Patient Care Technicians - Behavioral Health Tech

Behavioral Health Tech

Shift: Rotating Sunday through Saturday normally six 12.5 hour day or night shifts per two week period including 30 minute uncompensated meal break Will be required to work on Federal Holidays on a rotational basis. Description: Conduct or assist in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients. Perform initial basic assessment procedures, including standardized psychological testing, clinical interviewing, mental status examinations, substance abuse evaluations, and psychological and nursing assessment. Identify mental health and nursing diagnoses and provide patient education. Observe, monitor, record, and report patients' progress. Conduct or assist in conducting group and individual counseling and related activities. Institute precautionary measures to prevent patient injury or suicide. Assist patients with nutritional, hygiene, and comfort measures. Obtain and record vital signs. Coordinate with agencies regarding specified care, treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and administrative functions. Explain and interpret mental health services to patients or others. Assist in arranging patient referrals to community agencies. Prepare and maintain records and reports pertaining to specialty services. Assist with the care of individuals experiencing acute and post-traumatic stress reactions. Prepare and maintain treatment records. Regularly interface with staff and patients to assess needs and improve the quality of service delivered. Demonstrate sound psychiatric nursing theories and practical approaches in patient care. Assist in the management of a therapeutic environment providing structure, social support, patient education, and safety. Monitor, escort, and participate in patient activities in outpatient programs. Provide care utilizing proper infection control and safety techniques and document according to policy. Utilize therapeutic assessment and interview skills to elicit accurate accounts of the patient's condition. Follow policies for Seclusion/Restraint, Elopement, and Management of at-risk patients. Exhibit knowledge of psychotropic medications, including actions and side effects. Screen patients to determine presenting problems and prioritize appointments. Perform basic assessment procedures, including initial screenings and standardized psychological testing. Assist in providing specialized treatment for mental health patients. Co-facilitate individual or group therapy sessions as part of therapeutic procedures. Measure and record patients' general physical conditions for monitoring. Observe patients to detect behavior patterns and report observations to medical staff. Present or facilitate various health and wellness programs, including stress management and suicide intervention. Coordinate with relevant agencies regarding specialized care and treatment functions. Assist in arranging for patient referral to other facilities for alternate levels of care. Provide care to mentally ill or emotionally disturbed patients and participate in their rehabilitation and treatment programs.

Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited Psychiatric Technician Program or completion of an equivalent education and experience that meets the requirement of the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians or completion of education and experience as a behavioral science specialist/technician in the United States military and proof of having completed an Armed Forces course involving psychiatric technician training or civilian course from an accredited school in the care of behavioral health patients. or possess an Associate of Arts degree in a behavioral science, or a bachelor's degree in Psychology, or a degree in Sociology or behavioral science related field. General Knowledge: Possess a minimum of 1-year full-time experience within the preceding 2 years as a Psychiatric Technician in a mental health setting. Must possess ability to pass a Government background check/security clearance. Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) through AHA or ARC Licensure: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a RN