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
- Per Diem
- Flexible Schedule
- Weekend and holiday requirements may apply.
Key Benefits & Perks
- comprehensive compensation
- flexible schedule
- further careers
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
Experience
- 2 years previous Psychiatric Technician experience preferred
- 2 years 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.
Joining the Guthrie team allows you to become a part of a tradition of excellence in health care. In all areas and at all levels of Guthrie, you’ll find staff members who have committed themselves to serving the community.
The Guthrie Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit, integrated, practicing physician-led organization in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania. Our multi-specialty group practice of more than 500 physicians and 302 advanced practice providers offers 47 specialties through a regional office network providing primary and specialty care in 22 communities. Guthrie Medical Education Programs include General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Anesthesiology and Orthopedic Surgery Residency, as well as Cardiovascular, Gastroenterology and Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship programs. Guthrie is also a clinical campus for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
