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Psychiatric Associate Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is responsible for providing mental health care ... Associate's degree in Nursing (ASN), preferred. * Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN), preferred.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$140K - $163K/yr

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is responsible for providing mental health care ... Associate's degree in Nursing (ASN), preferred. * Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN), preferred.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is responsible for providing mental health care ... Associate's degree in Nursing (ASN), preferred. * Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN), preferred.

Associate degree in nursing required. * At least one year of work experience in an inpatient or outpatient psychiatric setting. * Strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a ...

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Psychiatric Associate information

See Portland, OR salary details

$36.1K

$118.1K

$239.1K

How much do psychiatric associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for psychiatric associate in Portland, OR is $118,147.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $139,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a psychiatric associate?

Psychiatric Associates are mental health professionals who assist in the care and treatment of patients with psychiatric disorders. They work under the supervision of psychiatrists, nurses, or other licensed clinicians in hospitals, mental health facilities, or outpatient settings. Their duties often include monitoring patient behavior, providing therapeutic support, assisting with daily activities, and helping to implement treatment plans. Psychiatric Associates play a vital role in ensuring patient safety and supporting recovery. They may also participate in crisis intervention and help facilitate group or individual therapy sessions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psychiatric associate?

To thrive as a Psychiatric Associate, you need a background in psychology or mental health, strong observational skills, and often a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention techniques, and patient monitoring tools is typically required. Compassion, patience, and effective communication are critical soft skills for building rapport and managing challenging behaviors. These abilities ensure safe, supportive care for patients and contribute to effective interdisciplinary teamwork in mental health settings.

What are some of the common challenges psychiatric associates face when working with patients in acute care settings?

Psychiatric Associates in acute care settings often encounter fast-paced environments where patients may present with severe symptoms or crises. Managing unpredictable behaviors, maintaining safety, and building trust with patients who may be experiencing distress can be challenging. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is essential to ensure consistent, compassionate care, but balancing documentation, patient interaction, and teamwork requires strong organizational skills. Despite these challenges, the role offers meaningful opportunities to make a difference in patients' recovery journeys.

What is the difference between Psychiatric Associate vs Psychiatric Technician?

AspectPsychiatric AssociatePsychiatric Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree in mental health or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health clinics, residential facilitiesInpatient units, psychiatric hospitals, residential care
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health organizationsPsychiatric hospitals, mental health facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for similar roles assisting in mental health careSimilar responsibilities but different certification requirements

Psychiatric Associates and Psychiatric Technicians both work in mental health settings, assisting with patient care. The main difference lies in their credentials: Psychiatric Associates typically hold an associate degree, while Psychiatric Technicians may only need a high school diploma and certification. Both roles are vital in hospitals and clinics, but the Associate role often involves more advanced responsibilities and education.

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Psychiatric jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Associate job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,147 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Psychiatric Technician Supervisor (Swing Back)

ALBERTINA KERR CENTERS

Portland, OR • On-site

$22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Albertina Kerr rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Albertina Kerr empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and other social barriers to lead self-determined lives and reach their full potential.

We're seeking a Psychiatric Technician Supervisor for the Swing Back shift at our Crisis Psychiatric Residential (Subacute) facility. As a Psychiatric Technician Supervisor, you'll assist the Program Manager in overseeing daily operations of the Crisis Psychiatric Residential (Subacute) Program by supervising psychiatric technicians, milieu management and identification of program needs. This position assists in training for staff development, and ensures direct care staff adherence to agency values, core competencies and policies throughout their shift.

This position is scheduled for Swing Shift Wednesday-Saturday 1:00 pm-11:00 pm.

Essential Duties

  • Assists Program Manager with hiring, supervising, and evaluating psychiatric technicians.
  • Assists in training and developing psychiatric technicians to meet core competencies and consistently maintain agency values.
  • Responds to potential health concerns per agency policies and procedures in a timely manner and communicates areas of concern with administration.
  • Ensures authorization is obtained for emergency safety interventions.
  • Ensures program staff fulfill the duties of a mandatory abuse reporter.
  • Ensures clients receive basic needs including adequate food, clean clothing and assistance in areas of hygiene when needed.
  • Maintains program’s financial sustainability by identifying program needs and coordinating with administration.
  • Provides initial review of emergency safety intervention documentation as assigned.
  • Assumes duties of psychiatric technician as needed.

Benefits

  • Paid medical, dental, and vision employee benefits
  • Paid basic life & accident insurance 
  • Paid internal training and career development
  • 7 paid holidays and generous time off
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • 24-hour Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that provides resources for everything from mental health to pet insurance and financial counselling
  • Satisfies employment requirement for student loan Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLSF)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in human services, social services, social science, or a related field
  • Can be verified by Kerr as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) as defined by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR).
  • At least six months’ previous supervision or management experience required.
  • At least one year of experience working with children with a high level of psychiatric and behavioral acuity required; preference will be given for at least two years’ experience.
  • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Possess basic computer knowledge.
  • Ability to assess child needs based on child psychiatric presentation and behaviors.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with team implementing collaborative problem solving within program.
  • Ability to push or pull or lift in excess of 75 lbs.
  • Ability to ensure appropriate cross shift coverage and identify staffing needs and concerns.
  • Possess strong leadership, supervisory and organizational skills.
  • Possess strong organizational and decision-making skills.
  • Possess strong prioritization skills.
  • Proficiency in collaborative problem solving and ability to implement within the program

What Albertina Kerr employees say

Hours and flexibility

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