Psychiatric Care Technician & CNA

Contact Information

Name:
Elizabeth Weber
Phone:
Email: elizabeth.weberginia.gov

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) & CNAs. WSH is currently seeking 1st/2nd shift PCTs and Certified Nursing Aides (CNAs) to provide direct patient care in a safe and therapeutic environment for specific patient populations in our 24/7 psychiatric hospital. PCTs and CNAs 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.

• 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.

Western State Hospital is looking for full‑time classified Psychiatric Care Technicians and Certified Nursing Aides for 1st and 2nd shift. PCTs and CNAs 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.

• 1st shift weekends: $3.00/hr.
• 2nd shift weekdays: $2.50/hr.; weekends/holidays: $3.00/hr.
• 3rd shift weekdays: $2.25/hr.; weekends/holidays: $3.00/hr.

• 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

• 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…