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State of California

SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN (SAFETY)

Career Insights for Mental Health / Psychiatric Technician

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What they do

A Mental Health or Psychiatric Technician cares for patients with mental illnesses. Works under the direction of a physician and works with specialists involved in mental health care, such as psychiatrists and therapists. Monitors patient symptoms and administers medications. Works in a mental health facility or in a hospital or other healthcare facility.

$45,827 / year median in California

+22% projected growth

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Job Description

Sr. Psychiatric Technician (Safety) Department of State Hospitals
JC-528957
  • Sr.
Psychiatric Technician (Safety)
SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN
(SAFETY) $6,638.00
  • $8,733.
00 per Month New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date:
9/1/2026
Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) Job Description and Duties The Senior Psychiatric Technician (Safety) will be directed by the Unit Supervisor on the assigned Program and Unit at the Department of State Hospitals
  • Atascadero (ASH).
The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to: Responsible for organizing, prioritizing, delegating, and monitoring the assignments of the Level of Care (LOC) staff that are assigned to the Unit for the 8-hour shift. Collaborate with unit Registered Nurse (RN) to ensure the delivery of appropriate medical care and assessments as outlined in the RN Physical Assessment Tracking Tool (PATT). Work directly with their Unit Supervisor providing clear communication of all pertinent information related to the shift they lead. Provide feedback on the LOC staff they oversee to assist the Unit Supervisor in making accurate Performance Appraisal Evaluations. Maintain accurate unit documentation including daybook entries, acuities, daily staffing report, and sign in logs. Monitor and maintain staff and patient safety ensuring all security inspections and audits are completed per hospital policy. Responsible for creating a clean, safe and therapeutic environment for patients. Apply mental health principles and relationship security with patients. Supervise the delivery of patient treatment and activities. Performs and ensures nursing procedures such as administering medications including oral medications and hypodermic injection, observing patients physical condition and behavior and reporting significant changes to a registered nurse, unit supervisor or physician and ensure the recording of nursing notes in the patient record Maintain current CPR certification. Ensures staff facilities to identify security breaches that could lead to the escape of a patient. Observing and intervening in patient behavior that may injure people, damage property or signal impending escape attempts. Applies and demonstrates knowledge of correct methods in Therapeutic Strategies and Interventions (TSI), that includes patient containment, heavy lifting, applying restraints, and responding to emergency situations throughout the hospital. Demonstrates a knowledge of Trauma Informed Care principles.
Eligibility:
To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the following: reachable on a certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications. If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy. Click here to take the Senior Psychiatric Technician (Safety) Examination Click on the link to complete the
Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey:
DSH Recruitment Survey You will find additional information about the job in the . Working Conditions This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA). There are multiple vacancies for this classification. Positions filled may be assigned to any shift and any unit according to hospital need. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN
(SAFETY) Additional Documents Job Application Package Checklist Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528957
Position #(s): 455-000-8252-XXX
Working Title:
Sr. Psychiatric Technician (Safety)
Classification:
SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN
(SAFETY) $6,638.00
  • $7,730.00 S $6,927.00
  • $8,320.00 T $7,237.00
  • $8,733.
00 U New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. # of
Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
San Luis Obispo County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
DSH
  • Atascadero Department Information The Department of State Hospitals
  • Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals
  • Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings, and many historical landmarks.
We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.
Department Website:
https://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero Special Requirements The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired. The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired. The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired. The position(s) require(s) a(n) CA Psychiatric Technician License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired. Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date:
9/1/2026