Psychiatric Technician I/II (Continuous)

The Kings County Behavioral Health Department is seeking to fill one current Licensed Psychiatric Technician position to perform routine medical and mental health services related to the care and treatment of mentally ill clients and patients. Future vacancies for this position may be filled from the eligible list to be established. The typical life of an eligible list is six months.

SALARY
Level I - $20.79 - $25.37 Hourly, $43,243.20 - $52,769.60 Annually

Level II - $22.97 - $28.02 Hourly, $47,777.60 - $58,281.60 Annually

Psychiatric Technician I: This is the entry-level classification in the Psychiatric Technician series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine duties related to psychiatric client care. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Psychiatric Technician II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Psychiatric Technician II: This is the journey-level classification in the Psychiatric Technician II series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Psychiatric Technician I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Psychiatric Technician class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the next lower level, after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs a variety of technical psychiatric nursing care duties in support of behavioral health clients and professional psychiatric staff, including but not limited to physical assessments, medication administration, and coordinating various services in support of client wellness and recovery.
• Receives clients for scheduled psychiatry appointments; takes and records measures of clients’ vital signs, physical condition, and behaviors; assists clients with connecting to psychiatrists for scheduled virtual appointments; remains with clients for duration of appointments as requested by client and/or psychiatrist.
• Under the direction of clinical staff, provides medication management services to clients; ensure the proper acquisition and administration of mediation.
• Provides education and training to clients, their families, and/or staff on the proper care and use of medications, including symptoms of, reactions to, or side effects of, specific medications; informs clients of the impact of abuse and/or misuse of medications.
• Assists and observes clients self-dispense medication as prescribed by a psychiatrist and administers scheduled injections.
• Conducts medication checks on clients to assess their overall medication management capabilities; takes appropriate action if client poses danger with respect to the use or abuse of medication; observes, evaluates, records, and reports to professional staff changes in client’s condition.
• Collaborates with clinical staff to process new prescriptions and refills; works with insurance companies to obtain approvals; writes medical justifications to have prescriptions approved, as necessary; works with clinical staff and insurance companies to determine options when prescriptions are denied.
• As a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team, provides information and updates on medication changes, concerns, side effects, and other important client information; keeps clients stable and medication compliant with the treatment goal of improving overall life functionality.
• Performs crisis intervention; evaluates individuals to identify level of stable behavior; provides support and assistance in problem resolution; and coordinates or arranges for the provision of appropriate care services.
• Maintains inventory; orders, tracks, receives, stores, and monitors a variety of medications and related medical supplies adhering to establishing purchasing policies.
• Collaborates and consults with psychiatrists, pharmacists, registered nurses, drug representatives, clinicians, and various other program staff and service providers regarding client care.
• Attends and participates in a variety of meetings, conferences, trainings, and other staff development activities.
• Maintains accurate, detailed, and thorough documentation, case records, and notes of all billable and non-billable activities and services related to client care; oversees and maintains the urgent care log; and completes necessary documentation for billing purposes.
• Provides training to subordinate and less experienced staff and volunteers as assigned.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Please note: Work experience for the last 15 years must be included in the work history portion of your application. It is also important that your application show all the relevant education and experience that you possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. A resume may be attached, but is not a substitute for completing the application and supplemental questions. Failure to submit a completed application may eliminate you from the recruitment.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Psychiatric Technician I and II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12^th) grade.

• Psychiatric Technician II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience providing medication support to behavioral health clients at a level equivalent to a Psychiatric Technician I in Kings County.

• Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.
• Possession of a valid Psychiatric Technician licensure issued by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, to be maintained throughout employment. OR
• Possession of a valid Vocational Nurse licensure issued by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, to be maintained throughout employment.

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or a written examination (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Veteran's Preference Application
You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date.