Associate Behavioral Health Technician - Psychiatric Emergency Department

Associate Behavioral Health Technician - Psychiatric Emergency Department

Lucama, NC $34,499 - $46,099 a year

Full Time

Overview

Join a compassionate team dedicated to providing exceptional care in a psychiatric emergency setting within the Southeastern United States region. This full-time day position involves supporting patients through observation, monitoring, and assisting with daily living activities under nursing supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver routine patient care that promotes safety, dignity, and comfort in a therapeutic environment.
• Assist with new patient admissions, including contraband searches, orientation, vital sign collection, and securing personal belongings.
• Support patient transfers and discharges by obtaining vital signs and managing belongings.
• Monitor and record vital signs, weight, and report any abnormalities promptly to nursing staff.
• Help patients with activities of daily living such as hygiene and toileting when necessary.
• Participate in therapeutic holds, restraints, and seclusion procedures following required training.
• Engage patients through play and group activities, reporting any unusual findings.
• Conduct regular rounding and constant observation as directed, documenting accordingly.
• Facilitate therapeutic community meetings and wrap-up sessions as assigned.
• Contribute to educational initiatives and performance improvement efforts.
• Support cost containment and other duties as assigned.

Education and Training

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Social Work preferred.
• Nursing Assistant certification accepted.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required.
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) training and certification must be completed within 30 days of employment.

Experience

• Preferred: Minimum of 2 years' experience in psychiatric care.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Competency in working with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health conditions.
• Basic understanding of age-specific considerations for the patient population.
• General computer proficiency.
• Ability to maintain visual and auditory acuity for patient observation and manual dexterity for documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work variable shifts including prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting patients.
• May involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.