Psychiatric Nursing Assistant

Overview

Effective July 1, 2026, the wage for this position increased by 3%. The Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) is recruiting for a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant (Levels 1, 2, or
3). This position is open to Alaska residents only.

As a psychiatric nursing assistant, you will engage and monitor clients with acute and chronic mental health concerns. Duties include assisting with and observing through evaluation and admission processes, accurately documenting patient property, securing these items, monitoring behavior, documenting observations in an electronic health record (EHR), assisting clients with activities of daily living, and utilizing routine technical, diagnostic, and treatment skills.

• Integrity/Honesty: Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner, consistently aligning words and actions.
• Advocacy: Develops and presents the client’s interests in all matters.
• Adaptability: Adjusts work plans by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective results; determines objectives, sets priorities, delegates work, and complies with established control systems.
• Reading: Understands and interprets written material, including technical documents, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs, or tables, and applies this knowledge to specific situations.

Education and experience requirements vary by level.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age 18.

• Successful completion of a formal training plan as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant 1 with the State of Alaska OR six months of direct paraprofessional experience with mental, behavioral, cognitive, or addiction services in assisted living, independent living, or treatment settings.
• Post‑secondary education in psychology, sociology, mental health, and/or chemical dependency may substitute up to three months of experience (2.67 semester/4 quarter hours equal one month).

• Successful completion of a formal training plan as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant 2 with the State of Alaska OR one year of direct paraprofessional experience with mental, behavioral, cognitive, or addiction services in assisted living, independent living, or treatment settings.
• Post‑secondary education in psychology, sociology, mental health, and/or chemical dependency may substitute up to six months of experience (2.67 semester/4 quarter hours equal one month).

• Competitive salary with regular merit/longevity increases and overtime opportunities.
• Professional certification in MANDT and CPR.
• Opportunities for advanced training from specialists in advanced psychiatric and health care topics.
• Comprehensive orientation and annual training.
• Meaningful work supporting API’s mission, with opportunities to grow skills and advance career.

The selected candidate will work in a fast‑paced, busy, and sometimes challenging environment, collaborating closely with supervisors, managers, and personnel to deliver services to clients.

3700 Piper Street, East Anchorage, AK – located in the U‑MED district with nearby parks, trails, restaurants, shopping, and public transportation access.

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants must certify that they have legal right to accept employment in the United States. The State does not sponsor employment.