Psychiatric Technician, Psych Emergency Mental Health Services, Full Time, Varied Shift-AFSCME

Psych Tech-Psychiatric Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW)

UC Health is hiring a Psych Tech-Psychiatric Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW) for Psychiatry Emergency Mental Health Services at UC Medical Center.

PES is the only Psychiatric Emergency Room in Southwest Ohio. We offer crisis intervention and rapid assessment of person's need for behavioral health care in the least restrictive environment for Hamilton County and the surrounding area. PES has a Psychiatrist on site 24/7, and provides phone consultation, crisis intervention, medication evaluation and treatment, diagnostic assessment, disposition planning, mobile crisis intervention, and education of emergency providers in the community.

As part of the Clifton Campus of UC Health, Greater Cincinnati's academic health system, University of Cincinnati Medical Center has served Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for nearly 200 years. Each year, hundreds of thousands of patients receive care from our world-renowned clinicians and care team. Our experts utilize the most advanced medical knowledge and technology available, providing a level of specialty and subspecialty medical care that is not available anywhere else in Greater Cincinnati.

UC Medical Center is also home to medical breakthroughs- our physician experts conduct basic, translational and clinical research, leading to new therapies and care protocols, and connecting patients to the latest and most advanced treatments. UC Medical Center houses Greater Cincinnati's only Level I adult trauma center, which includes the right mix of specialist and medical resources available at a moment's notice for a wide variety of the most complex medical conditions and injuries.

Become part of the only Psychiatric Unit in Southwest Ohio where you can gain exposure to a variety of diagnosis in behavioral health. You will also have the opportunity to see things you won't see anywhere else and the chance to treat patients that other institutions don't accept.

Responsibilities

The Psychiatric Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW), in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team, is responsible for maintaining a therapeutic milieu and a safe environment for all psychiatric patients on the unit. As a member of the patient care team, the TPW performs selected duties under the direction of the Registered Nurse, to ensure quality patient care.

• Engages in population appropriate communication.
• Has knowledge of growth and development milestones and tasks.
• Gives clear instructions to patients/family regarding treatment.
• Involves family/guardian in the assessment, initial treatment and continuing care of the patient.
• Identifies any physical limitations of the patient and deploys intervention when necessary.
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to patients/families with behavioral health problems.
• Interprets population related data and plans care appropriately.
• Identifies and responds appropriately to different needs resulting from, unique psychological needs or those associated with religious / cultural norms. Performs treatments, administers medication or operates equipment safely.
• Recognizes and responds to signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.
• Establish a therapeutic milieu and provide a safe environment for all psychiatric patients. The Psychiatric Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW), in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team, is responsible for maintaining a therapeutic milieu and a safe environment for all psychiatric patients on the unit. As a member of the patient care team, the TPW performs selected duties under the direction of the Registered Nurse, to ensure quality patient care and staff. This includes monitoring the unit for safety at all times, maintaining a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, managing patient's behavior, preparing room for patient's arrival, orienting patients to the unit, checking belongings for hazardous objects or weapons, securing all belongings in designated areas, provide routine bed checks and secure areas.
• Provide clinical duties as directed by Registered Nurse. These assignments may include but are not limited to: NIPPAS for vital signs and daily weights, phlebotomy, EKG, finger sticks, assistance with feedings, personal hygiene/grooming, ADL's, collecting meal trays and returning to dietary, clean dining area, provide clean linen and dispose of soiled linen, and assist with inventory control and distribution of supplies and equipment in the clinical areas and hallways.
• Co-lead treatment groups, i.e., Goals Group, Exercise Group, etc. Participate, organize and direct social and therapeutic leisure time activities, i.e., Bingo, card playing, chess and activities in the Recreation Room. Observe individual behaviors and group interactions and report any major change in patient's behavior and/or medical condition to the RN.
• Initiate basic psychiatric interventions and provide appropriate redirection as needed. Uses age appropriate communication skills. Provide non-punitive limit setting, appropriate modeling and reinforcement as needed to meet the patient's emotional needs. Assist in physical crisis management as needed and/or assigned.
• Participate in quality improvement activities. Attend staff meetings, in-service sessions, and crisis intervention programs. Performs other duties as delegated or directed by RN, Clinical Manager or Nursing Supervisor.
• Transport patients to X-ray, EEG, MRI, clinic appointments, etc.

Qualifications

• Minimum Required: High School diploma/GED. Preferred: Relevant college coursework.
• STNA certification preferred or college-level coursework in nursing/psychiatry/social work.
• Minimum Required: Six months direct patient care experience in psychiatric setting or equivalent college-level coursework in nursing/psychology/social work.
• Preferred: Specialized training in phlebotomy, vitals signs, and assistance with activities of daily living experience.
• For employees working in UCMC Psychiatric Services, NCI-APS (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical Skills) Certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

Join our team as a psychiatric technician in our Psychiatric Emergency department. and work alongside the best and brightest clinical teams collaborating toward our common purpose: to advance healing and reduce suffering.

Join our team to BE UC Health. Be Extraordinary. Be Supported. Be Hope. Apply Today!

UC Health is an integrated academic health system serving Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. In partnership with the University of Cincinnati, UC Health combines clinical expertise and compassion with research and teachinga combination that provides patients with options for even the most complex situations. Members of UC Health include: UC Medical Center, West Chester Hospital, University of Cincinnati Physicians and UC Health Ambulatory Services (with more than 900 board-certified clinicians and surgeons), Lindner Center of HOPE and several specialized institutes including: UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. Many UC Health locations have received national recognition for outstanding quality and patient satisfaction. Learn more at uchealth.com.

At UC Health, we're proud to have the best and brightest teams and clinicians collaborating toward our common purpose: to advance healing and reduce suffering.

As the region's adult academic health system, we strive for innovation and provide world-class care for not only our community, but patients from all over the world. Join our team and you'll be able to develop your skills, grow your career, build relationships with your peers and patients, and help us be a source of hope for our friends and neighbors.

UC Health is an EEO employer.