Psychiatric Tech, Part Time, Nights

This is a part time role, 2 shifts required per week, 7pm-7:30am; weekends included The Psychiatric Technician is responsible for providing a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for psychiatric patients, and to assist with the provision of basic patient care needs. In cooperation with other health team members, the Psychiatric Technician participates in implementing a care plan designed to meet the specific therapeutic goals of the patient.

Some physical labor is involved related to assisting patients with bathing, various ADLs, stocking supplies, belongings or during acute situations e.g., physical holds/restraints. MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES/CRITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists with maintaining a safe and hazard free environment by reporting unsafe conditions or concerns to nursing personnel.
2. Demonstrates the ability to respond timely, efficiently, calmly and take appropriate action during a crisis and any emergency situations.
3. Understands and demonstrates therapeutic boundaries while developing an appropriate and supportive rapport with patients and their family or loved ones. Demonstrate the ability to perform patient and environmental rounds while reporting clinical or customer service-related issues or questions to supervising staff in a timely fashion.
4. Observes and documents patient behaviors.
5. Collaborates with nursing to formulate a plan and assists peers, to meet the basic care needs of patients and participates in activities of daily living performance.
6. Aids nursing with admissions of new patients and facilitating a safe transition.
7. Aids nursing with facilitating a safe discharge of patients.
8. Assists in the formulation of behavioral care plans and ensures that the behavioral care plans are followed.
9. Assists the Activities Therapist and Charge Nurse in coordinating group therapy for patients while assuming lead role for facilitating groups. Demonstrates the ability and competency to monitor acute patients; private wing, ED psych hold, 1:1, CO, restraints, phlebotomy, vital signs, redirection, while upholding appropriate boundaries yet delivering therapeutic communication. Upholds policies and role modeling safe practices for peers. Actively participates in monthly tech councils, staff meetings and initiatives surrounding practice development. Promotes and facilitates unit based strategic action plan and goals. Complies and maintains professional means of communication i.e., checking emails during their shifts, attending staff meetings, safety huddles, IDT, and actively seeks out clarification if needed. QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: Associate’s degree in related field OR at least one year of work experience in a related job. Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. At least 1 year experience in the realm of healthcare and psychiatry/behavioral health preferred. Requires ability to extract/interpret information and/or perform arithmetic functions. BLS certification upon hire. CPI (crisis prevention institute) certification obtained within 6 months of hire. Requires electronic documentation, basic medical terminology. PATIENT POPULATION SERVED: Adolescence (13-17 years) Adult (18-64 years) Geriatric (65 plus years) MANUAL SKILLS: Some portions of daily assignments involve application of manual skills requiring motor coordination in combination with finger dexterity (e.g., typing, machine operations). PHYSICAL EFFORT: Some portions of daily assignments involve prolonged standing, transporting material, equipment, patients, or lifting, moving, or carrying heavy (over 30 pounds) for intermittent periods throughout the day. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT: Some portions of daily assignments involve exposure to dirt, odors, noise, or include patient care responsibilities with exposure to human waste, body fluids and similar elements. Working surfaces may be un-level, slippery or unstable. Some portions of daily assignments involve occupational risk such as exposure to potentially aggressive patients, cuts, needle punctures, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, injuries from falls or back injury sustained while assisting with moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested to maintain a high level of service. Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements. Demonstrates professional work behavior by following Service Standards and Success Factors. Complies with Departmental organizational policies and procedures and adheres to external agency requirements.