LEAD PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN - 08042026-79710

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time08/04/2026 12:00AM Central TimeClosing Date/Time08/10/2026 11:59PM Central TimeSalary (Monthly)$2,581.00 - $3,870.00Salary (Annually)$30,972.00 - $46,440.00Job TypeFull-TimeCity, State LocationChattanooga, TNDepartmentMental Health and Substance Abuse Services

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, HAMILTON COUNTY

This position is located at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school and experience equivalent to two years of providing daily living care, one to one or group training/teaching, or medical assistance to individuals.

Substitution of Education for Experience: 12 semester, hours or 400 vocational training hours in nursing or nursing assistance or a nursing assistance certificate from an accredited college, university, or vocational technical school may substitute for one of the required years of experience.12 semester hours is equivalent to 18 quarter hours of college course work.

Necessary Special Qualifications: A valid motor vehicle operator license may be required.

Overview

Under the supervision of licensed health care providers, is responsible for lead psychiatric technical work of routine difficulty; and performs related work as required. This is the lead level in the Psychiatric Technician sub-series. Employees in this job class are responsible for the training and orientation of new Psychiatric Technicians and may supervise technician staff on one shift in a patient care unit or admissions office of a psychiatric hospital. An employee in this class may be assigned to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, and/or holidays. This class differs from Psychiatric Technician in that an incumbent of the latter does not train new employees or supervise.

NOTE: Applicants who have not been Psychiatric Technicians with the State of Tennessee in the last calendar year must complete an approved Psychiatric Technician training course with the State of Tennessee or pass an equivalent examination. Failure to do so may result in termination.

Responsibilities

• Provides basic and/or emergency/psychiatric medical assistance under direct supervision of a licensed health care provider. Rescues injured patients and/or escorts patients to appropriate areas during the event of an emergency.
• Establishes unit goals and priorities based on divisional policy, production, and resources to ensure adequate coverage on units; coordinates workload of Psychiatric Technician staff on a unit to ensure adequate patient care; and provides recommendations regarding Psychiatric Technicians' performance evaluations based on identified progress in work environment.
• Teaches patients to function at the highest daily living level possible through demonstration, one-on-one instruction, videos, or booklets. Promotes social interaction by encouraging patient participation in group activities and/or discussions.
• Identifies problematic situations between staff and patients and takes appropriate corrective action (e.g., intervenes when a staff member is having difficulties interacting with a patient.). Restrains patients to prevent injuries to themselves and others.
• Reports to immediate supervisor observed progression or regression in patients that may indicate training/treatment need changes. Meets with other staff to discuss and document patient behavior or any other hospital situations that have occurred.
• Cleans the work area, supplies, and equipment to ensure a sanitary living environment. Inspects patients' belongings, rooms, and other patient areas to check for contraband, safety and health issues, equipment functioning, or other problems or issues.
• Explains HIPAA laws, patients' rights, and other information to patients, families, and/or conservators. Explains admission, vital sign, laboratory procedures, and routine ancillary services to patients.
• Maintains current information and adheres to the Health Information Portability and Privacy Act (HIPAA) and other regularity standards relevant to job duties. Attends annual and periodic in-service training to keep up-to-date on the latest methods and technologies relevant to job duties.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

• Instills Trust
• Customer Focus
• Directs Work
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Manages Complexity

Knowledge:

• Customer and Personal Service
• Clerical

Skills:

• Active Learning and Listening
• Learning Strategies
• Instructing
• Complex Problem Solving
• Time Management

Abilities:

• Multilimb Coordination
• Problem Sensitivity
• Written Comprehension
• Speech Clarity
• Speech Recognition

Tools & Equipment

• Computer
• Electronic Devices
• General Office Equipment
• Various Medical Equipment and Devices

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.