability to observe, report, and document changes in patients’ mental, physical, and behavioral status.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions and maintain required orientation and annual competencies.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and patients from varied backgrounds.
Ability to recognize when assistance is needed and ask for help in providing care and treatment.
Ability to give and receive effective feedback and work as a team member.
Ability to administer CPR and perform Therapeutic Options-approved physical interventions.
Ability to work overtime, including during staffing emergencies, and work rotating weekends and holidays.
Ability to use email and electronic health records.
Knowledge of basic treatment measures to promote mental health for adult, developmentally disabled or impaired, and/or geriatric populations.
Ability to work in a secure, locked environment with individuals experiencing acute mental illness symptoms and/or forensic or legal involvement.
Knowledge of personal care needs and activities of daily living.
Ability to carry out the responsibilities of the position and provide direct patient care under licensed nursing staff supervision.
Ability to turn, bend, and lift non-ambulatory patients without restrictions.
Ability to demonstrate competencies on the CNA competency assessment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a psychiatric or healthcare facility, acute care, long-term care, or correctional setting.
Valid driver’s license.
High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Assist nurses in providing quality patient care as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Maintain accountability in a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment.
Support healthy interpersonal interactions with patients on adult acute admissions, geriatric, and Extended Rehabilitation Service units.
Observe and report information regarding interventions, treatments, behaviors, physical condition, emotional well-being, and other situations.
Document and communicate patient information using specialized training to promote mental wellness and recovery.
Provide direct patient care under the supervision of licensed nursing staff.
Recognize and report changes in patients’ mental, physical, and behavioral status.
Administer CPR and perform Therapeutic Options-approved physical interventions.
Meet orientation, annual, and CNA competency requirements.