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Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Psychiatric Care Technician & CNA - Full Time

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States, 22802

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Psychiatric Care Technician & CNA – Full Time Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services – Western State Hospital (WSH)

Title:

Psychiatric Care Technician & CNA – Full Time Hiring Range:

$38,630 Commensurate with experience and/or nursing assistant certification Pay Band:

3 Location:

Western State Hospital, Shenandoah Valley, VA

Job Overview WSH is a 302‑bed Joint Commission‑accredited psychiatric hospital that provides direct patient care. We are seeking Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to work 1st/2nd shift delivering recovery‑oriented care in a therapeutic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver quality care as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Monitor and document vital signs in the EHR.

Assist individuals with ADLs.

Provide one‑on‑one direct observations.

Utilize de‑escalation techniques to manage behavioral situations.

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, geriatric, and extended rehabilitation units.

Observe and report on interventions, treatments, behaviors, physical and emotional well‑being.

Document and communicate observations effectively.

Employ specialized training to promote mental wellness recovery.

Escort patients to learning center for classes, appointments.

Employment Details Full‑time classified PCTs and CNAs. 2 × 12‑hour shifts or 5 × 8‑hour shifts per week. Must work every other weekend, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Shift Differentials

1st shift weekends: $3.00/hr.

2nd shift weekdays: $2.50/hr.; weekends/holidays: $3.00/hr.

3rd shift weekdays: $2.25/hr.; weekends/holidays: $3.00/hr.

Benefits Career advancement opportunities; professional skills incentive; flexible scheduling; choice of 11 insurance packages; two retirement plans; 24/7 security; shift and weekend differentials; paid sick and personal time off; loan repayment options; state employee discount program; tuition reimbursement; 3 weeks paid training; paid vacation; paid life insurance; 12 paid holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

Provide direct psychiatric patient care under licensed staff supervision.

Communicate effectively with staff and patients.

Work in a secure environment with acute mental illness or forensic/legal involvement.

Follow instructions, report observations accurately.

Knowledge of recovery/trauma‑informed care.

Intervene appropriately in crisis situations.

Assist patients with ADLs.

Learn basic knowledge of developmental and psychiatric disorders.

Promote mental health appropriate to adult, developmental, geriatric populations.

Vision and hearing adequate for safety.

Team approach skills.

Infection prevention and control practices.

Physical requirements (walking, standing, lifting, etc.).

Work overtime up to 16‑hour shifts when necessary.

Complete all annual competency training including TOVA III with restraints.

Maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Basic computer skills.

For CNAs: maintain certification in good standing with the Virginia State Board of Nursing.

Additional Considerations

Previous healthcare experience preferred.

Current CNA and/or psychiatric experience preferred.

Consistent work history preferred.

Bi‑lingual Spanish/English a plus.

Veteran or spouse of veteran.

Bilingual.

Certified Nursing Assistant.

Special Instructions Reference “Your Application” to check application status. Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process encourages applicants with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available. Contact HR at 540‑332‑8300 for assistance.

EEO Statement Western State Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability.

Contact Information Name: Elizabeth Weber Phone: 540‑332‑8056 Email: elizabeth.weber@dbhds.virginia.gov

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