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) 2nd shift
WSH is currently seeking 2nd shift Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs) to provide direct patient care in a safe and therapeutic environment for specific patient populations in our 24/7 psychiatric hospital. PCTs 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.
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. • 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.
Employment Details: Western State Hospital is looking for full-time classified Psychiatric Care Technicians for 2nd shift. PCTs will work (2) 12-hour shifts and (2) 8-hour shifts, or (5) 8-hour shifts per week. The successful candidate must work every other weekend, with holidays and overtime required as needed.
Benefits of Working at Western State Hospital: • 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. • 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 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 situation and ensure safety at facility. • Ability to work effectively with staff in a team approach. • Ability to perform infection prevention and control practices and appropriately apply standards in daily activities. • Ability to perform repetitious walking and/or standing, bending, lifting and reaching over to position/restrain/transfer/transport and/or escort individuals, and provide assistance with activities of daily living. • Ability to work overtime due to staffing emergencies in a 24-hour 7 day per week psychiatric hospital which at times may mean working a 16-hour shift if and when necessary • Complete all annual competency training to include TOVA III with physical restraints. • Complete and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers with the American Heart Association • Has basic computer skills. • If CNA, maintain certification in good standing with the Virginia State Board of Nursing
Additional Considerations
Veteran or Spouse of Veteran Bilingual Certified Nursing Assistant Previous healthcare experience preferred.
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. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided 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 get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, 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. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided 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 get 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.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
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