Psych Technician

Behavioral Health Technician

The Behavioral Health Technician, under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or other specified healthcare professional, participates in patient care as a member of a coordinated multi-disciplinary treatment team. This position provides direct patient care by developing rapport with the patients and facilitating the therapeutic milieu.

Full time nights

Weekday, weekends and holidays

Essential Functions

• Assist patients with daily living tasks, performs, and accurately documents delegated patient care procedures, treatments, observations, groups/education, etc. and in a timely manner. May monitor patient vital signs and provide limited medical intervention under the directions of a healthcare professional
• Orients patients to the Behavioral Health unit or program, inventory belongings, may give appropriate supplies and testing, and may transport patients to appropriate appointments, units or activities.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal relations and communication skills with co-workers, patients, families, and other personnel involved with patient care. Reports changes in the patient's condition to the applicable clinical staff. May assist in mentoring and orientation of staff members and students. Takes initiative to maintain the work environment and guide others to resolving problems/issues.
• Maintains a safe, consistent and supportive environment by providing care in accordance with the multidisciplinary treatment plan using established behavioral interventions and programs to meet patient care needs. Ensures that assigned areas are clean, straight and in compliance with fire and safety hazards before leaving at the end of each shift. Maintains constant surveillance of assigned areas to ensure patient safety including visual patient checks, room checks and unit checks. Will stock supplies and carry out general housekeeping tasks as assigned.

• Participates in regulatory activities or duties (e.g., chart checks/audits, fridge temps, committees for improvement and other quality-oriented tasks). Reports and addresses real or potential problems with quality and appropriateness of care through the use of event reports, or other appropriate means. Follows appropriate chain of command regarding issues in a timely manner.
• Responsible for patient safety and the overall management of patient behavior on the behavioral health units. Has the ability to work with physically and mentally aggressive patients by anticipating and diffusing situations, which might lead to disruptive behaviors. Performs appropriately in emergency situations. Responds efficiently and calmly, securing qualified assistance as needed. Recognizes critical situations and identifies options to manage crisis using sound judgment and problem-solving skills to prevent escalation of the situation or injury to client/staff. Strictly adheres to behavioral health policy standards regarding the use of seclusion and restraint.
• Completes all mandatory and required education assignments in a timely manner. Demonstrates clinical proficiency and competency for age groups served. Treats patients and families with care and respect. Maintains corporate/department standards regarding compliance and confidentiality.
• Will assist in facilitating various skills, relaxation, and psycho-educational groups using knowledge of group dynamics and organizational skills to achieve treatment plan goals.

Skills

• Patient Safety
• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Skill Development
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
• Patient Care
• Accurate and Timely Documentation
• Time Management

Minimum Qualifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers

Preferred Qualifications

• CNA or EMT
• Post high school education in social work, psychology, sociology, family studies, or a health sciences field
• Experience working with psychiatric and/or chemically dependent patients.
• Experience providing behavioral healthcare services care to patient populations

Physical Requirements

• Ongoing need for employees to see and read information, labels, assess patient needs, operate monitors, identify equipment and supplies.
• Frequent interactions with patient care providers, patients, and visitors that require employees to verbally communicate as well as hear and understand spoken information, alarms, needs, and issues quickly and accurately, particularly during emergency situations.
• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy. This includes frequent computer use and typing for documenting patient care, accessing needed information, medication preparation, etc.
• Expected to lift and utilize full range of movement to transfer patients. Will also bend to retrieve, lift, and carry supplies and equipment. Typically includes items of varying weights, up to and including heavy items. Expected to participate in the physical management of high-risk patient behaviors.
• May be expected to stand in a stationary position for an extended period of time.

Location: Intermountain Health St George Regional Hospital

Work City: St George

Work State: Utah

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36

The hourly range for this position is listed below. Actual hourly rate dependent upon experience.

$18.94 - $24.62