Psychiatric Staff Nurse I/II - Extra-Help Psychiatric Staff Nurse I/II

Merced County, CA
Merced, California United States  View Map
Posted: Jan 08, 2026
  • Salary: $71,260.80 - $96,969.60 Annually USD
  • Full Time
  • Clerical and Administrative Support
  • Public Health
  • Job Description

    Examples of Duties

    This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay is $34.26 - $38.35 per hour.

    Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • Implement patient medical care plans as developed and prescribed within Mental Health Department guidelines and policies.

    • Provide direct care for regular and individual special treatments or procedures.

    • Observe and evaluate patients' signs, symptoms, and reactions to therapy in efforts to identify or interpret significant findings or changes requiring attention or notification of other professional staff.

    • Assists with special treatments, tests, and administering prescribed medications, making constant adjustments commensurate with a patient's condition.

    • Maintain control of drugs and medications.

    • Instruct and interact with patients and/or relatives concerning home care.

    • Initiate appropriate emergency measures, requiring independent judgment to sustain life, as necessary.

    • Assist with evaluating services of an assigned unit or program.

    • Consults with experienced Psychiatric Staff Nurses when patients‘ problems are not within the scope of practice.

    • Assists with the development of procedures and methods to improve in-patient and/or outpatient services.



    Minimum Qualifications

    LEVEL I

    Experience:
    None. Prior nursing experience is desirable.

    Education:
    Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

    License:
    Possess and maintain a valid license as a Registered Nurse or Interim Permit issued by the State of California. Incumbents appointed while holding an Interim Permit must obtain Licensure within 6 months of appointment or be removed from this classification.

    LEVEL II

    Experience:
    One (1) year of responsible professional nursing experience in providing nursing services.

    Education:
    Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

    License:
    Possess and maintain a valid license as a Registered Nurse issued by the State of California.

    SOME POSITIONS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS PURSUANT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 2, B.

    Essential Functions

    • Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.

    • Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports.

    • Meet deadlines under stressful conditions.

    • Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.

    • Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines.

    • Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.

    • Lift and move with help objects weighing over 50 pounds.

    • Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.

    • Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.

    • Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.

    • Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.

    • Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.

    • Occasionally lift and move with help objects weighing over 100 pounds.

    • The employee shall be physically able to handle a "take down" procedure (restrain hostile/violent clients in a crisis situation) as warranted during the course of performing their assigned duties.

    • Duties require exposure to patients who may be hostile, violent, mentally ill, and/or who may have infectious diseases.

    • Positions assigned to the Marie Green In-Patient Unit and Crisis Stabilization Unit work shifts and holidays.

    • Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.

    • Sit, stand or walk for long periods of time.

    • Regular attendance is an essential function.

    Knowledge of:
    • Modern methods, techniques, and procedures of general psychiatric professional nursing.

    • Psychiatric terminology and medical terminology.

    • Procedures, equipment, and methods used for in-patient and out-patient medical care.

    • Rehabilitation methods and programs.

    • Counseling and treatment methods for patients with mental health and alcohol and drug problems.

    • Serious Mental Disorders and use of/Psychiatric medications and potential side effects.


    Ability to:
    • Develop, implement, and evaluate nursing plans to meet psychiatric in-patients' needs.

    • Analyze facts and conditions, apply sound psychiatric principles in making decisions.
    • Serves as a team member and leader in the development of nursing and psychiatric treatment services for patients.

    • Use patience and understanding when dealing with patients with mental problems.

    • Develop and use community resources in psychiatric nursing work.
    • Provide counseling and assistance for family members of patients.

    • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

    • Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports.

    • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, physicians, co-workers and those contacted during the course of work.


    HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
    VACATION

    10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).

    SICK LEAVE

    0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.

    HOLIDAYS

    Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.

    BEREAVEMENT LEAVE

    Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.


    INSURANCE
    HEALTH INSURANCE
    Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.

    • Anthem 500 EPO
    • Anthem 1500 EPO
    • Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
    • Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
    Dental Insurance -Delta Dental
    • County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
    Vision Insurance - VSP
    • County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
    DISABILITY INSURANCE

    State Disability Insurance (SDI)
    Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period.
    LIFE INSURANCE

    County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
    • Represented Employees $10,000

    Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee

    RETIREMENT
    DEFERRED COMPENSATION

    The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.

    MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION


    The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security.The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; yourpension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.

    EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.

    EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
    EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

    Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.

    EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS

    The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.

    THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.

    For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682


    Closing Date/Time: Continuous
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • Merced County
    • Merced County

    Merced County, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers a unique blend of vibrant agricultural heritage and modern development. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," Merced County is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including nearby national parks, lush farmlands, and scenic rivers. The county's strategic location provides easy access to major urban centers like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure. With a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, Merced County offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The presence of the University of California, Merced, further enhances the county's reputation as a center for innovation and research, attracting top talent and fostering a dynamic workforce.

    In addition to its economic strengths, Merced County boasts a high quality of life with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy affordable housing, a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of California, and a family-friendly environment with excellent schools and recreational facilities. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, farmers' markets, and community events, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. With its combination of economic opportunity, educational excellence, and a supportive community, Merced County is not just a great place to work but also a wonderful place to live and thrive.

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