STATE HOSPITAL AIDE FILING CLOSES FEB. 5

Starting Pay Is $34,742; Need Work Experience; Secure Care Treatment Aide Positions Are Also Available

The state Department of Civil Service is accepting applications until Feb. 5 for an exam leading to Security Hospital Treatment Assistants jobs.

The starting pay for SHTAs is $34,742. Individuals assigned to work in the five boroughs or in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, or Westchester counties will receive a $1,200 annual downstate adjustment. The written test is set for March 10, 2007.

Experience Needed

To qualify, before the exam candidates must have one year of direct patient-care experience providing treatment to people diagnosed with mental illness or emotional or social behavior problems in institutions where emphasis is on the security of the patients.

Various other combinations of education and work-related experience are also considered qualifying; candidates should consult the exam notice for further details. Appropriate part-time and volunteer experience will be accepted on a pro-rated basis.

The positions are located only in the forensic psychiatric centers run by the New York State Office of Mental Health, according to the exam notice. Those four centers and their locations are: Central New York Forensic Psychiatric Center, Marcy; Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center, Wards Island; Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center, New Hampton; and Rochester Psychiatric Center, Rochester.

The written exam will test candidates' skills in understanding abnormal behaviors exhibited by individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. The test will also gauge candidates' abilities in first aid and basic patient care, to prepare written material, and in treatment for patients.

$31G for Treatment Aide

Feb. 5 is also the last day to apply for an exam leading to Secure Care Treatment Aide 1 jobs. The starting salary is $31,338. Individuals assigned to work in the five boroughs or in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, or Westchester counties will receive a $1,302 differential.

The written test is set for March 10. To qualify, by that date candidates must have one year of direct patient-care experience working with mentally ill patients or an associate's degree or higher in a human service field.

That field of study includes: occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, social work, speech/language pathology, audiology, nutrition, and therapeutic recreation.

The positions are available in secure intensive treatment units of adult, children's, and forensic psychiatric centers operated by the New York State Office of Mental Health.

Further information and copies of the exam notice can be obtained online at www.cs.state.ny.us. Candidates can also apply online at the same Web site.