Mental Health Technician

Career Opportunity At Lehigh Valley Health Network

Imagine a career at one of the nation's most advanced health networks. Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work.

LVHN has been ranked among the "Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. We're a Magnet(tm) Hospital, having been honored five times with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's prestigious distinction for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes in our Lehigh Valley region. Finally, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley Hospital- Hazleton, and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono each received an 'A' grade on the Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2020, the highest grade in patient safety. These recognitions highlight LVHN's commitment to teamwork, compassion, and technology with an unrelenting focus on delivering the best health care possible every day.

Whether you're considering your next career move or your first, you should consider Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Job Description

Summary Assists in planning and implementing individual patient care and therapeutic milieu groups to facilitate the treatment of psychiatric inpatients. Provides direct care services to patients as necessary. Performs a variety of treatment and diagnostic procedures such as EKGs, Phlebotomy, blood sugar checks, and bladder scans, etc. Provides mental health support (to children and adults) and assists with intakes, as required. Documents interactions and maintains complete records for decision-making staff and authorities. Performs patient care activities in collaboration with and under the direction of an RN.

Job Duties

• Documents client behaviors observed during shift and charts into the electronic medical records.
• Accepts emergency/crisis calls. Responds to front-line first responder needs via telephone and triages calls according to intensity, service needs, critical timing, and assignment of staff.
• Assists residents in all areas of physical care and hygiene of patients.
• Aids patients with activities of daily living, bases interactions on goals and interventions of treatment plan, and complies with unit-specific guidelines.
• Conducts independent study of current literature on relevant topics and presents to staff annually.
• Demonstrates at least one specific behavior supporting model (i.e., clinical supervision, committee participation, PI monitoring, coordinating scheduling, PCC measurement, patient satisfaction follow-up, peer review, etc.).
• Displays competencies in accordance with established procedures and competency as per department/unit specific competency assessment criteria.
• Offers input utilized in formulating and revising treatment plans, and performs a variety of treatment and diagnostic procedures.
• Assumes the responsibility for personal and professional growth and development by participating in continuing education and self-motivated learning activities.
• Functions as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team and participates in the professional learning process of others and serves as a resource for students.
• Assists in orientation process for new personnel and supports professional practice model.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED Minimum of (1) year experience in related human services field: healthcare, social services, criminal justice, education, or pastoral care. or
• Minimum of (1) year of college (credits earned), preferably in any of the following majors: Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Special Education, Nursing, Healthcare Administration or Medicine
• Less than 1 year At least (6) months of direct care experience including individual and group counseling skills is required, preferably in an acute behavioral healthcare setting or behavioral education setting. Direct care may include but is not limited to a professional, formal internship, or clinical practicum experience. or
• 1 year 1 year of experience in Behavioral Health
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information and demonstrate ability to adapt readily to emergency situations.
• Ability to speak clearly so listeners can comprehend.
• Ability to use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Ability to be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Knowledge of mental health and/or substance abuse.
• Possesses individual and group counseling skills.
• BLS - Basic Life Support AHA - American Heart Association Upon Hire

Additional Qualifications: Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Psychology, Sociology, Education, Nursing, Medicine, or Healthcare Administration
• 1 year Direct care experience including individual and group counseling skills in an acute behavioral health care setting is preferred. Previous experience in direct care in a behavioral health setting and working knowledge of mental health technician practices

Physical Demands Lift and carry 40-50 lbs. Examples: Push/pull patients on bed, stretcher (requires 29 lbs. push force), lateral transfers up to 50 lbs. of the patient's weight. Frequent to continuous standing/walking. Patient transporters can walk 8-10 miles per shift. *Patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR.

Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.