Psychiatric Technician Jobs
Psychiatric Technician jobs are open across hospitals, residential treatment facilities, state psychiatric institutions, and correctional health settings, at every level from entry-level aide to senior and lead technician, with specializations in adult inpatient care, adolescent behavioral health, and forensic psychiatry. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Psychiatric Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 310+ Psychiatric Technician jobs
Description
Shift: - Day/Eve, three 8-hr shifts 7a-3:30p & 3p-11:30p, rotating weekends
Northwell is the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast, serving residents of New York and Connecticut with 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians. Northwell cares for more than three million people annually in the New York metro area, including Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Connecticut and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Northwell is New York State’s largest private employer with over 104,000 employees — including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners — who are working to change health care for the better.
Norwalk Hospital is a 366-bed academic and community medical center serving Fairfield County, Connecticut, and the surrounding New York Metro area. We are a Level II Trauma Center and Joint Replacement Center of Excellence, and we provide advanced cancer, heart, and neuroscience care.
Our accolades include the following:
- The Leapfrog Group - Grade A for quality and patient safety
- Healthgrades - America’s 50 Best Hospitals
- U.S. News & World Report - high performance in heart failure treatment
At Norwalk Hospital, we prioritize the health and well-being of our team, fostering a friendly and supportive culture where collaboration and compassion are at the heart of what we do. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll experience a sense of community that makes our hospital a truly special place to work. Our employees feel a deep connection here because we’re not just part of the community – we are its center.
Summary:
Provides nursing care to a patient or group of patients under the direction and supervision of a Registered Professional Nurse. Leads groups & activities with patients.
Responsibilities:
1. Patient Care Criteria A: Provides patient care as directed by the Registered Nurse. Prioritizes assignments in consultation with the RN and provides patient education related to the scope of practice. Patient Care Criteria B: Performs procedures as identified by the PT Skills Checklist; refers to and utilizes appropriate resources. Responds promptly to patient care needs. Patient Care Criteria C: Maintains a safe patient environment incorporating Norwalk Hospital Policies and Procedures. Patient Care Criteria D: Shows initiative in noting and offering assistance with unit needs.
2. Communication Criteria A: Communicates with patients, visitors and coworkers within the scope of his/her responsibilities in a courteous manner and takes into consideration issues as it relates to mental status. Communication Criteria B: Observes and reports to the Registered Nurse information about their assigned patients, including changes in condition, behaviors, verbalizations, or any occurrences of an unusual nature, in a clear and timely manner. Communication Criteria C: Documents accurately patient data on appropriate paper forms and in the electronic medical record. Communication Criteria D: Obtains information necessary to carry out patient care assignment.
3. Documentation of Mental Status and Behaviors Criteria A: The Psychiatric Technician Admission Intake documents that consent forms were given, patient rights explained, unit orientation done and routines and roles of providers explained, etc., and that height, weight and vital signs were obtained and belongings were processed. Documentation of Mental Status and Behaviors Criteria B: Progress notes provide information as it pertains to the patient's mental status and behaviors. Documentation of Mental Status and Behaviors Criteria C: Documentation covers patient's expression of suicidal ideation, impaired thought processes, and perception that the patient has the potential for harm to self or others.
4. Use of Restraints Criteria A: There is a verbalized knowledge regarding the appropriate use of restraints and that this knowledge is incorporated into practice. Use of Restraints Criteria B: There is verbalized knowledge regarding the proper care of patients in restraints. Use of Restraints Criteria C: There is a return demonstration at least annually to indicate that the PT can assist in application of restraints under direction of the RN in charge of the restraining. Use of Restraints Criteria D: There is verbalized knowledge regarding appropriate assessment of patients in restraints as it pertains to the role of psych tech and the restraint flow sheet is filled out appropriately.
5. Maintenance of a therapeutic milieu and safety on a Behavioral Health unit Criteria A: Demonstrates the ability to appropriately set limits on patient behaviors, and the ability to respond and de-escalate patients with potential for violence. Maintenance of a therapeutic milieu and safety on a Behavioral Health unit Criteria B: Demonstrates the ability to conduct a contraband search assuring patient rights are maintained. Maintenance of a therapeutic milieu and safety on a Behavioral Health unit Criteria C: Exercises principles of confidentiality as it pertains to the behavioral health population. Maintenance of a therapeutic milieu and safety on a Behavioral Health unit Criteria D: Assesses the environment as it pertains to issues of safety.
6. Group leadership Criteria A: Demonstrates the ability to lead / co-lead groups. Group leadership Criteria B: Leads or co-leads wrap up, goals, and activities groups. Group leadership Criteria C: Documents patients' participation in group.
7. Patient rights Criteria A: Demonstrates knowledge of issues related to patient rights, including the requirements for the involuntary patient and documentation reflects this. Patient rights Criteria B: Assures that the patient is aware of their rights as evidenced by the documentation that these rights have been reviewed.
8. Patient education Criteria A: Identifies the learning needs of the patient / family and documents. Patient education Criteria B: Provides information and instruction on the constructive behaviors and the importance of participating in the milieu, and documents this information as well as the patient's response to education
9. Performs other duties as assigned.
10. Fulfills all compliance responsibilities related to the position.
Education Skills Experience:
Required: One year of work experience with psychiatric population preferred.
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
BLS/CPR required within 90 days of start date or upon completion of orientation process (before being released from orientation and functioning independently) whichever comes first.
CPI or other de-escalation technique training within 6 months of hire.
Other Information:
Required: One year of work experience with psychiatric population preferred. High school diploma or equivalent is required. BLS/CPR required within 90 days of start date or upon completion of
orientation process (before being released from orientation and functioning independently) whichever comes first. CPI or other de-escalation technique training within 6 months of hire.
Company: Norwalk Hospital Association
Org Unit: 338
Department: Psych Unit
Exempt: No
Salary Range: $17.00 - $31.36 Hourly
With strong hearts and open minds, we’re pushing past boundaries and challenging the expected, all in the name of possibility. We are neighbors caring for neighbors, working together as partners in health to improve the lives of the people we serve. If you share our passion for the health of our communities, advance your career with Northwell Health!
“Available benefits include: Paid Time Off (PTO); Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage; Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; Health Savings Account; 401(k) Retirement Plan; Basic Life and AD&D insurance; Wellness Programs; Employee Assistance Program; and Team Member Discounts. Available benefits for union positions may vary in accordance with applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.”
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Description
Shift: - Day/Eve, three 8-hr shifts 7a-3:30p & 3p-11:30p, rotating weekends
Northwell is the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast, serving residents of New York and Connecticut with 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians. Northwell cares for more than three million people annually in the New York metro area, including Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Connecticut and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Northwell is New York State’s largest private employer with over 104,000 employees — including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners — who are working to change health care for the better.
Norwalk Hospital is a 366-bed academic and community medical center serving Fairfield County, Connecticut, and the surrounding New York Metro area. We are a Level II Trauma Center and Joint Replacement Center of Excellence, and we provide advanced cancer, heart, and neuroscience care.
Our accolades include the following:
- The Leapfrog Group - Grade A for quality and patient safety
- Healthgrades - America’s 50 Best Hospitals
- U.S. News & World Report - high performance in heart failure treatment
At Norwalk Hospital, we prioritize the health and well-being of our team, fostering a friendly and supportive culture where collaboration and compassion are at the heart of what we do. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll experience a sense of community that makes our hospital a truly special place to work. Our employees feel a deep connection here because we’re not just part of the community – we are its center.
Summary:
Provides nursing care to a patient or group of patients under the direction and supervision of a Registered Professional Nurse. Leads groups & activities with patients.
Responsibilities:
1. Patient Care Criteria A: Provides patient care as directed by the Registered Nurse. Prioritizes assignments in consultation with the RN and provides patient education related to the scope of practice. Patient Care Criteria B: Performs procedures as identified by the PT Skills Checklist; refers to and utilizes appropriate resources. Responds promptly to patient care needs. Patient Care Criteria C: Maintains a safe patient environment incorporating Norwalk Hospital Policies and Procedures. Patient Care Criteria D: Shows initiative in noting and offering assistance with unit needs.
2. Communication Criteria A: Communicates with patients, visitors and coworkers within the scope of his/her responsibilities in a courteous manner and takes into consideration issues as it relates to mental status. Communication Criteria B: Observes and reports to the Registered Nurse information about their assigned patients, including changes in condition, behaviors, verbalizations, or any occurrences of an unusual nature, in a clear and timely manner. Communication Criteria C: Documents accurately patient data on appropriate paper forms and in the electronic medical record. Communication Criteria D: Obtains information necessary to carry out patient care assignment.
3. Documentation of Mental Status and Behaviors Criteria A: The Psychiatric Technician Admission Intake documents that consent forms were given, patient rights explained, unit orientation done and routines and roles of providers explained, etc., and that height, weight and vital signs were obtained and belongings were processed. Documentation of Mental Status and Behaviors Criteria B: Progress notes provide information as it pertains to the patient's mental status and behaviors. Documentation of Mental Status and Behaviors Criteria C: Documentation covers patient's expression of suicidal ideation, impaired thought processes, and perception that the patient has the potential for harm to self or others.
4. Use of Restraints Criteria A: There is a verbalized knowledge regarding the appropriate use of restraints and that this knowledge is incorporated into practice. Use of Restraints Criteria B: There is verbalized knowledge regarding the proper care of patients in restraints. Use of Restraints Criteria C: There is a return demonstration at least annually to indicate that the PT can assist in application of restraints under direction of the RN in charge of the restraining. Use of Restraints Criteria D: There is verbalized knowledge regarding appropriate assessment of patients in restraints as it pertains to the role of psych tech and the restraint flow sheet is filled out appropriately.
5. Maintenance of a therapeutic milieu and safety on a Behavioral Health unit Criteria A: Demonstrates the ability to appropriately set limits on patient behaviors, and the ability to respond and de-escalate patients with potential for violence. Maintenance of a therapeutic milieu and safety on a Behavioral Health unit Criteria B: Demonstrates the ability to conduct a contraband search assuring patient rights are maintained. Maintenance of a therapeutic milieu and safety on a Behavioral Health unit Criteria C: Exercises principles of confidentiality as it pertains to the behavioral health population. Maintenance of a therapeutic milieu and safety on a Behavioral Health unit Criteria D: Assesses the environment as it pertains to issues of safety.
6. Group leadership Criteria A: Demonstrates the ability to lead / co-lead groups. Group leadership Criteria B: Leads or co-leads wrap up, goals, and activities groups. Group leadership Criteria C: Documents patients' participation in group.
7. Patient rights Criteria A: Demonstrates knowledge of issues related to patient rights, including the requirements for the involuntary patient and documentation reflects this. Patient rights Criteria B: Assures that the patient is aware of their rights as evidenced by the documentation that these rights have been reviewed.
8. Patient education Criteria A: Identifies the learning needs of the patient / family and documents. Patient education Criteria B: Provides information and instruction on the constructive behaviors and the importance of participating in the milieu, and documents this information as well as the patient's response to education
9. Performs other duties as assigned.
10. Fulfills all compliance responsibilities related to the position.
Education Skills Experience:
Required: One year of work experience with psychiatric population preferred.
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
BLS/CPR required within 90 days of start date or upon completion of orientation process (before being released from orientation and functioning independently) whichever comes first.
CPI or other de-escalation technique training within 6 months of hire.
Other Information:
Required: One year of work experience with psychiatric population preferred. High school diploma or equivalent is required. BLS/CPR required within 90 days of start date or upon completion of
orientation process (before being released from orientation and functioning independently) whichever comes first. CPI or other de-escalation technique training within 6 months of hire.
Company: Norwalk Hospital Association
Org Unit: 338
Department: Psych Unit
Exempt: No
Salary Range: $17.00 - $31.36 Hourly
With strong hearts and open minds, we’re pushing past boundaries and challenging the expected, all in the name of possibility. We are neighbors caring for neighbors, working together as partners in health to improve the lives of the people we serve. If you share our passion for the health of our communities, advance your career with Northwell Health!
“Available benefits include: Paid Time Off (PTO); Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage; Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; Health Savings Account; 401(k) Retirement Plan; Basic Life and AD&D insurance; Wellness Programs; Employee Assistance Program; and Team Member Discounts. Available benefits for union positions may vary in accordance with applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.”
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
See All 310+ Psychiatric Technician Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Psychiatric Technician JobsPsychiatric Technician Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Northern Light Health25
- MaineHealth24
- University of Rochester15
- University of Utah12
- Hartford HealthCare11
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services41
- Education23
- Government & Public Sector1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in psychiatric technician jobs.
- High school diploma or GED with state psychiatric technician certification where required
- Current BLS or CPR certification from an accredited organization
- Experience with de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention methods
- Ability to complete accurate behavioral observation notes and electronic health records documentation
- Physical ability to assist with patient restraint procedures according to facility protocol
- Completion of or enrollment in an accredited psychiatric technician training program
Tips for Your Psychiatric Technician Job Search
Tailor your resume to unit type
Inpatient, residential, and forensic units each prioritize different competencies. Highlight de-escalation experience for acute care roles and behavioral documentation skills for residential settings so your resume speaks directly to what that employer is managing day to day.
List every active certification you hold
Employers filter hard on certifications like BLS, CPR, CPI, and state-specific psychiatric technician licenses. Put these in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume so they're visible before a recruiter reads a single line of your work history.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists psychiatric technician openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Read the facility type before you apply
A state hospital, a private behavioral health chain, and a correctional facility expect very different things from a psychiatric technician. Matching your application to the specific patient population and security level in the posting signals that you understand the actual work environment.
Prepare scenario answers around de-escalation
Interviewers for psychiatric technician roles almost always ask behavioral questions about managing a patient in crisis. Rehearse two or three specific situations where you used verbal intervention, reduced escalation, or coordinated with the clinical team under pressure before your interview.
Negotiate shift differentials, not just base pay
Many psychiatric technician positions offer evening, overnight, and weekend differentials that meaningfully change total compensation. Ask about differential rates and on-call obligations during the offer stage so you can compare positions on their real weekly value, not just the posted base rate.
Psychiatric Technician Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most psychiatric technicians?
The companies hiring the most psychiatric technicians right now include Northern Light Health, MaineHealth, and University of Rochester, with the largest share of openings in California, Maine, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is highest at state-operated psychiatric hospitals and large behavioral health networks with multiple inpatient units.
How many psychiatric technician jobs are remote?
About 0% of psychiatric technician openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on, in-person nature of most roles. The sub-areas most compatible with remote work are crisis line support and telehealth behavioral health monitoring, though these represent a small portion of total openings.
How do you become a psychiatric technician?
To become a psychiatric technician, complete a state-approved psychiatric technician training program or an associate-level program in mental health technology. Obtain BLS certification, then apply for your state license or certification if your state requires one. California, Arkansas, Kansas, and Colorado have formal licensure pathways, while other states rely on employer-specific training and national certification bodies.
Can you get hired as a psychiatric technician with little or no experience?
Yes, many facilities hire entry-level psychiatric technicians and provide structured on-the-job orientation. Volunteering at a mental health nonprofit, completing a clinical practicum through a training program, or working as a mental health aide first all strengthen your application. Emphasizing coursework in abnormal psychology, crisis communication, or patient care in your resume helps when direct experience is limited.
What does the psychiatric technician interview process look like?
Most psychiatric technician interviews involve a phone screen with HR, followed by an in-person or video interview with a nurse manager or clinical supervisor. Expect behavioral questions about handling a patient in crisis, working overnight shifts, and communicating with a multidisciplinary team. Some facilities require a physical assessment or a tour of the unit before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to psychiatric technician jobs?
You can find and apply to psychiatric technician jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your certifications, preferred setting, and shift availability, then apply directly to each listing that fits your experience and location.
See All 310+ Psychiatric Technician Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Psychiatric Technician Jobs