Job Description:

The Psychiatric Technician (Psych Tech), under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or other specified healthcare professional, participates in patient care as a member of a coordinated multi-disciplinary treatment team. This position provides direct patient care by developing rapport with the patients and facilitating the therapeutic milieu.

Scope

Provides care appropriate to assigned specialty age groups (geriatric, adult, adolescent and child) in accordance with established plan of care or treatment plan.

Job Essentials

• Assists patients with daily living tasks, providing emotional support to patients and families. May conduct community meetings, interfacing with family, and lead diversionary activities. May implement recreational activities and may act as aides in a school setting.

• Assists, performs, and accurately documents delegated patient care procedures, treatments, observations, groups/education, etc. in designated areas, legibly and in a timely manner. May monitor patient vital signs and provide limited medical intervention under the directions of a healthcare professional.

• Orients patients to the Behavioral Health unit or program, may inventory belongings, may give appropriate supplies and testing, and may transport patients to appropriate appointments, units or activities. May assist patient as appropriate in completion of patient history form.

• Appropriately communicates patient information regarding: patient condition, patient history data and provides input on the implementation and / or changes to plan of care or discharge plan. Demonstrates effective interpersonal relations and communication skills with co-workers, patients, families, and other personnel involved with patient care. Reports changes in the patient's condition to the applicable clinical staff.

• Maintains a safe, consistent and supportive environment by providing care in accordance with the multidisciplinary treatment plan using established behavioral interventions and programs to meet patient care needs. Ensures that assigned areas are clean, straight and in compliance with fire and safety hazards before leaving at the end of each shift.

• Maintains constant surveillance of assigned areas to ensure patient safety including visual patient checks, room checks and unit checks. May stock supplies and carry out general housekeeping tasks as assigned.

• Participates in quality activities or duties (e.g., chart checks/audits, fridge temps, committees for improvement and other quality oriented tasks). Reports and addresses real or potential problems with quality and appropriateness of care through the use of event reports, or other appropriate means. Follows appropriate chain of command regarding issues in a timely manner.

• Responsible for patient safety and the overall management of patient behavior on the behavioral health units. Has the ability to work with physically and mentally aggressive patients by anticipating and diffusing situations, which might lead to out of control behaviors. Performs appropriately in emergency situations. Responds efficiently and calmly, securing qualified assistance as needed.

• Recognizes critical situations and identifies options to manage crisis using sound judgment and problem solving skills to prevent escalation of the situation or injury to client/staff. Strictly adheres to behavioral health policy standards regarding the use of seclusion and restraint.

• Completes all mandatory and required education assignments in a timely manner. Demonstrates clinical proficiency and competency for age groups served. Treats patients and families with care and respect. Maintains corporate/department standards regarding compliance and confidentiality.

• May assist in mentoring and orientation of staff members and students. Takes initiative to improve the work environment and guide others to resolving problems/issues. Encourages accountability and professional growth. Integrates legal and ethical standards into practice and complies with regulatory standards. Provides accurate and timely documentation and understands the legal implications of care delivery. Serves as a patient rights advocate.

• May be actively involved in the development and updating of treatment plans. May assist in planning, implementing and facilitating various skills, relaxation, and psycho-educational groups using knowledge of group dynamics and organizational skills to achieve treatment plan goals.

• Uses established plan of care to guide interventions and initiates interventions within scope of practice. Ensures documentation is accurate, thorough and based on the patient's treatment plan.

Minimum Qualifications

One year post high school education in social work, psychology, sociology, family studies, or a health sciences field.

Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers.

- and -

Current EMT Certification.

- or -

Current CNA Certification.

- or -

One year of work experience working with psychiatric or chemically dependent patients.

- or -

One year post high school education in social work, psychology, sociology, family studies, or a health sciences field.

Preferred Qualifications

CNA Certification.

- or -

EMT Certification.

Experience working with psychiatric and/or chemically dependent patients.

- and -

Experience providing behavioral healthcare services care to specific patient populations (geriatric, adult, adolescent, child) relative to the hiring program needs.

Physical Requirements:

Carrying, Hearing / Listening, Lifting, Manual Dexterity, Pulling / Pushing Seeing, Sitting, Speaking, Squatting/Kneeling, Standing, Walking.