Psychiatric Technician

The Position

The Contra Costa County Health Services Department is recruiting Psychiatric Technicians for acute inpatient psychiatric services at the Contra Costa County Regional Medical Center in Martinez. Under the supervision of a staff Psychiatrist or Registered Nurse, Technicians provide psychiatric nursing care services to patients who are mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally challenged. Psychiatric Technicians are part of an interdisciplinary team which includes medical care and mental health staff who work together to develop and implement treatment and discharge plans. They assist in facilitating patient therapy in-group or family sessions, provide general and psychiatric nursing care and administer medication under medical supervision. When crises intervention services are needed, Psychiatric Technicians utilize verbal and appropriate physical techniques to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment.

We are looking for someone who:

• Adapts easily to varied and changing priorities
• Has a strong attention to detail
• Exercises good judgment in the observation of medical and behavioral symptoms
• Works well as a team member with nursing, ancillary, and mental health professionals
• Communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrates professional behavior in interactions with patients, team members and providers
• Has strong knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and abbreviations
• Has the ability to comprehend, execute and clarify written and verbal instructions
• Acknowledges and respects the County's diverse population/patients
• Maintains patient confidentially at all times
• Has the ability to accurately document using electronic medical records (EMR)

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Performing physical tasks using appropriate body mechanics and a reasonable degree of physical exertion
• Assisting patients with activities of daily living
• Maintaining a clean safe environment for the patient
• Monitoring and assisting in providing dietary requirements of patients
• Providing close observation of patients and accurately documenting these observations
• Reporting observations to the Provider, RN, team Leader, or Charge Nurse
• Transportation of patients both within the hospital and to appointments outside the hospital
• Administering medications
• Performing Basic Life Support (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
• Participating in Behavior Response when required and preventing injury to themselves or others by physically restraining patients
• Obtaining specimens
• Assisting the RN and the provider in identifying patient and family learning needs and implementing appropriate measures

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have an opportunity to make a positive difference in patients' lives
• As an integrated system, Contra Costa County Health Services offers and presents multiple opportunities to grow professionally
• You may develop more knowledge and skills due to the different scenarios you will encounter and the education and training that will be provided
• You will be an integral part of a team to create optimal health for all
• There is a great retirement plan and health benefits for you and your family

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You may need to reprioritize your tasks based on the ongoing needs of your assignment
• You will need to adapt and adjust to the work environment
• You may care for patients whose behaviors can be challenging due to medical or mental health issues
• You may receive direction and communication from different staff members to process and prioritize daily assignments

Competencies Required:

• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Environmental Exposure Tolerance: Performing under physically demanding conditions
• Establishing Credibility: Doing what he/she commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Manual Dexterity: Using senses, hands, and fingers in manipulating objects quickly and efficiently
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization