Psychiatric Technician (Night Shifts)

Albertina Kerr Centers • Portland, OR

1d

About The Position

Albertina Kerr’s mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to lead self-determined lives in their communities. The Psychiatric Technician provides direct care and support to children and adolescents experiencing an acute psychiatric episode. The position offers an opportunity to enter and grow a career in mental health. Duties include facilitating skills and education groups, guiding structured recreational activities, and supporting children and adolescents in daily activities. The program uses Collaborative Problem Solving, a strength-based model based on the understanding that children do well if they can.

The Children's Psychiatric Crisis (Subacute) program provides short-term, safe and secure residential placement for children and teens experiencing a mental health crisis. Services focus on mental health stabilization, psychiatric evaluation, and transitional planning, with an average stay of around three weeks. Common diagnoses include major depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. The role supports a diverse population, including transgender and nonbinary youth, as part of a multidisciplinary team. The position is covered under the SEIU Local 503 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Requirements

• Ability to interact effectively with clients, families, and peers.
• Adept problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills and capacity to learn new operating systems and applications.
• Basic math skills.
• Ability to lift, push, bend, and pull; stand or move about; raise arms in an unsupported position; twist at the waist; reach for objects; and perform similar repetitive hand operations or other fatiguing demands for over five hours per day.
• Ability to safely perform Oregon Intervention System (OIS) requirements for physical intervention techniques.

Nice To Haves

• For Psychiatric Technician II: Meets requirements to register as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).
• For Psychiatric Technician II: Demonstrated experience and skill working with clients with a high level of behavioral acuity.
• For Psychiatric Technician II: Understanding of age-specific child development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct evaluations and assessments of clients.
• Ensure clients' personal safety and provide basic needs, including adequate food, clean clothing, and hygiene assistance when needed.
• Consult treatment plans to implement appropriate care for clients' developmental needs.
• Teach social skills and provide appropriate opportunities for socialization.
• Facilitate educational groups and therapeutic skills groups for clients.
• Consistently fulfill the duties of a mandatory abuse reporter.
• Document notes and complete incident reporting.
• Perform safeguarding interventions.
• Complete cleaning and housekeeping tasks.

Benefits

• Paid medical, dental, and vision employee benefits.
• Paid basic life and accident insurance.
• Paid internal training and career development.
• Paid holidays and generous time off.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4% employer match.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), with resources for mental health, pet insurance, and financial counseling.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed