Behavioral Resource Tech

Summary

A Behavioral Resource Technician ("BRT") is responsible for providing safety observation of the patient or patients they are assigned to. The BRT is responsible for observing up to four patients at a time. The BRT's role is to ensure that the patient does nothing to harm themselves or others. The BRT must maintain a safe environment and interact with the patient, family, and staff in a caring professional manner. As a member of the health care team, the BRT will provide care for the patient and may include bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning as assigned. When caring for two or more behavioral patients, minimal patient care is required. The BRT is responsible for reporting any changes in the patient's condition or behavior to the nurse immediately and documenting every 15 minutes during their shift, unless they are assigned to a 1:1 status and are expected to continuously observe the patient. They BRT is expected to prevent elopement, in

addition to harm of self or others. This description covers the essential functions of the position. The incumbent is expected to perform other similar and related duties as assigned. Management has the right to change or add to the job responsibilities at any time.

Adheres to system and department compliance policies, and any and all applicable laws and regulations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

1) Provides Age Appropriate Care To Patients Demonstrates knowledge of developmental stages for the following age groups child through older adult: Children, Adolescents, Adult, Geriatric

2) Develops And Maintains Good Human Relations Skills. Introduces self by name to the patient, PCT, and RN, 100% of the time. Consistently displays a respectful, empathetic, and caring attitude toward patients and families 100% of the time. Interacts with other members of the health care team RN, PCT, MD, etc. professionally. Accepts changes in assignments to accommodate the patient's needs. Accepts constructive criticism as demonstrated by positive behavioral changes, if indicated.

3) Provides safety observation of the patient/s intervening as necessary. Documents patient status every 15 minutes. Independently communicates patient information and observations promptly to the RN. Actively listens to the patient and acts in a caring professional manner. Provides care for the patient; bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning. Demonstrates knowledge and skill in assisting patients with activities of daily living. Follows directions from the RN regarding limitations and privileges the patient has at all times. Possesses the ability to redirect the patient to a different activity. Possesses the ability to de-escalate a patient and maintain a therapeutic environment. Observes and report any significant occurrences in the patient's condition and behavior to the RN.

4) Receives report from the RN and off-going BRT when reporting for duty. Reports off to the RN and on coming BRT 100% of the time. Provides immediate care to maintain the patient's safety.


5) Maintains A Safe Environment For The Patient: Remains with the patient at all times if assigned to one-to-one observation unless relieved by a member of the staff. Must remain awake and alert and have the ability to provide safety observation as defined in the Care of the Suicidal Patient policy, even when the patient is sleeping. Demonstrates knowledge and skill in maintaining a safe environment and can identify ligature and safety risks in any environment of care. Accompanies the patient off the unit as directed by the nurse and remains with the patient at all times in these areas. Transports patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers to procedures. Reports any safety hazards to the RN.

6) Understands the care for specific diagnoses such as suicidal, eating disordered, drug or alcohol withdrawal, PICA, Alzheimer's, anoxic brain injury, etc.

7) Communicates to patients that they are a high priority even during busy times. Treats patient information as confidential. Displays sensitivity to patients through non-verbal communication. Utilizes body language such as eye contact, smiling, etc., to demonstrate an interest in the patient.

8) Participates in Competency Validations, Educational Activities, and Staff Meetings Completes all mandatory in-services and web strategies 100% of the time. Attends and participates in staff meetings. Attends annual mandatory validations. Attends all additional programs as required. Continually seeks to improve skill level and knowledge base.


9) Demonstrates competency for one-to-one observation of patients based on department and unit-specific policy and needs.

10) Proactively takes vital signs as needed/requested, including on patients other than assigned behavioral health patients, as assignment allows.

11) Assists in stocking treatment rooms and supply carts when behavioral health assignment allows

12) Performs chest compressions during code blue situations as requested by the charge nurse.

13) Proactively obtains vital signs on patients marked for discharge or admission when behavioral health assignment allows

14) Answers call lights as assignment allows

Required Experience

1 year of relevant patient care experience. This experience could include but is not limited to working with behavioral health patients, direct patient care, patients in a group home setting, experience as a paraprofessional, or has successfully worked in a BRT apprentice role for 1 year.

Preferred Experience

2 years of experience working with behavioral health patients preferred.


Skills/Competencies

Demonstrates competency in reading comprehension, writing and following instructions.


Education:
GED or HiSET (Required)

Certifications:
Approved Workplace Safety and De-escalation - Baystate Health, Basic Life Support - American Heart AssociationAmerican Heart AssociationAmerican Heart Association

Compensation

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum
$17.01 - $19.55 - $22.81

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.