Mental Health Technician - Hospital Resource / Float Pool - Full Time Days - Jefferson Abington

Mental Health Technician - Hospital Resource / Float Pool - Full Time Days - Jefferson Abington

With a commitment to patient and family centered care, the Mental Health Technician assists in delivering care, observing patient behaviors and assisting with various aspects of patient care. The Mental Health Technician works closely with the R.N. and reports any changes in patient's mood or behavior in a timely fashion.

Job Duties

• Recognizes the patients, their family/designated care partner(s) in providing safe, compassionate and coordinated care based on respect for patient's personal preferences, priorities, needs, and cultural beliefs and values.
• Communicates with and supports the interprofessional team, patient, family and designated care partners. Communicates effectively with patients, families, staff and other customers in written form, telephone conversations, and other verbal interactions. Leverages therapeutic communication skills and offers emotional support to patients.
• Utilizes verbal de-escalation skills in response to observed patient behaviors and follows established protocols for safe and effective management of same. Ensures patient safety by observing patient behaviors and completing scheduled rounding.
• Leads or assists with group activities such as community meeting, recreational groups and other unit activities. Assists RN with patient care activities following established unit protocols and competencies. Helps to maintain a safe, neat and clean patient care environment to facilitate safe and effective patient care.
• Assists patients with completion of activities such as personal care, ambulation, feeding and encourages independent completion of these activities when possible. May provide direct observation for safety of assigned patient. Completes required documentation accurately and efficiently, in accordance with hospital policy and department guidelines.
• Actively participates in unit, hospital and division meetings and work groups as assigned. May participate in the orientation of new staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED with at least 1 year related health care experience preferred for Non-Philadelphia County Jefferson campuses. or
• High School Diploma/GED along with the completion of a supervised mental health or addiction practicum and completion of 12 college credits in the social sciences + 2 years of experience in mental health or addictions care required. or
• Bachelor's Degree in humanities or social services + 1 year of experience in mental health or addictions care.
• Knowledge of behavioral treatment techniques and procedures,
• Manage and maintain high quality behavioral therapeutic interventions for diverse mental health population
• Familiar with and knowledgeable about the operating principles and code of ethics for the Jefferson Health, ability to apply this understanding appropriately to healthcare related situations.
• Knowledge of the relevance of health information and appropriate documentation requirements.
• Knowledge of the risks faced by patients in a healthcare environment, and the ability to take steps to reduce these risks.
• BLS - Basic Life Support AHA - American Heart Association

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.

Work Shift: Workday Day (United States of America)

Employee Entity: Abington Memorial Hospital

Primary Location Address: 1200 Old York Road, Abington, Pennsylvania, United States of America