Psychiatric Care Technician – Advanced

Do you have an interest in improving community safety and wellness through supervision and support of mental health interventions for justice-involved individuals? Are you looking for an opportunity to earn a competitive wage, receive paid training, and have access to exceptional benefits?

This position is a phenomenal introduction to the operations of a secure treatment facility where you will be provided with a comprehensive classroom and on-the-job training experience. There are several opportunities for growth and development in many areas of the facility.

Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center (SRSTC) within the Department of Health Services (DHS) is recruiting to fill multiple Psychiatric Care Technician – Advanced positions in Mauston, WI.

SRSTC opened in 2001 and houses Wisconsins Sexually Violent Persons Program. The goal of the center is treating and teaching patients with a history of sexual aggression toward the goal of providing a safe return to the community. SRSTC is a 500-bed treatment facility and is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS.

We are searching for people with diverse backgrounds to join our dynamic and team-oriented environment. We promote professional growth and create a healthy work/life balance and inclusive culture. As an employee of the state of Wisconsin, youll have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time.
• Top rated health plan options starting at $39/month for single plans and $97/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

The start date for these positions is June 17 th , 2024 . The training academy is 8 weeks long, Monday-Friday, followed by 2 weeks of on-the-job training. No time off will be allowed during this time. The anticipated timeline for this recruitment is as follows:

• Invitations sent for in-person interviews – March 20 th
• Interviews – April 2 nd -9 th
• Invitations sent for Physical Ability Assessment – April 10 th
• Physical Ability Assessments – April 17 th -April 25 th
• Hiring decisions finalized and job offers made – April 26 th -May 24 th

As a Psychiatric Care Technician-Advanced (PCT), you will be responsible for participating in the development and implementation of treatment plans and therapeutic activities for patients to provide a basis on which care is conducted. You will:

• Act as a role model and engage in patient interactions and activities to assure promotion and reinforcement of socially acceptable behavior.
• Observe, report, and document patient behavior. Give feedback to patients as needed in accordance with the individual treatment plan.
• Perform security-related tasks, functions, and responsibilities (e.g., conduct inspections, act as first responder in an emergency, apply prescribed physical control and stabilization techniques, etc.) necessary to assure a clean, safe, and secure environment in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Provide direct physical care as required and/or assist the patient with activities of daily living.
• Attend classes, training, meetings, and workshops to develop competencies and improve work and abilities and increase knowledge.

Shifts Available:

• PM Shift (2nd shift) is 2:00 PM-10:30 PM
• NOC Shift (3rd shift) is 10:15 PM-6:15 AM

Schedules Include:

• 30-minute unpaid meal break for PM shift
• No meal break for NOC shift, however meal is provided and must stay on grounds.
• Weekends and holidays will be required
• Rotating schedule, with rotations of up to 7 days in a row
• 3-4 consecutive days off over a weekend at least once per month.
• As needed based on operational needs, overtime shifts up to 16 hours total in one shift may be required.

• Starting pay is $34.59 per hour (approximately $71,900 per year).
• An $.80/hour night differential and an $.80/hour weekend differential apply to worked shifts. When working a night shift on a weekend, the differentials will be combined for a total of $1.60/hour.
• The pay schedule and range is 05/32. A 12-month probationary period is required.
• Additional increases to the base pay are based on years of service following the structure below and pay upon appointment for current or former State employees may vary and will be in accordance with the Compensation Plan.

• Must be 18 years of age or older upon appointment.
• Due to the nature of these positions, individuals will be required to undergo a physical ability assessment. Continuation in the recruitment process is contingent on passing this assessment. You will be allowed three attempts to pass the physical ability assessment. This assessment will consist of:
  • Squatting from standing position, transition to kneeling position and reverse without using hands.
  • Walking up and down 10 stairs without prolonged use of hand rail.
  • Running 200 meters in parking lot or gym (if indoors).
  • Dragging 90-pound mannequin for 25 feet.
  • Picking up 30-pound object and carry object for 75 feet and setting object down.
    
• After being appointed, an academic training program will be administered. Applicants must demonstrate academic proficiency by the end of the training period.
• All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by SRSTC or medical personnel approved by the facility after to their start date.
• All applicants will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled. Applicants for this position would not be eligible if they were convicted of a Barred Crime (as defined by Wisconsin Statutes, s. 48.685 and s. 50.065, see chart below), or if they were convicted of a crime that is not listed below, but is substantially related to the position.

To be minimally qualified you must:

• Be able to work a schedule that may include PM, night shifts, and occasionally AM shifts. Additionally, must be able to work overtime and holidays as needed.
• Have good communication skills.
• Be able to work in a team-oriented environment and work with a patient population who come from a variety of different backgrounds and lived experiences.

It’d be great if you also have at least one of the following:

• Experience working in a treatment, correctional, or other related field.
• An ability to clearly and concisely document and communicate your observations on patient behavior.
• An ability to use computer software programs including an online timekeeping system and Microsoft Office.
• An ability to respond effectively in an emergency situation.

• Once an application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.

For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position please contact Katie Hartmann in Human Resources at katherine.hartmann@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

The deadline to apply is March 15th at 11:59pm.