Responsibilities

River Vista Behavioral Health sits along the bluffs overlooking the San Joaquin River, this brand new, 128-bed facility, will provide high-quality and advanced behavioral health services to residents and visitors in the Central Valley. The new hospital will employ more than 250 people, including clinicians, nurses, mental health technicians, support staff and administration.

We are currently seeking a forward thinking and compassionate LEAD, MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN to be part of our Nursing Team. The Lead Mental Health Tech provides basic nursing care, aids with activities of daily living, and assists in the maintenance of a safe and clean environment, under the direction and supervision of the CNO and the assigned RN to the unit.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Degree or equivalent, Certified Nursing Assistant preferred.

Experience: Three (3) years of related experience, with knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques with understanding of mental illness, preferred. At least once year of experience training and developing other staff members in psychiatric patient care techniques or at least one year of experience performing similar duties.

Additional Requirements: CPR certification and successful completion of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training. CPI Training may be obtained during new hire orientation.

Knowledge/Skills and Expectations

Must be able to interact positively with patients and visitors daily whose behavior may be difficult, uncooperative or aggressive.
Must be able to interact positively with Staff daily whose behavior may be difficult at times.
Must be able to work successfully under highly stressful conditions.
Must be able to make sound, independent judgments based on scientific and/or ethical principles.
Must be able to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures.
Must be able to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion.
Must be capable of adapting to varying workloads an work assignments on a constant basis;
Must have effective comprehensive reading skills, strong communication skills, written and verbal.

Qualifications

LEAD, MHT PRIMARY CRITERIA/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Consistently provides supervision for assigned patients/assigned unit.

Clearly documents observations of patient behavior and completes rounding accurately and timely.

Performs daily patient care tasks, including feeding and bathing patients, and cleans patient living areas which may include soiled beds and floor area.
Performs basic housekeeping tasks required to maintain patient living areas.
Always ensures safety of patient.

Consistently records and/or reports to the RN House Supervisor and Charge Nurse any treatments, results, observations, and patient complaints. Recognizes changes in patient’s mental status, behavior, mood and level of suicidality or self-harm.
Obtains accurate vital signs, weight and height, intake and output, and documents information appropriately.
Completes graphics/assignment sheets in coordination with the RN. Review and update all compliance logs for assigned unit and Intake as required.

GENERAL CRITERIA

Attendance: Consistently reports to work on time, as scheduled and is amenable to covering/helping provide coverage for other Lead MHT’s as needed and is ready to work at start of shift. Appropriately utilizes personal days/sick time. Clocks in/out per policy and procedure; begins/returns from meal periods and rest breaks within established policy time frame.

General Safety: Follows all departmental and hospital safety, security and infection control policies.

Self-Development: Maintains required licensure/certification for position; renews by expiration date; CPI/ De-escalating training; renews by expiration date. Gains additional formal qualifications beyond the minimum requirements of the job, as well as additional job duties and skills. Follows up on any personal development plan. Maintains current knowledge of policies and procedures, protocols, and practices. Attends in-service programs.

Professional Appearance and Attitude: Complies with the Personal Appearance policy. Consistently demonstrates a self-directed, mature and disciplined approach to completing work duties. Demonstrates emotional capacity to perform within position responsibilities. Maintains and respects patient and employee confidentiality. Follows proper lines of authority and organizational structure.

The Following is the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary to provide care and service for the patient population served:

Specific Standards for the Care of Child Patients Ages 5 through 11

Maintain knowledge of the Child Program rules, protocols and handbooks guidelines.
Maintain knowledge of children’s stages of development and seek guidance from the nurse in charge when questions about the norms for behavior related to child development arise.
Assess patients for behaviors consistent with the developmental stages and make note of any deviations in behavior.
Recognize acting out behavior of child specific age group and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behavioral and non-judgmental terms based on the age of the patient.
Demonstrate an awareness of learning disabilities and translates treatment/program expectations to the learning-disabled child.
Relate to child patients in an age-appropriate manner.
Utilize seclusion and restraint procedures with an understanding of the need for modification in regard to smaller body sizes of children, abandonment issues and the history of physical and/or sexual abuse issues.
Act as a resource to other staff in regard to the Child Patient Programs.

Specific Standards for the Care of Adolescent Patients Ages 12 through 18

Maintain knowledge of the Adolescent Program rules, protocols and handbooks guidelines.
Assess patients for behaviors consistent with the developmental stages and makes note of any

deviations in behavior.

Recognize acting out behavior of adolescent specific age group and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behavioral and non-judgmental terms based on the age of the patient.
Demonstrate an awareness of learning disabilities and translates treatment/program expectations to the learning-disabled adolescent.
Relate to adolescent patients in an age-appropriate manner.
Utilize seclusion and restraint procedures with an understanding of the need for modification in regard to smaller body sizes of adolescents, abandonment issues and the history of physical and/or sexual abuse issues.
Act as a resource to other staff in regard to the Adolescent Patient Programs.

Specific Standards for the Care of Adult Patients Ages 19 through 64

Gather information from the patient, family and interdisciplinary team and use judgements based on knowledge of adult behaviors in treatment planning and interventions.
Recognize behaviors and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behaviors and non-judgmental terms.
Utilize seclusion/restraint procedures applicable to adult body size and past history of violent or emotional behaviors and/or history of physical and/or sexual abuse issues.
Maintain current knowledge of the Adult Program rules, protocols and handbook guidelines.
Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of adult care within Specific Standards of Care for this age group.

Specific Standards for the Care of Geriatric Patients Ages 65 and older

Maintain knowledge of the developmental tasks and sociological theories of aging.
Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of gerontological health care and behavioral care.
Gather the appropriate information from the patient, family and interdisciplinary team and use therapeutic judgements based on knowledge of gerontological health/behavioral care practices to develop a comprehensive plan of care.
Utilize interventions based on gerontological theory to restore patients’ functional capabilities and to prevent complications and excess disability.

Specific Standards for the Care of Chemically Dependent Patients

Assess patient needs as related to chemical dependency and document the plan of care from the admission through discharge.
Collaborate with other chemical dependency staff professionals in planning for discharge and follow- up care.
Maintain an awareness of how personal issues relating to co-dependency can impact work performance/relationships.
Recognize and establish limits on medication-seeking behaviors.

Additional Standards

Adhere to facility, department, corporate and standard policies and procedures.
Attend all mandatory facility in-services and staff development activities as scheduled.
Adhere to facility standards concerning conduct, dress, attendance and punctuality.
Support facility-wide quality/performance improvement goals and objectives.
Maintain confidentiality of facility employees and patient information.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of psychiatric and medical nursing procedures is essential.
Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers.
Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures.
Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.
Ability to work as a team player.
Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.
Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.
Ability to recognize the importance of adapting to the various patient age groups (adolescent, adult and children).
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to meet corporate deadlines.
Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE CRITERIA:

Treats everyone as a guest.

Makes a positive first impression and continues that positive impression through ongoing efforts.
Anticipates the needs and expectations of all people encountered.
Displays service recovery skills; is responsible for resolving dissatisfaction without assigning blame.

Demonstrates professionalism and excellence in all things.

Demonstrates professionalism in look, what to do, and what to say (“Be the example”)
Holds self-accountable – Is a positive role model.
Delivers excellence that goes beyond departmental and individual job responsibility.

Practices teamwork

Participates in decision-making and process improvement, regardless of level in the organization.
Communicates effectively within and beyond assigned team.
Focuses on the problem or issue, not the person.

Behaviors: Always says “please” and “thank you”. Makes a good first impression by projecting a positive attitude; greets patients, guests and staff warmly.

Behaviors: Always wears name badge. Demonstrates a professional image through manner of dress, respectful communication, and adherence to hospital policy.

Behaviors: Holds self-accountable for getting the information needed to know how to do the job. Responds to client and customer questions, concerns and grievances in a timely manner, informing complainant of process and expected time of resolution.

Behaviors: Uses language appropriate to the situation and to the guest. Is a team player, showing respect for peers, supervisors, patients and guests, demonstrated through verbal communications and commitment to the work group.

Behaviors: Greet guests with eye contact and a smile. Staff is timely when responding to patient needs and requests. Staff will make verbal contact when patient presents self at nurse’s station or any other area where staff is located.

Behaviors: Always end an interaction with the guest by asking, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” Provides service to patients and families that is prompt, caring, efficient and effective.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPECIAL DEMANDS

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES HOW AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION CURRENTLY PERFORMS THE FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION. MODIFICATIONS TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS JOB MAY BE PERFORMED WILL BE REVIEWED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.

Ability to sit and stand (one-third of the shift) and walk (two-thirds of the shift).
Ability to reach above, at or below waist height, kneel, bend, stoop, turn, twist, and throw
(occasionally to frequently).
Ability to see well enough to read charts, treatment plans and typewritten materials.
Ability to hear well enough to detect noises on the unit and have the ability to discern odors.
Ability to frequently lift and carry 10 lbs.; occasionally 20-50 lbs.
Ability to frequently push/pull wheeled carts from 100-200 lbs.
Ability to manipulate small and large tools (electric thermometer, telephone, wheelchair, blood
pressure cuffs, walkers, paper punch, addressograph, restraints, staplers, EKG machine, copy machine, etc.)
Ability to spend 95% of the workday inside in temperatures varying from 60°-90° F., where noise
levels range from low to high and the ability to spend 5% of the work day outside in temperatures varying from 30°-110°F.
Ability to frequently handle hazardous/infectious waste.
Ability to work in an environment where chemicals are frequently used for cleaning, where mechanical and electrical hazards may occasionally be present and where dust, mist and steam are frequently generated in housekeeping tasks.
Ability to work at a rapid pace and perform a variety of repetitive duties.
Ability to respond to exposure to blood and body fluids.

Additional Requirements :

A strong knowledge of The Joint Commission, HCFA, OSHA regulations, and patient rights standards and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations governing mental health care facilities.

One of the nation’s largest and most respected hospital companies, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Steadily growing from a startup to an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, UHS today has annual revenue nearing $10 billion. UHS is recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune; ranked #276 on the Fortune 500, and listed #275 in Forbes inaugural ranking of America’s Top 500 Public Companies.

EEO Statement:

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success.

Notice:

At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skillset and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. We take pride in creating a highly efficient and best in class candidate experience. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. The recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc. If you are suspicious of a job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, let us know by contacting us at: or 1-800-852-3449.