Job Summary

The Psychiatric Technician is responsible for assisting the Registered Nurse in meeting needs of psychiatric or chemically dependent patients. Functions under supervision of the Nurse Manager, Supervisor, charge nurse or RN on the unit to which assigned.

Essential Functions

• Observes, reports, and documents signs and symptoms or changes in patient behavior to charge nurse.
• Interacts with patients therapeutically.
• Assists, initiates, and participates in social and recreational activities, group therapy, patient teaching groups, and other group activities.
• Uses CPI techniques appropriately.
• Makes rounds on assigned patients at least every half hour during shift.
• Demonstrates flexibility in changing workload.
• Responds to patients with empathy, maintaining their dignity and confidentiality.
• Participates in unit-based process improvement activities.
• Participates in unit-based committees.
• May include on-call duties as requested by administration.
• All mandatory training as per facility policy.
• Attends annual defensive driving education classes and maintains current unencumbered license, if required. 
• Serve as patient transport officer to transport voluntary and involuntary behavioral health patients to appropriate facility based on transfer order, using facility transport vehicles. 

Physical Requirements
Works in patient care area with potentially combative or self-destructive patients, including behavior control areas. Each employee has the responsibility to work in a safe manner. Work requires walking, standing, lifting, reaching, handling of charts, supplies, equipment, blood, and body fluids.

Education, Experience and Certifications

High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Relevant patient care experience in a hospital setting preferred. Good therapeutic communication skills required. CPI certification required within 90 days of hire date. BLS required per policy guidelines. Completion of required driver safety training. Valid NC/SC driver’s license required.