Psychiatric Care Technician & CNA - Full Time
About The Position
Western State Hospital (WSH) is a state-of-the-art psychiatric facility that has been operating since 1828 under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. WSH is a 302-bed Joint Commission-accredited hospital situated in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, just 30 minutes from major university towns. It is affiliated with the University of Virginia's Department of Psychiatric Medicine and serves as a training ground for professionals from various colleges and universities in nursing, social work, psychology, and activity therapy. Position Available: Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs) & CNAs WSH is currently seeking 1st/2nd shift Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs) and Certified Nursing Aides (CNA) to provide direct patient care in a safe and therapeutic environment for specific patient populations in our 24/7 psychiatric hospital. PCTs and CNAs will follow care and treatment policies and procedures while demonstrating knowledge of population-specific needs and competencies under the guidance of licensed nursing staff. The role involves delivering recovery-oriented care in a hospital setting while maintaining a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment. Employment Details: Western State Hospital is looking for full-time classified Psychiatric Care Technicians and Certified Nursing Aides for 1st and 2nd shift. PCTs and CNAs will work (2) 12-hour shifts and (2) 8-hour shifts, or (5) 8-hour shifts per week. The successful candidate must work every other weekend, with holidays and overtime required as needed.
Requirements
- Ability to provide direct psychiatric patient care under the supervision of licensed staff.
- Ability to effectively communicate with staff and psychiatric patients.
- Ability to work in a secure and locked environment with individuals who are experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness and/or additional forensic/legal involvement.
- Able to follow instructions and report observations/behaviors of psychiatric patients to licensed staff in a timely manner by describing observations verbally, in written, or electronically.
- Demonstrate knowledge of recovery/trauma informed care.
- Appropriately intervene in crisis or problem situations.
- Has skills in providing direction and assistance to psychiatric patients in activities of daily living.
- Willing to learn basic knowledge of developmental and psychiatric disorders along with human behavior, age-specific needs, and personality development.
- Willing to learn basic treatment measures to promote mental health appropriate to the adult, developmentally disabled or impaired, and/or geriatric populations.
- Vision and hearing adequate to recognize and respond to hazardous situation and ensure safety at facility.
- Ability to work effectively with staff in a team approach.
- Ability to perform infection prevention and control practices and appropriately apply standards in daily activities.
- Ability to perform repetitious walking and/or standing, bending, lifting and reaching over to position/restrain/transfer/transport and/or escort individuals, and provide assistance with activities of daily living.
- Ability to work overtime due to staffing emergencies in a 24-hour 7 day per week psychiatric hospital which at times may mean working a 16-hour shift if and when necessary
- Complete all annual competency training to include TOVA III with physical restraints.
- Complete and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers with the American Heart Association
- Has basic computer skills.
- If CNA, maintain certification in good standing with the Virginia State Board of Nursing
Nice To Haves
- Previous healthcare experience preferred
- Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and/or previous psychiatric experience preferred
- Demonstrated consistent work history preferred
- Bi-lingual Spanish/English a plus
- Veteran or Spouse of Veteran
- Bilingual
- Certified Nursing Assistant
Responsibilities
- Deliver quality care as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Monitor and document vital signs in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
- Assist individuals with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
- Provide one-on-one direct observations.
- Utilize de-escalation techniques to manage behavioral situations.
- Ability to administer CPR and perform TOVA approved physical interventions
- Serve meals and maintain cleanliness in patient areas.
- Ensure accountability within a safe and therapeutic environment.
- Foster healthy interpersonal interactions in adult acute admissions, geriatric units, and extended rehabilitation service units.
- Observe and report on interventions, treatments, behaviors, physical and emotional well-being, and other relevant situations.
- Document and communicate observations effectively.
- Employ specialized training to promote mental wellness recovery.
- Escort patients to the learning center for various classes, external & internal medical appointments.
Benefits
- Career advancement opportunities
- Professional Skills Incentive available
- Flexible scheduling to maintain a work-life balance
- Choice of 11 different insurance packages, including health, dental, and vision
- Two retirement savings plans to help secure your financial future
- 24/7 security on site
- Shift and weekend differentials for select positions
- Paid sick and personal time off
- Loan repayment options for clinical positions
- State employee discount program for various products and services, including movie tickets, special events, cell phone plans, Kings Dominion, and other entertainment and travel options
- Tuition reimbursement available
- Three weeks of dedicated paid training
- Paid vacation time
- Paid life insurance
- Twelve paid holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Industry
Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
