Psychiatric Technician - BHS - Full Time

Psychiatric Technician | Behavioral Health Department | Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital |

Support Recovery. Make a Meaningful Difference Every Day.

Join Guthrie's Behavioral Health team and play a vital role in helping patients navigate their mental health journey. As a Psychiatric Technician, you'll provide compassionate, hands-on care while supporting a safe, therapeutic environment for adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.

About Guthrie

Guthrie is a nationally recognized, integrated healthcare system serving communities throughout New York and Pennsylvania. At Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, our caregivers work together to deliver exceptional patient-centered care in a collaborative and supportive environment focused on quality, safety, and innovation. 

Role Summary

The Psychiatric Technician provides direct patient care and support services under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Mental Health Worker. As a valued member of the multidisciplinary Behavioral Health team, you'll assist with patient monitoring, therapeutic programming, activities of daily living, and creating a safe, healing environment for patients receiving behavioral health services.

Schedule

Schedule varies based on department needs.

• Full-Time, Night Shift 

• Weekend and holiday requirements may apply.

Key Benefits & Perks 

• Medical, dental and vision starting first month of hire

• PTO starts day 1

• 403(b) with employer match

Recognition & Awards 

• Forbes Best Employers for Women – 2025

• Forbes America's Best-In-State Employers Pennsylvania - 2025

• Newsweek America's Greatest Workplaces - 2026

(Awards may vary by year)

Responsibilities 

• Provide patient observation and safety monitoring as directed by nursing staff

• Assist with toileting, feeding, ambulation, transfers, range-of-motion exercises, and personal care

• Obtain and document vital signs including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and weight

• Facilitate or assist with therapeutic groups and patient activities

• Inventory and manage patient belongings upon admission, discharge, and transfer

• Collect urine, stool, and sputum specimens as ordered

• Transport patients and assist with meal and nourishment distribution

• Support patient admissions, discharges, and transfers within the electronic medical record system

• Monitor and assist during patient visitation

• Assist with restraint application in accordance with hospital policy

• Follow safety protocols, infection prevention practices, and quality improvement initiatives

• Participate in unit-based meetings and support orientation of new staff as needed

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required

Certifications

• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) Certification required within six months of hire

• RQI Certification required within six months of hire

Experience

• Previous Psychiatric Technician experience preferred

• Previous Care Partner or direct patient care experience preferred

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

• Critical thinking and sound judgment

• Team-oriented mindset

• Strong observation and documentation skills

• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling

• Ability to assist with patient lifting, transfers, and mobility

• Occasional lifting and moving of up to 100+ pounds with assistance as appropriate

• Hand dexterity and attention to detail required

Working Conditions

• Behavioral health inpatient setting

• Exposure to patients, visitors, and healthcare staff throughout the workday

• Potential exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and other healthcare-related hazards

• Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility and adaptability

Compensation

Compensation is based on experience, education, and employment status.

Pay range available upon request or will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Additional Notes

• Direct patient care position serving adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations

• Participation in group and therapeutic activities is required

• Must maintain professional communication and uphold Guthrie's standards for patient-centered care

• Successful candidates must be able to work effectively in a dynamic behavioral health environment

Join Guthrie and be part of a team dedicated to supporting mental wellness, recovery, and compassionate patient care.