Psychiatric Technician​/Licensed Vocational Nurse

Psychiatric Technician (Licensed Vocational Nurse)

Location: Santa Cruz, California

Schedule: Full-Time | Non-Exempt | 3 Shifts Available

Department: Residential / Crisis Stabilization Unit

Reports To: Charge Nurse / Registered Nurse Lead

Pay Range: $34.00 – $38.00 per hour

Bonus: $250 Sign-On Bonus & $250 Retention Bonus

Make a Meaningful Impact

Aspiranet, one of California’s leading nonprofit organizations supporting children, youth, and families, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Psychiatric Technician (Licensed Vocational Nurse) to join our Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) team in Santa Cruz.

This position plays a vital role in providing high-quality medical and behavioral care to youth in crisis. If you’re passionate about supporting the emotional and physical well-being of young people and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we invite you to join our team and make a lasting impact.

About Aspiranet

Founded in 1975, Aspiranet is a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping families thrive. We provide a continuum of care across California through six service divisions:
Foster and Adoption, Transitional Aged Youth, Residential, Intensive Home-Based Services, Behavioral Health, and Family and Community. Every role at Aspiranet contributes to something greater: building a future where every child is loved, every family supported, and every individual equipped to succeed.

The Psychiatric Technician (Licensed Vocational Nurse) provides compassionate care and clinical oversight to youth placed in Aspiranet’s Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU).

This role is responsible for assessing clients, administering medication, monitoring medical needs, and supporting individualized treatment plans. The Psychiatric Technician collaborates closely with multidisciplinary treatment teams, supports health and wellness education, and ensures compliance with health, safety, and infection control standards.

• Client Care & Supervision
  • Provide direct care and supervision to youth at the Crisis Stabilization Unit.
  • Administer medications and monitor for side effects or changes in client condition.
  • Coordinate clients’ medical, physical, and dental needs, including referrals and linkages to community providers.
  • Deliver health screening, education, and counseling focused on prevention, wellness, and mental health.
  • Provide daily living assistance and supportive behavioral interventions to clients.
• Medical & Clinical Support
  • Consult with physicians and pharmacists regarding client medication needs.
  • Manage prescription call-ins and medication documentation.
  • Oversee and implement communicable disease and infection control policies.
  • Provide training to staff on health and safety protocols.
  • Participate in treatment planning meetings and multidisciplinary care coordination.
• Documentation & Communication
  • Accurately document interventions, medical issues, progress, and behavioral observations.
  • Communicate effectively with treatment team members, supervisors, and client families.
  • Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and clinical consultations.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing or Medical Assistant program.
• Current Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Psychiatric Technician certification.
• Minimum of one year of professional nursing or medical assistant experience.
• CPR/BLR and First Aid certification
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with children, adolescents, and families with emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Mental health background and experience working with youth or adolescents preferred.
• Experience in an inpatient, residential, or clinical setting strongly desired.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Strong knowledge of crisis assessment, trauma-informed care, and safety planning.
• Meets all state-required employment conditions, including:
• DOJ fingerprint and Child Abuse Index clearance
• TB/Health physical
• Valid CA Driver’s License, acceptable driving record, and proof of insurance

• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension).
• Ability to work…