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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Medical / Psychiatric - Housing Tech

NY · On-site

$21 - $21.30/hr

Prepare and assist with meal preparation, heating, delivering to person at table if needed. * Work ... psychiatric and/or medical type setting. Must have a valid NYS driver's license and a driving ...

Seeking a resilient and trustworthy individual for our local assistance role near 14021. This position plays a crucial part in providing support and aid to the community. The ideal candidate should ...

Medical / Psychiatric - Housing Tech

NY · On-site

$21 - $21.30/hr

Prepare and assist with meal preparation, heating, delivering to person at table if needed. * Work ... psychiatric and/or medical type setting. Must have a valid NYS driver's license and a driving ...

Medical / Psychiatric - Housing Tech

NY · On-site

$21 - $21.30/hr

Prepare and assist with meal preparation, heating, delivering to person at table if needed. * Work ... psychiatric and/or medical type setting. Must have a valid NYS driver's license and a driving ...

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Psychiatric Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$11

$21

$33

How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric assistant in Rochester, NY is $21.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $25.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 requirements of the employer and state regulations.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Psychiatric jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Psychiatric Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Psychiatric Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,707 per year, or $22 per hour.

Dentist 1 (NY HELPS), Rochester Psychiatric Center,

New York State Civil Service

Rochester, NY • On-site

$187K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

NY HELP Yes

Agency Mental Health, Office of

Title Dentist 1 (NY HELPS), Rochester Psychiatric Center, P27601

Occupational Category Health Care, Human/Social Services

Salary Grade 30

Bargaining Unit PS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary Range From $187158 to $187158 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class

Travel Percentage 0%

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 40

Workday

From 6 AM

To 6 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

County Monroe

Street Address Rochester Psychiatric Center

1111 Elmwood Avenue

City Rochester

State NY

Zip Code 14620

Duties Description Rochester Psychiatric Centeris recruiting a Dentist 1 to provide professional dental services to individuals with mental illness. Candidates from outside or within State Service can apply.As a Dentist 1 you will perform a full range of professional dental tasks including:• Conducting dental examinations.• Treating teeth, mouth, and gum infections with medication.• Performs restoration of simple and compound cavities.• Advising individuals about dental health practices.• Instructing and directing paraprofessional staff.

Minimum Qualifications Candidates from outside or within State Service can be considered for hire under the Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement – Statewide (NY HELPS) program if they possess a license and current registration to practice dentistry in New York State.ORCandidates from within State Service can be considered for a competitive class appointment if they have one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service in a title eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.

Additional Comments All OMH employees receive a generous benefits package including:• NYS medical, dental, & vision insurance• Access to tuition assistance programs• Excellent opportunities for advancement & professional growth• Paid time off – 13 paid vacation days in the first year, 5 paid personal days, 13 paid holidays, & paid sick leave• NYS Retirement programsBackground checks will be required.The salary of $187,158 includes the statutory hiring rate of $124,614, a Geographic Pay Differential of $35,000, and an Increased Hiring Rate of $27,544.Notes:1. If you fail to maintain your license and/or registration once you are appointed, action will be taken to remove you from the position.2. In order to be eligible for appointment and to maintain employment, you cannot be listed as an excluded individual or entity on any of the Federal and/or State Medicaid and Medicare exclusion lists (or excluded from any other Federal or Federally assisted program). If you are appointed and subsequently listed as an excluded individual or entity on any of these lists (or excluded from any other Federal or Federally assisted program), you may be terminated from your employment.3. If appointed you may be required to become an enrolled Medicare provider; obtain and provide to your employer a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number issued by the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES); and otherwise actively participate to the degree necessary to allow for your services to be billed through Medicare and Medicaid. If you are appointed and you lose the ability to bill through Medicare and Medicaid, you may be terminated from your employment.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Name Human Resources

Telephone

Fax 585-241-1981

Email Address rpc-human.resources@omh.ny.gov

Address

Street Rochester Psychiatric Center

1111 Elmwood Avenue

City Rochester

State NY

Zip Code 14620

Notes on Applying To be considered for this position, please copy the link below into a new browser window to complete the Office of Mental Health Employment Application, and submit it along with your resume and other application materials via fax or email the Human Resources email address noted above. Please indicate the Title, Vacancy ID #, and Location of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email or fax.https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/employment/docs/employment-application.pdfThe Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. OMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, OMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations. A critical component of these efforts is ensuring OMH is a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees' unique attributes and skills are valued and utilized to support the mission of the Agency. OMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.


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