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Psychiatric Technician Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Psychiatric Technician Trainee $16.81/hour. * Psychiatric Technician $19.68/hour. This position is not eligible for telework. The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare is a drug-free workplace. Any ...

State Hospital North (SHN) is seeking applicants for Psychiatric Technician Trainee or a Psychiatric Technician position . State Hospital North in Orofino , Idaho, is a licensed 55-bed psychiatric ...

State Hospital South (SHS) - Patient Treatment Facility (PTF) is looking for a Psychiatric Technician Trainee (PTT) who is caring and has a passion for helping others. SHS is in beautiful Southeast ...

DEDICATED TO STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND INDEPENDENCE OF IDAHOANS State Hospital South (SHS) - Syringa Chalet Nursing Facility is seeking a temporary Psychiatric Technician Trainee with a ...

If you are someone who wants to make a difference, share in growth and development, and know at the end of the day you have made a positive impact, then our Psychiatric Technician Trainee position ...

Pharmacy Technician

Collegeville, PA · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

... including psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, group homes, assisted living ... Be a Registered Pharmacy Technician, a Pharmacy Technician Trainee or willingness to become ...

Pharmacy Technician

Collegeville, PA · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

... including psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, group homes, assisted living ... Be a Registered Pharmacy Technician, a Pharmacy Technician Trainee or willingness to become ...

CO · On-site

$18.20/hr

The HCST I provides psychiatric and behavior-based treatment, while assisting those served to reach ... Technician III and Residential Coordinator/Health Care Technician IV. These promotional ...

CO · On-site

$18.20/hr

The HCST I provides psychiatric and behavior-based treatment, while assisting those served to reach ... Technician III and Residential Coordinator/Health Care Technician IV. These promotional ...

Pharmacy Technician

Collegeville, PA

$17.25 - $21/hr

... including psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, group homes, assisted living ... Bea RegisteredPharmacy Technician, a Pharmacy Technician Trainee or willingness to become ...

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Psychiatric Technician Trainee information

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$13

$25

$42

How much do psychiatric technician trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric technician trainee in the United States is $25.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a psychiatric technician trainee?

Psychiatric Technician Trainees are entry-level healthcare professionals who assist in the care and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders or developmental disabilities. They work under the supervision of licensed psychiatric technicians, nurses, or physicians and are typically in a training or probationary period to learn the essential skills needed for the role. Their duties may include monitoring patients, assisting with daily activities, observing and reporting changes in behavior, and helping with therapeutic or recreational activities. Psychiatric Technician Trainees are often employed in hospitals, mental health facilities, or residential care settings. Successful completion of the trainee period may lead to becoming a fully qualified psychiatric technician.

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

To thrive as a Psychiatric Technician Trainee, you need foundational knowledge of mental health concepts, basic patient care, and a high school diploma or equivalent—sometimes supplemented by specialized training. Familiarity with behavioral health documentation systems, safety protocols, and de-escalation techniques is typically required. Strong observation skills, patience, empathy, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for building trust and managing challenging behaviors. These skills are essential for ensuring patient safety, supporting treatment plans, and contributing to a therapeutic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by psychiatric technician trainees during their initial months on the job?

Psychiatric Technician Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced environment of mental health facilities, learning to manage stressful or unpredictable patient behaviors, and developing effective communication skills with both patients and multidisciplinary teams. Adjusting to shift work and maintaining emotional resilience can also be demanding at first. However, most facilities provide thorough onboarding, mentorship, and ongoing training to help trainees build confidence and competence in their roles.

What is the difference between Psychiatric Technician Trainee vs Psychiatric Technician?

AspectPsychiatric Technician TraineePsychiatric Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingRequires certification or license, often after completing training or education programs
Work EnvironmentTraining phase, supervised clinical settingsFull responsibilities in mental health facilities, hospitals, or clinics
Employer UsageEntry-level position for those starting in mental health careLicensed or certified role with full duties

The main difference is that a Psychiatric Technician Trainee is in the training or onboarding phase, gaining experience and skills, while a Psychiatric Technician has completed necessary credentials and performs full responsibilities in mental health settings.

Can I be a psychiatric technician trainee without a degree?

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required to become a psychiatric technician trainee. Some programs may accept applicants without a degree if they demonstrate relevant skills or complete specific training, but most employers prefer candidates with at least a high school education and relevant certifications or coursework in mental health or healthcare.

How long does it take to become a psychiatric technician trainee?

Becoming a psychiatric technician trainee typically involves completing a high school diploma or equivalent and may require completing a training program or certification, which can take from a few weeks to several months. The specific duration depends on the employer's requirements and whether the trainee is enrolled in a formal training or certification program, often followed by on-the-job training in a healthcare or mental health setting.

What cities are hiring for Psychiatric Technician Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most Psychiatric Technician Trainee job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric Technician jobs?

The most popular types of Psychiatric Technician jobs are:

What states have the most Psychiatric Technician Trainee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Psychiatric Technician Trainee jobs include:

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Technician Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,092 per year, or $25 per hour.

$3.1K - $3.8K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

As an employee of the facility Level of Care (LOC) Registry, a Psychiatric Technician Trainee (PTT) may be requested to work AM/PM/NOC shift, any day of the week and on any residence at Porterville Developmental Center. Under the direction of Unit Supervisor or SRPT/NPIC, he/she assists in providing direct care, treatment and active treatment for the clients where they are assigned.
To obtain list eligibility, you may take the Psychiatric Technician Trainee (SAFETY) Exam by clicking the following link or copying and pasting the link into your web browser: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=4153
This position is not eligible for telework, this position is in person only.
Effective October 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three (3) percent in exchange for five (5) hours per month of the Personal Leave.
Temporary state housing may be available for those relocating to fill hard to recruit positions. Housing assignments and rates will be determined in accordance with Department policy, operational priorities, and applicable labor agreements.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.
Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment .
This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.
Please tell us how you heard about us (click on link below).
https://forms.office.com/g/Em8dGRc5Mt
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Ongoing interaction with clients, personnel and the general public. Potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens and other conditions common to a clinical nursing environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must possess and maintain sufficient strength, agility, endurance and sensory abilities to perform the duties contained in the duty statement.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN TRAINEE (SAFETY)
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-523516
Position #(s):
472-208-8238-901
Working Title:
Psychiatric Technician Trainee (Safety)
Classification:
PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN TRAINEE (SAFETY) $3,115.00 - $3,871.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Tulare County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term, Intermittent - 1500 Hours
Department Information
The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities.
These disabilities include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers. The regional centers serve as a local resource to help find and access the services and supports available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Porterville Developmental Center
HR/Recruitment and Exams
P.O. Box 2000
Porterville, CA 93258
Porterville Developmental Center: CA Department of Developmental Services
Contact Evangelina Valle (559) 782-2087, Laura Medina Jimenez (559) 782-2322 or Monica Rodriguez (559) 782-2599 for questions specific to the essential functions of the position only.
Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

Selected candidates are subject to special requirements. This position is required to complete a medical evaluation.
Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.
Submit a completed standard state application (STD. 678); copy of high school diploma/transcripts, GED, or college transcripts; and proof of enrollment in a Psychiatric Technician training program accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners by the final filing date. Applications submitted for vacancies must include the Position Title and Position Number in the Job Title Section and MUST be signed and dated. Applicants should indicate on their application, in the job title section, the type of eligibility they currently possess and which qualifies them to apply at this time. In the "Employment History" section of the application you must list your current employment history by providing the To and From dates with the month, day and year, the hours per week that you worked, which should be a whole number and not a range and the Total Worked (years/months). You must complete the Duties Performed section on the application. Applications with "see resume" are not acceptable. Applications received without all of this information will be considered incomplete and will not be processed. Candidates who do not submit all of the required documents will not be considered in the selection process. Surplus applicants must attach a copy of their surplus letter. Applications may be obtained from the Human Resources Personnel Office at the Porterville Developmental Center or completed and downloaded from the website indicated below. NOTE: All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), and Re-employment List procedures, pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further Information on the definition of the above may be found on the California State Department of Human Resources website at www.calhr.ca.gov .
***You must submit a copy of your high school diploma/transcripts, GED, or college transcripts to prove you meet the minimum qualifications. Please redact birthdate and social security number from transcripts. If selected for hire, an official transcript will be required prior to being appointed. Note: All foreign transcripts MUST be accompanied by a third party academic credential evaluation .
***Foreign Degrees or Transcripts - Applicants with foreign degrees or transcripts who wish to apply that coursework toward meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which his/her foreign coursework is equivalent. PDC accepts foreign transcript evaluations that are completed by one of the services listed on these webpages:
  • NACES | Credentials Evaluations Provided by NACES Members
  • Evaluation Service Providers - Association of International Credential Evaluators. Inc. (aice-eval.org)

Application Instructions
Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Developmental Services - Porterville Developmental Center
Attn: HR/Recruitment and Examinations
P.O. Box 2000
Porterville , CA 93258
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Developmental Services - Porterville Developmental Center
Porterville Developmental Center
HR/Recruitment and Examinations
Porterville Developmental Center
26501 Ave 140
Porterville , CA 93257
Administration Building, Room 64 (non-operational on weekends and holidays)
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Degree and/or School Transcripts
  • Other - Acceptance letter in PT program
  • Other - Copy of current class schedule
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits
As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.
Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:
California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary
CalPERS 2026 Health Benefit Summary
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Evangelina Valle
(559) 782-2087
exams@pdc.dds.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Laura Medina Jimenez
(559) 782-2322
exams@pdc.dds.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Kerrie Sawyer
(559) 782-2303
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Confidential Information
Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts.
Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.
Cutoff Dates
Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. The first cutoff date will be 08/07/2026 with cutoffs every month thereafter and may be processed as conditions warrant to meet hiring needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and