Special Attendant
Date Posted: Aug 17, 2026
Requisition ID: 482515
Location:
Madison, IN, US, 47250
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About Madison State Hospital:
Madison State Hospital is located in a rural area overlooking the Ohio River and has served the citizens of Indiana for over a century, opening its door to patients in 1910. As part of the Indiana State Psychiatric Hospital Network, our staff offer comprehensive treatment programs utilizing a Trauma Informed Care approach. Patients admitted for treatment can participate in individual therapy, medication therapy, family therapy, psycho-educational groups, rehabilitation therapies, chaplain services, co-occurring programming, as well as employment opportunities. Unit-based programming is augmented with campus-wide specialty groups. MSH has been a state leader in evidenced-based medication prescribing to both reduce the risks associated with polypharmacy and optimize clinical outcomes. The hospital clinical and medical leadership collaborate with the unit treatment teams to provide the most contemporary and comprehensive care possible.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $41,210.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
Behavioral & Therapeutic Support
Assist in the implementation of the resident's treatment plan.
Monitor residents during daily routines (meals, classroom, bathroom, general areas).
Observe, report, and record the condition and behavior of residents.
Demonstrate therapeutic interventions (de-escalation, redirection,?and approved techniques for prevention and management of behavior.
Provide motivational techniques, counsel, teach, and demonstrate daily living skills as?prescribed in the individual treatment plan.
Advise clients on appropriate social behavior.
Coordinate client activities under the direction of a professional by adapting prescribed?treatment plans to individual client needs.
Conduct ongoing assessments of clients' training needs to meet treatment plan objectives for transitional living.
Provide a safe environment for the client that will be conducive to learning and promote self-esteem and self-sufficiency.
Security & Safety:
Ensure security of residents and maintain orderliness which occasionally requires restraining unruly, dangerous residents.
Escort residents to and from various activity and therapy areas within the building and off grounds for medical, dental, or legal needs ensuring safety and maximum security.
Secure doors, search visitors (if applicable per facility policy), operate radio systems, issue keys and escort visitors to various areas of the unit.
Conduct searches of patient's rooms, searching for possible contraband, and ensure?the safety of each patient.
Assist in managing the aggressive behavior of clients.
Daily Living & Housekeeping
Assist residents in cleaning and caring for their living areas, clothing, and supplies.
Develop clients' community living skills through activities such as daily living skills?exercises (grocery shopping, accessing public transportation, locating community?providers, etc., if applicable per facility policy).
Maintain and distribute client funds for individual treatment programs (e.g., to teach budgeting skills).
Clinical & Emergency Response:
Assist in carrying out occupational therapy/recreational therapy programs to maximize?an individual's capacity for independent living.
Perform basic first aid in case of patient injury, such as applying antiseptics, bandages or?utilizing CPR techniques and Heimlich maneuver as necessary.
Administrative Support
Perform routine clerical functions, including ordering supplies, maintaining client folders and other patient unit/ward forms, filing progress notes, and answering ward/unit telephone.
Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Specialized knowledge of, and ability to apply, psychiatric nursing care practices including administering medications if certified or licensed.
Specialized knowledge of the principles and methods needed to ensure therapeutic rehabilitation programs.
Working knowledge of existing mental health provider systems.
Practical knowledge of teaching techniques such as motivation, progress assessment, charting and behavior modification procedures with the ability to apply these skills as required.
Specialized knowledge of needs of mentally ill client groups.
Ability to operate routine medical equipment if trained/needed.
Working knowledge of institution and unit procedures.
Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Specialized knowledge of, and ability to apply, behavior modification, self-defense and restraining techniques as needed without injury to residents.
Ability to recognize behaviors in clients or others and take appropriate action.
Working knowledge of resident's behavior and ability to anticipate and deal with behavior changes on a daily basis.
Demonstrate therapeutic interventions using the principles of de-escalation, re-direction, and approved techniques for prevention and management of behavior.
Ability to counsel and guide residents in social behavior.
Ability to write reports and keep records and charts accurately.
Ability to complete required documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
Perform routine clerical functions, including ordering supplies, maintaining client folders and other patient unit/ward forms, filing progress notes, and answering ward/unit telephone.
Ability to perform and assist residents in performing housekeeping duties and daily living activities.
Ability to maintain and distribute client trust accounts if needed.
Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of Indiana.
Certified or willing to become certified in professional rescuer CPR/AED
A High School Diploma or HSE diploma, and ?
At least 1+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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