Western State Hospital
Psychiatric Care Technician & CNA - Full Time
Western State Hospital, Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States, 22802
Psychiatric Care Technician & CNA - Full Time
Western State Hospital (WSH) is a state‑of‑the‑art psychiatric facility operating since 1828 under the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The 302‑bed Joint Commission–accredited hospital is located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, just 30 minutes from major university towns. WSH is affiliated with the University of Virginia’s Department of Psychiatric Medicine and serves as a training ground for professionals in nursing, social work, psychology, and activity therapy.
Job Duties Position Available: Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs) & CNAs 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 while maintaining a clean, therapeutic environment.
Key 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.
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.
Employment Details Full‑time classified PCTs and CNAs for 1st and 2nd shift. Work (2) 12‑hour shifts and (2) 8‑hour shifts, or (5) 8‑hour shifts per week. Work every other weekend, with holidays and overtime required 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 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
Minimum Qualifications
Ability to provide direct psychiatric patient care under the supervision of licensed staff.
Effective communication with staff and psychiatric patients.
Work in a secure and locked environment with individuals experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness and/or additional forensic/legal involvement.
Follow instructions and report observations/behaviors of psychiatric patients in a timely manner, verbally, in written, or electronically.
Demonstrate knowledge of recovery / trauma‑informed care.
Appropriately intervene in crisis or problem situations.
Provide direction and assistance to psychiatric patients in activities of daily living.
Willing to learn basic knowledge of developmental and psychiatric disorders, 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 situations and ensure safety at facility.
Work effectively with staff in a team approach.
Perform infection prevention and control practices and apply standards in daily activities.
Perform repetitious walking and/or standing, bending, lifting and reaching to restrain/transfer/transport or escort individuals, and provide assistance with ADLs.
Work overtime due to staffing emergencies in a 24‑hour, 7‑day per week psychiatric hospital, which may include 16‑hour shifts.
Complete all annual competency training to include TOVA III with physical restraints.
Maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers with the American Heart Association.
Basic computer skills.
If CNA, maintain certification in good standing with the Virginia State Board of Nursing.
Additional Considerations
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.
Certified Nursing Assistant.
Special Instructions You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. Applicants must submit a Certificate of Disability (COD) authorized by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to obtain their COD. If you need to obtain a COD, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (540-332-8300) for assistance. Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply.
EEO/AA/TTY.
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.
DBHDS Facilities are no longer required to ensure that all staff members are vaccinated for COVID‑19. However, facilities encourage and educate on COVID‑19 vaccination programs to staff, residents, and clients. Employees may be required to disclose immunization status for purposes of infection prevention and/or management of outbreaks. Upon acceptance of a job offer, new recruits will be asked to disclose their vaccination status (and for those fully vaccinated, proof of vaccination) during the pre‑employment process. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Contact Information Name: Elizabeth Weber
Phone: 540-332-8056
Email: elizabeth.weber@dbhds.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. Applicants must provide a AHP Letter (formerly COD) authorized by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to obtain their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022 – February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
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Job Duties Position Available: Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs) & CNAs 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 while maintaining a clean, therapeutic environment.
Key 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.
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.
Employment Details Full‑time classified PCTs and CNAs for 1st and 2nd shift. Work (2) 12‑hour shifts and (2) 8‑hour shifts, or (5) 8‑hour shifts per week. Work every other weekend, with holidays and overtime required 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 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
Minimum Qualifications
Ability to provide direct psychiatric patient care under the supervision of licensed staff.
Effective communication with staff and psychiatric patients.
Work in a secure and locked environment with individuals experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness and/or additional forensic/legal involvement.
Follow instructions and report observations/behaviors of psychiatric patients in a timely manner, verbally, in written, or electronically.
Demonstrate knowledge of recovery / trauma‑informed care.
Appropriately intervene in crisis or problem situations.
Provide direction and assistance to psychiatric patients in activities of daily living.
Willing to learn basic knowledge of developmental and psychiatric disorders, 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 situations and ensure safety at facility.
Work effectively with staff in a team approach.
Perform infection prevention and control practices and apply standards in daily activities.
Perform repetitious walking and/or standing, bending, lifting and reaching to restrain/transfer/transport or escort individuals, and provide assistance with ADLs.
Work overtime due to staffing emergencies in a 24‑hour, 7‑day per week psychiatric hospital, which may include 16‑hour shifts.
Complete all annual competency training to include TOVA III with physical restraints.
Maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers with the American Heart Association.
Basic computer skills.
If CNA, maintain certification in good standing with the Virginia State Board of Nursing.
Additional Considerations
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.
Certified Nursing Assistant.
Special Instructions You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. Applicants must submit a Certificate of Disability (COD) authorized by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to obtain their COD. If you need to obtain a COD, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (540-332-8300) for assistance. Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply.
EEO/AA/TTY.
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.
DBHDS Facilities are no longer required to ensure that all staff members are vaccinated for COVID‑19. However, facilities encourage and educate on COVID‑19 vaccination programs to staff, residents, and clients. Employees may be required to disclose immunization status for purposes of infection prevention and/or management of outbreaks. Upon acceptance of a job offer, new recruits will be asked to disclose their vaccination status (and for those fully vaccinated, proof of vaccination) during the pre‑employment process. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources.
Contact Information Name: Elizabeth Weber
Phone: 540-332-8056
Email: elizabeth.weber@dbhds.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. Applicants must provide a AHP Letter (formerly COD) authorized by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to obtain their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022 – February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
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