PCT Full Time

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Staunton, VA

20h•Onsite

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. WSH is currently seeking 2nd and 3rd 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.

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

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
Choice of 11 different insurance packages, including health, dental, and vision
Two retirement savings plans
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