Psychiatric Technician

Department

Behavioral Health IP
Job Summary

The psychiatric technician is an active participant of the patient care team who performs direct nursing tasks, observes and reports physical and behavioral symptoms. Assists in implementing the therapeutic activities and in planning and implementing treatment programs for patients.

Required Qualifications

- Require upon hire, and maintained throughout employment: Psychiatric Technicians must possess the physical ability to respond to psychiatric crisis situations. These situations require a rapid response, and may include the following necessary abilities:

- Walking rapidly or running; The use of physical interventions, including safe physical/manual restraint of patients; Safe application of mechanical restraints to patients; Safe transition of patients to the seclusion room;


Each psychiatric technician will receive training upon hire, and annually, that will include the physical, verbal, and non-verbal interventions required to manage psychiatric emergency situations. Each psychiatric technician will be required to successfully demonstrate the physical techniques required for a safe response to psychiatric crisis situations.
- Require one of the following:

1.) Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or National licensure as an EMT; which must be maintained active during employment; or a minimum of one (1) year direct patient care experience in an inpatient psychiatric and/or behavioral healthcare setting. A Bachelors degree or higher in a social/human services program may be substituted for direct care experience; or

2.) Nursing students who are eligible for CNA exam are required to: a.) currently be enrolled in an accredited school of Nursing (RN/LPN); b.) have completed the first semester of clinical for ASN degree, completion of third semester for a BSN degree, or completion of first trimester for LPN and c.) cannot be currently licensed in the U.S. as a RN or LPN; or

3.) PCT-C Provide validation of successful completion of an SMH approved program, and successfully obtain a Florida CNA license within 120 days of graduation.

**Employees hired without the above licensure and/or by years of experience only prior to 11/11/19, are grandfathered in and will be provided the option of obtaining the stipulated licensure.
- Require a current Level 2 AHCA background clearance.
- Require Basic Life Support/CPR Certification within 90 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications

- Prefer Psychiatric Technician training.

Mandatory Education

HS EQ: High School Diploma, GED or Certificate

Preferred Education Required License and Certs

FDL: Valid Driver's License

Preferred License and Certs

CBHT: Cert Behavioral Health Tech

Employment Screening Requirements

As part of Sarasota Memorial Health Care Systems commitment to keeping people safe, all individuals providing care to vulnerable populations are required to undergo background screening through The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.

One of the largest public health systems in Florida, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has continually evolved from its modest beginning as the county's first community hospital. Our mission to deliver high-quality healthcare for our community has been steadfast since we first began serving patients in 1925 at the 32-bed Sarasota Hospital, and our growth has been shaped by and for the Sarasota community.

Today, we are a full-service public health system, with two hospitals offering specialized expertise in heart, vascular, cancer, orthopedic and neuroscience services, as well as a state-of-the-art cancer care center and a network of outpatient centers, urgent care centers, laboratories, diagnostic imaging and physician practices, skilled nursing and rehabilitation among our many programs. Sarasota Memorial also serves as the region's health care safety net, with Sarasota County's only trauma center, obstetrical services, neonatal intensive care unit, inpatient pediatrics unit and psychiatric services for patients of all ages.

The system's flagship 897-bed campus, Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Sarasota, has been consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best hospitals. A regional referral center providing the greatest depth and breadth of care to the community, the campus also includes state-of-the-art specialized centers of care, including the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute Oncology Tower, Rehabilitation Pavilion and newly opened Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion.

With the opening of Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice in fall 2021, we're able to provide south Sarasota County residents convenient access to the same level of care and 5-Star physicians, staff and systems available at our SMH-Sarasota Campus. SMH-Venice features 178 private rooms, a 28-room Emergency Care Center, 8 surgical suites, 10 birthing suites and a pandemic-ready intensive care unit. The Venice campus is currently undergoing an expansion that will double the hospital's capacity when complete in 2024. 

Sarasota Memorial is powered by more than 10,000 staff and is Sarasota County’s largest employer. Over 700 members of the community contribute their time and skills as hospital volunteers; this includes the 9-member Sarasota County Public Hospital Board elected by local voters, governs Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.

Our Mission

Sarasota Memorial strives to provide healthcare services that excel in caring, quality and innovation.

Our Vision

Our community will be served by the best healthcare system in the nation. Sarasota Memorial will be the best place to be a patient, the best place to work and the best place to practice medicine. Our extraordinary people, innovative clinical technology and effective use of information systems will set us apart. We will deliver services that are safe, result in desired outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge.

Our Values

To create an environment that supports and rewards:

• Safety
• Caring and compassion
• Excellence and professionalism
• Teamwork and trust
• Mutual respect and recognition
• Accountable and ethical behavior