Patient Care Technician (PCT) - ED Behavioral Health

Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the Behavioral Health Emergency DepartmentWork where every moment matters.Every day, more than 40,000 Hartford HealthCare colleagues come to work with one thing in common: Pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut’s most comprehensive healthcare network.Join us at Backus Hospital as we live our values every day. As part of Hartford HealthCare we create a better future for healthcare in Connecticut and beyond. By embodying these values we have become nationally respected for patient care and most trusted for personalized coordinated care.Job Summary:The Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the Behavioral Health Emergency Department plays a vital role in supporting patients experiencing acute psychiatric or behavioral health crises. Working in a fast-paced, team-driven environment, the PCT provides direct patient care, assists with clinical tasks, and supports the interdisciplinary team in ensuring a safe, therapeutic, and compassionate care experience. The role requires strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to engage patients of all ages in crisis. This entry level position performs in a high activity work environment with multiple priorities and necessitates flexibility in scheduling.Key Responsibilities:Direct Patient CareAssist patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, hygiene, eating, and mobility.Provide supportive care to children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients with varying behavioral health needs.Support fall prevention efforts, including monitoring, safe ambulation, and environmental safety checks.Assist patients experiencing substance use or withdrawal, offering observation, engagement, and support as directed by clinical staff.Clinical SupportPerform and assist with clinical skills such as:VenipunctureSpecimen and laboratory collectionPoint-of-care testing as requiredDocument patient observations and care activities accurately and promptly in the electronic medical record.Behavioral Health SupportUtilize Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) techniques to safely manage escalating behaviors through:Verbal de-escalationTherapeutic engagementNonphysical intervention methodsProvide ongoing patient observation, including performing 1:1 safety checks or continuous monitoring for high-risk patients.Build rapport with patients to encourage trust, cooperation, and participation in care.Safety & Team CollaborationActively support the Behavioral Health Emergency Department’s mission to provide safe and compassionate care to individuals in crisis.Collaborate closely with nurses, providers, social workers, and security personnel.Participate in rapid response and emergency situations following unit protocols.QualificationsSkills & QualitiesAbility to thrive in a fast-paced emergency environmentStrong communication, empathy, and active listening skillsAbility to remain calm in high-stress situationsPhysical ability to assist with patient mobility, safety interventions, and continuous monitoringRespectful, patient-centered approach with understanding of trauma-informed care principlesAbility to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families and co-workersMust be able to read and understand oral and written instructions, and effectively communicate information in EnglishFlexibility to respond to changes in work schedules as necessary or as requestedPreferred:High school diploma or GEDSome relevant experienceCurrent certified BLS Provider credentialed from the American Heart Association (AHA)Current CNA or EMT certification