Psychiatric Care Technician - Part time

Title: Psychiatric Care Technician - Part time

State Role Title: 49053

Hiring Range: $20.74/hr.

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Western State Hospital

Agency Website: http://www.wsh.dbhds.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Western State Hospital is seeking applicants for part-time Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCT) on 2nd and 3rd shifts. The Successful applicant must work one weekend per month. Holidays will be required.

PCT worked under the direction of licensed nursing staff, provide recovery-oriented direct care to a population in a hospital setting, maintaining a safe, clean and therapeutic environment; Actively support and motivate patients to participate in their individualized treatment plans; as well as deliver treatment programs to individuals and groups of individuals who may have serious mental illness, substance abuse, and/or intellectual or developmental disabilities.

PCT work as part of the unit-based treatment team alongside nurses who are responsible for the 24/7 care of patients as well as in our ‘Learning Center’ where patients attend varied classes which help them attain individual skills supporting their ongoing recovery.

Shift Differentials available to PCT.
1st shift weekend $3.00/hr.
2nd shift weekdays $2.50/hr., and weekend/holidays $3.00/hr.
3rd shift weekdays $2.25/hr, and weekend/holidays $ 3.00/hr.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to distinguish between safe and unsafe patient behavior by observing, interacting, and listening
• Ability to read, write and speak in the English language
• Ability to observe, report and document changes in patients’ mental, physical and behavioral status
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to maintain all required orientation and annual competencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisors, co-workers and patients from varied backgrounds using effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to recognize the need and ask for help or assistance in providing care and treatment
• Ability to give and receive effective feedback and perform as a member of a team
• Ability to administer CPR and perform TO approved physical interventions
• Ability to work overtime hours, rotating weekends, and holidays
• Ability to use email and electronic health records

Additional Considerations

• Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent is preferred
• Experience in a psychiatric, healthcare facility, acute care, long-term care or correction setting is 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 staff on the benefits and offer COVID - 19 vaccination programs to staff, residents, 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.