Psychiatric Technician Apprentice
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: TL72
Class Code: 8229
Established: 12/13/1978
Revised: 01/17/2012
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under close supervision, as an apprentice, to participate in the treatment programs of a State hospital for the mentally or developmentally disabled; to acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide a basic level of general behavioral and psychiatric nursing care to the mentally and developmentally disabled; and to do other related work.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This class is designed for entrance and performance in an apprentice program leading to status as a licensed Psychiatric Technician. Persons in this class receive training under the provisions of apprenticeship standards and written apprentice agreements under Chapter 4, Division 3, California Labor Code. Inability to maintain satisfactory progress in the didactic and practical work of the apprentice program is sufficient cause for separation from the program.
Typical Tasks
Receives training in a basic level of general behavioral and psychiatric nursing care and treatment of mentally or developmentally disabled voluntary, involuntary, or judicially committed clients consisting of classroom instruction and demonstration, closely supervised unit nursing practice, and attendance at appropriate unit and staff conferences; assists medical and nursing personnel in the nursing care and treatment of clients; under direction and countersignature of a licensed nursing staff, may document basic observations such as vital signs, behaviors, ADL's; assists the medical and licensed nursing personnel who are administering medications and treatments; assists rehabilitation therapists with client-oriented programs; assists with client feeding, habit training, and grooming; keeps clients and their clothing, beds, and living areas clean; learns to create a safe and therapeutic environment for clients; may provide enhanced observations of clients with appropriate training; and learns to motivate clients to develop self-reliance in daily living.
Minimum Qualifications
Eligibility for enrollment in an accredited Psychiatric Technician Training Program as evidenced by passage of the required entrance examinations. and Education: Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Arithmetic computations including fractions; metric system; and spelling and grammar.
Ability to: Communicate effectively; acquire general behavioral and psychiatric nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes; and apply technical nursing knowledge and understanding of the behavior of mentally or developmentally disabled clients.
Special Personal Characteristics
An interest and willingness to work in a State hospital; alertness; patience; emotional stability; tact; tolerance; neat personal appearance; and hearing and vision required for successful job performance.
Drug Testing Requirement
Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement.
