Mental Health Technician

Behavior Medicine Patient Care AssistantAssists in the assessment and care of behavior medicine patients via the therapeutic milieu including recreational activities, group therapy, and patient education. Complies with all appropriate safety and infection control standards. Participates in quality assessment and continuous quality improvement activities. Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a courteous and customer-focused manner according to the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior. Works under the supervision of a Nurse Manager or registered professional nurse or designee who reviews work for conformance to established standards.ResponsibilitiesConfers and consults with charge nurse to establish short term goals for patients. Implements plan of care as directed by professional staff.Assists in orientating patients and patient families to unit including explaining policies and procedures. Assists in enforcing rules and regulations and maintaining safe and therapeutic milieu.Aids patients in becoming accustomed to hospital routine. Encourages patients to participate in social and recreational activities to promote rehabilitation. Assists staff or initiates therapeutic activities such as daily meetings, relaxation techniques, group activities, board games, cards, and puzzles.Communicates therapeutically with patients in a variety of situations. Utilizes techniques such as reality orientation, reflecting, clarifying, and redirecting.Aids patients with personal care such as bathing, feeding, and hygiene. Monitors and records temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and weight.Observes, interacts, and documents behaviors of patients and completes rounds and records as assigned. Notifies appropriate personnel of unusual behaviors. Assists in suicide precautions when required.Orients newly assigned staff to unit.Performs duties of nursing assistant as required.Demonstrates effective judgment and ability to understand, react competently, and treat (if appropriate) unique needs of patient age groups served.QualificationsEducation equivalent to graduation from high school.Two (2) years of experience as a nursing assistant or mental health technician.One (1) year of experience working with mentally ill, emotionally impaired, or developmentally disabled individuals preferred.Demonstrated clinical competency.Sufficient strength to perform heavy lifting, bending, and twisting.Knowledge of crisis prevention.Knowledge of aseptic techniques.Knowledge of therapeutic techniques such as reality orientation, reflecting, clarifying, and redirecting limit setting.Ability to follow oral and written instructions.Ability to keep required records and make reports.Ability to clearly and accurately document activities.Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations such as percentages and unit conversions.Ability to meet physical and mental demands of the job; e.g., to physically manage violent aggressive patients, to use restraints to ensure patient's safety, and to stand for long periods of time.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, patient families, physicians, supervisors, other Medical Center staff, and the general public.