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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Mary Greeley Medical Center

PSYCHIATRIC ASST P

Ames, IA · On-site

* Position Summary * Provides direct patient care, supports treatment planning, facilitates case coordination, and assists with discharge planning and daily therapeutic activities under the general ...

Mary Greeley Medical Center

PSYCHIATRIC ASST P

Ames, IA · On-site

* Position Summary * Provides direct patient care, supports treatment planning, facilitates case coordination, and assists with discharge planning and daily therapeutic activities under the general ...

Mary Greeley Medical Center

PSYCHIATRIC ASST P

Ames, IA · On-site

* Position Summary * Provides direct patient care, supports treatment planning, facilitates case coordination, and assists with discharge planning and daily therapeutic activities under the general ...

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All JobsPsychiatric JobsPsychiatric Assistant JobsPsychiatric Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Psychiatric Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$11

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$32

How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric assistant in Iowa is $20.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $24.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a psychiatric assistant?

Psychiatric assistants are healthcare professionals who support nurses and doctors in caring for patients with mental health conditions. They assist with daily living activities, help maintain a safe environment, observe and report patient behavior, and may participate in therapeutic activities. Psychiatric assistants typically work in hospitals, mental health facilities, or residential treatment centers, playing a key role in supporting patients' emotional and physical well-being.

What does a psychiatric assistant do?

As a psychiatric assistant, your responsibilities involve supporting people with mental health issues at a mental health care facility. You provide basic medical care by monitoring vital signs and dispensing medications. Your duties include assisting patients with bathing, dressing, and eating. You aid in facility management by keeping patient rooms and common areas clean and safe. Finally, you work with the clinical staff to help patients learn coping and life skills through educational and recreational programs and provide transportation to and from group activities. Job qualifications include an interest in social work or psychology and a desire to help others.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psychiatric assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Psychiatric Assistant, you need foundational knowledge of mental health care, basic patient care skills, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring relevant certifications or coursework. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention techniques, and safety protocols is typically required. Patience, strong observational abilities, and effective interpersonal communication help build rapport with patients and support clinical staff. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining a safe, supportive environment and delivering effective care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

What are some common challenges psychiatric assistants face when working with patients, and how can they be addressed?

Psychiatric assistants often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable patient behaviors, de-escalating tense situations, and maintaining personal boundaries while providing compassionate care. These challenges can be addressed through thorough training in crisis intervention, strong communication skills, and regular team debriefings to share strategies and support. Building rapport with patients and collaborating closely with nurses, therapists, and other mental health professionals also helps create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone involved.

What is the difference between Psychiatric Assistant vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectPsychiatric AssistantMental Health Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health clinics, psychiatric unitsHospitals, residential facilities, community mental health centers
Job DutiesAssist patients with daily activities, monitor behavior, support treatment plansAssist with patient care, observe and report patient progress, support therapeutic activities

Both Psychiatric Assistants and Mental Health Technicians work in mental health settings, providing patient support and care. While their roles overlap in assisting with daily activities and monitoring patients, Psychiatric Assistants often focus more on basic care and support, whereas Mental Health Technicians may have additional responsibilities in observing and reporting patient progress. Both roles typically require similar credentials and are employed in similar environments.

How many years to be a psychiatric assistant?

Becoming a psychiatric assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring or requiring post-secondary education or certification in mental health or healthcare. Most employers do not specify a set number of years of experience but may require on-the-job training or relevant coursework; the role often involves supervised work under licensed professionals. Certification or training programs can range from a few months to a year, depending on the specific requirements of the employer or state regulations.
More about Psychiatric Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric jobs in Iowa?

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For Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Psychiatric Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Psychiatric Assistant job openings:

Psychiatric Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,492 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

PSYCHIATRIC ASST P

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Ames, IA • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Mary Greeley Medical Center rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

475th of 1,060 rated hospitals

Job description

  • Position Summary

  • Provides direct patient care, supports treatment planning, facilitates case coordination, and assists with discharge planning and daily therapeutic activities under the general supervision of the Inpatient Adult Behavioral Health Unit Nurse Manager and team of providers. Ensures all responsibilities are carried out in alignment with trauma-informed, patient-centered care principles to support the recovery and well-being of adult inpatients.

  • Position Responsibilities

  • Unit Specific Position Responsibilities

  • Performs patient care and treatments under supervision of a RN.

  • Provides and documents nursing care including, but not limited to orientation to the unit; activities of daily living, exercise and ambulating, specimen collection; behavior management, leisure activities; and recording of sleep, diet, elimination, vitals, accuchecks, I&O, height/weight. Lifts, moves, positions and transports patients.

  • Performs procedures as defined by department competencies.

  • Considers age, growth, and development when providing care.

  • Assists in duties as requested to meet the day-to-day operations of the unit. Performs other assigned duties.

  • Assures safe, therapeutic environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff via 15 minute checks, 1:1 restraint & seclusion monitoring and environmental monitoring for unit cleanliness, kitchen monitoring, utensil count, random room searches, belongings assessment, locked doors assessment and monitoring of safety hazards.

  • Participates in staff development and orientation of new staff.

  • Sets priorities and demonstrates organizational skils.

  • Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience

  • Required Qualifications (Including any licensure, certification, education):

  • Basic Life Support ( BLS) training, or within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment.

  • Mandatory Reporter training or within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment.

  • Organizational Requirements:

  • Maintain stroke education per regulatory requirements

  • Preferred Qualifications:

  • Possession of current valid driver's license and eligible for coverage under Mary Greeeley Medical Center's insurance policy

  • Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

  • Proficient in communication skills.

  • Ability to pursue and foster a sense of team and partnership across all disciplines.

  • Ability to communicate effectively, in English, with diverse population groups.

  • Ability to be self-directed, flexible, and able to adapt to change.

  • Ability to communicate effectively in a professional and tactful manner with physicians, staff, patients and/or their representatives.

  • Ability to read and understand chart documentation.

  • Ability to demonstrate basic computer skills.

  • Ability to read, write and understand the English language.

  • Knowledge of basic arithmetic and its applications.

  • Active Listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

  • Ability to manage one’s time effectively.

  • Ability to pursue and foster a sense of team and partnership across all disciplines.

  • Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

  • None Specified

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