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Psychiatric Technician

UCI Series Concepts

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

September, 1979

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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.

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; and knowledges and abilities 
essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the 
position.

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