Job Posting: Student Assistant - Medical Staff Intern

Department of State Hospitals

JC-532908
-
Student Assistant - Medical Staff Intern
STUDENT ASSISTANT

$18.27 - $24.62 per Hour
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/16/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Student Assistant - Medical Staff Intern will be under supervision of the Medical Director and/or Lead Senior Psychologist, Supervisor in the Medical Director's Office at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

  • Working on coursework towards a degree within the area of psychology or the biological sciences and anticipated completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Learn to gather information on the patients assigned through attendance in shift changes, treatment teams, group observation, patient interview, chart review, and consultations.
  • Observe a licensed psychologist provide psychoeducation, conduct individual and group therapy, and perform psychological assessments.
  • After appropriate training with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, provide one on one education to patients on a number of topics including, but not limited to, Penal Code (PC) 1370, PC 2962 and PC 1026.
  • Assist in the gathering and organizing of data pertinent to the Medical Director’s Office.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

  • This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).
  • This is a temporary appointment with a maximum of 1500 hours worked per year.
  • Preferred ability to work two (2) 8-hour shifts Monday - Friday between 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-532908
Position #(s):
455-213-4870-902
Working Title:
Student Assistant - Medical Staff Intern
Classification:
STUDENT ASSISTANT
$18.27 - $24.62

Salary Ranges
A: $18.27 - $20.08
B: $19.55 - $21.49
C: $20.90 - $23.01
D: $22.37 - $24.62
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
San Luis Obispo County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Student Assistant
Facility:
DSH - Atascadero

Department Information

The Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings, and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.

Logo for Department of State Hospitals
Department Website: http://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 10/16/2026

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing classification, therefore anyone meeting the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification may apply for this position. Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If you are applying under this eligibility status, please note on your application your eligibility by stating “preference under Government Code section 18220”. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Postal
Attn: DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
PO Box 7005
Atascadero, CA 93423-7005

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of State Hospitals
DSH - Atascadero Drop Off
DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
10333 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422
Building 105 - After Hours Drop Box Available
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Other -
    • Proof of enrollment for, or enrollment as a student in, an appropriate college or university program. 
      • For this position, working towards a Bachelor's degree in psychology or the biological sciences would be an appropriate program. 
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Ability to work with various job classifications from entry level staff to management and effectively communicate.
  • Knowledge of software systems and data entry is desirable.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
  • Ability to accurately enter, track, and maintain information in spreadsheets, databases, or other tracking systems.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and establish effective working relationships with diverse individuals and teams.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions and work effectively under close supervision.
  • Ability to maintain comfort, confidence, and capability while working directly with individuals experiencing severe mental illness. 

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:
  • Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
  • Work life balance (some positions qualify for flexible work hours and schedules, and a minimum of 10 days of paid leave annually – specific accrual rates can be found here)
  • Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc.)
  • Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
  • Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
  • School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • Commute Program
  • Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
  • ScholarShare (college savings account)
  • On-the-job training and professional development
  • Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards
Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: http://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero
Human Resources Contact:
DSH-Atascadero Employment Office
(805) 468-3384
ASHEmployment@dsh.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Pearl Melena
(805) 468-2007
Pearl.Melena@dsh.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Information

Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

  • Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted.
  • Scanned, copied, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
  • Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
  • Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.
  • Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
  • This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job