Psychiatric Technician

Class Specifications – H.15
Senior Psychiatric Technician – 8925
Psychiatric Technician – 8926

September, 1979

Series Concept

Psychiatric Technicians provide basic general and psychiatric nursing care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, and mentally retarded patients; participate in the overall psychiatric treatment program; and perform other related duties as required.

Incumbents typically work under the supervision of higher level nursing or other professionals in a mental health care facility, inpatient psychiatric nursing unit or outpatient clinic and function as treatment team members participating in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care needed for patients; perform nursing procedures such as administering medications and treatments; observe patients’ condition and behavior and report significant changes to supervisors or other appropriate parties; prepare patients and care for them during treatment; give first aid as needed; help to create a safe and therapeutic environment for patients; motivate patients to develop self-reliance in daily living; assist patients with feeding, habit training, and maintaining a wellgroomed appearance; keep patients and their beds, clothing, and living areas clean; protect patients from personal injury; escort patients in and around facilities; and participate in in-service training programs.

The Psychiatric Technician series is distinguished from the Vocational Nurse series in that incumbents apply behavioral science principles and techniques in the care of patients in a mental health or mental retardation facility or unit as contrasted to patient care in an acute general hospital or similar facility with primary emphasis on physical health and well being.

The Psychiatric Technician series is distinguished from the Hospital Assistant series in the manner described directly above and in that duties performed require licensure and are not as routine or closely supervised.

Class Concepts

Senior Psychiatric Technician

Under general supervision, incumbents are assigned continuing lead responsibility for a group of at least three full-time-equivalent Psychiatric Technicians or on a regular and continuing basis are assigned the more complex and difficult cases.

Psychiatric Technician

Under supervision, incumbents perform operational psychiatric technician duties as outlined in the Series Concept. This is the operational level class in the series where a majority of positions are allocated.

Minimum Qualifications

Senior Psychiatric Technician

Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Psychiatric Technician as determined by the California State Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners; one year of experience performing the duties of a Psychiatric Technician, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.