Psychiatric Care Technician & CNA

Overview

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.

Position Available: Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs) & CNAs

WSH is currently seeking 1st/2nd 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.

• 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.

Western State Hospital is looking for full-time classified Psychiatric Care Technicians and Certified Nursing Aides for 1st and 2nd shift. PCTs and CNAs will work two 12-hour shifts and two 8-hour shifts, or five 8-hour shifts per week. The successful candidate must work every other weekend, with holidays and overtime required as needed.

• 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

• 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
• 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
• Tuition reimbursement available
• Three weeks of dedicated paid training
• Paid vacation time
• Paid life insurance
• Twelve paid holidays

• 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…