ABOUT COALINGA STATE HOSPITAL

California's newest state mental health hospital and the first constructed in more than a half century was deicated on August 24, 2005.  Federal, State, and local dignitaries touted the facility as a leading example for mental health service delivery for challenging populations as well as an economic engine for the Central Valley.  Coalinga State Hospital began treating patients- mostly sexually violent predators who were transferred from sister facility, Atascadero State Hospital, in early September 2005.

LOCATION

The City of Coalinga is located at the edge of the Coastal Mountain Range in the heart of California.  It is located 10 miles west of Interstate 5.  It is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and sixty miles southwest of Fresno, California's sixth largest city.  The beach communities of Monterey, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach and within easy driving distance as are the Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks.

This small, rural community of approximately 16,000 people is an ideal location in which to settle and escape the traffic and congestion found in the larger cities of California.  Our facility enjoys strong and enthusiastic support of a progressive and familt friendly community.

Our quaint community is waiting to welcome you to its affordable living with home prices starting in the high $100,000s and rentals as low as $450 per month.

BENEFITS

We offer CalPERS retirement and health benefits!  A general overview of some of the benefits State employees may be eligible to receive:

• Salary- Merit Salary adjustments is a yearly step increase until the maximum salary of the classification is reached.
• Health/Dental- Several plans to chose from.  Coverage is for employee and eligible dependents.
• Vision- Vision Service Plan coverage provides for an annual eye exam and one pair of glasses each calendar year.
• Holidays- Receive pay for 13 State holidays observed during the year.  One personal holiday credit is also earned each fiscal year.
• Savings Plus- A long term savings program designed to supplement employee retirement income.  Employees may enroll in the Deferred Compensation Plan or the 401K.
• Direct Deposit- Employees may forward payroll warrants electronically to their financial institution.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- The EAP provides services such as confidential counseling for self and family members, and financial and legal advice.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

           This consolidated series of classes is distinguished from the classes
           in the Rehabilitation Therapist, State Facilities, consolidated class
           series by the custody requirements imposed by the criminal nature of
           the forensic client, patient, or inmate population and by the
           security features of correctional facilities, developmental centers,
           and State hospitals.

TYPICAL TASKS

           Assess individual needs and interests, determine appropriate
           habilitative/rehabilitative objectives, and develop activities to
           meet these objectives; conduct various forms of group and individual
           therapy; evaluate and document forensic client/patient/inmate
           response and progress; may work with other members of the
           interdisciplinary team to reinforce other treatment modalities; may
           participate in interdisciplinary team conferences regarding the
           habilitative/ rehabilitative needs of the forensic
           client/patient/inmate; may work with volunteers and student interns
           in rehabilitative therapy; and observe and intervene in instances of
           disruptive or assaultive behavior.

           Assist staff in the counting, distribution, and accounting for all
           items to prevent their use as weapons; inspecting facility to
           identify security breaches that could lead to forensic client,
           patient, or inmate escape; observing and intervening in forensic
           client, patient, or inmate behavior that may signal an impending
           escape attempt; and periodic escorting of forensic clients, patients,
           or inmates to other areas of the facility.
          
           Uses the art process and product as reflections of an individual's
           developments, abilities, personality, concerns, and potential;
           provides a range of services, assessment, and treatment using
           specialized art therapy techniques.  Art therapy is a service
           performed with individuals, groups, or families for the purpose of
           achieving more adequate, satisfying, and productive life adjustments.