Trainee Serene Health Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The limited term / intermittent Psychiatric Technician Trainee (PTT) will be directed by the Unit Supervisor, Supervising Registered Nurse, and lead by a Senior Psychiatric Technician/Registered Nurse Lead or Alternate Shift Lead in the assigned Program/Unit at the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

• Helps to create a clean, safe and therapeutic environment for patients
• Applies mental health principles and relationship security with patients
• Performs nursing procedures such as observing patients physical condition and behavior, observing patient showers and shaves, performing security rounds and continuous observations and reporting significant changes to a shift lead, unit supervisor or physician, recording nursing notes (co-signed by licensed staff) in the patients' record, CPR, and follows infection control procedures
• Searches for drugs, contraband, weapons and inspecting facilities to identify security breaches that could lead to the escape of a patient
• Observes and intervenes in patient behavior that may injure people, damage property or signal impending escape attempts
• Applies and demonstrates knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC) and Therapeutic Strategies and Interventions (TSI), that includes patient containment, heavy lifting, applying restraints, and responding to emergency situations throughout the hospital
• Disposes of garbage and waste
• Manages soiled and clean linen and clothing
• Changes and cleans beds and mattresses

Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have list eligibility and be a current 1st or 2nd block student in the Psychiatric Technician Program.
*It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications.*
If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.
Click here to take the Psychiatric Technician Trainee Examination
Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions

• This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).
• There are multiple vacancies for this classification. Positions filled may be assigned to any shift and any unit according to hospital need.
• Maximum of 1500 hours per year.

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-527065
Position #(s):
455-000-8238-910
Working Title:
Psychiatric Technician Trainee (Safety)
Classification:
PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN TRAINEE (SAFETY) $3,115.00 - $3,871.00

• Salary range shown is the minimum and maximum for a full-time appointment. Salaries for part-time and/or intermittent positions will vary.

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:
San Luis Obispo County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term, Intermittent - 1500 Hours
Facility:
DSH - Atascadero
Department Information The Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings, and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.
Department Website: http://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero
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.

ATTENTION : If you are a current student in the Psychiatric Technician Program and already working as a Psychiatric Technician Trainee, you DO NOT need to apply.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. 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: 8/12/2026
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 State Hospitals - Atascadero
DSH - Atascadero
Attn: DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
P.O. Box 7005
Atascadero , CA 93423-7005
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero
Drop off
Employment Office
10333 El Camino Real
Atascadero , CA 93423-7005
Building 105 - Drop box available after hours
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.
• Other -
  • Candidates must attach a copy of one (1) of the following:
    • High school diploma
    • High school transcripts that include graduation date
    • Evidence of passing the California High School Proficiency test
    • GED
    • Unofficial college transcripts showing successful completion of at least 12 semester units
      • Any foreign transcripts (high school or college) must include verification for U.S. equivalency from an independent company.

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 Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero
Human Resources Contact:
DSH-Atascadero Employment Office
(805) 468-3384
ASHEmployment@dsh.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:
Pearl Melena
(805) 468-2007
Pearl.Melena@dsh.ca.gov
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.
Additional Information

• Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
• Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted.
• Scanned, copied, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
• Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.
• Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
• This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.
• This position requires candidates to take and pass a drug screening test. You will be required to take and pass the drug screening test prior to being hired.

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 sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.