Overview

In collaboration with the multidisciplinary treatment team, provides coordination, implementation and milieu management in keeping with the general treatment mode of the program in which employed. The values of teamwork, respect and caring, effective use of resources, and initiative are integrated comprehensively into the performance standards for Behavioral Health Therapist I. Direct supervision is provided by department leadership, who will assess performance based on personal observation of work performed, chart review, feedback from department staff, patients and other relevant sources. May render services and supports within their scope to individuals engaged in approved behavioral health services by a provider.

Responsibilities

1. PATIENT CARE: Under the direct supervision of an RN provides care to patients and families to achieve desired outcomes.

 A. Patient Contact - Facilitates, assists and provides support for patient activities, including:

Admissions/discharges/transfersData collection Vital Signs and CBGsCollection of urine specimensPatient/Family orientationMealsLaundryActivities of daily living (ADLs); such as toileting, physical transfers, daily hygiene, assisting nursing staff of cleaning up of bodily fluidsGreeting and monitoring patient visitors on the unitEscorting patients to off-site meetings or appointments as needed

 B. Therapeutic Communication and Milieu Management

Actively participates therapeutically in the milieu in order to engage patients in treatment.Regularly participates in milieu safety inspections and notifies RN of any noticeable or potential patient medical or behavioral problems observed. Provides for patient safety by recognizing subtle changes and initiating appropriate de-escalation standard practices. Uses therapeutic communication skills when interacting with patients and families.Recognizes and incorporates patient’s/family’s belief system (cultural, spiritual, psycho-social).Provides physical, emotional, and protective care for patients consistent with treatment planning in both structured and unstructured patient activities/settings.

 C. Multidisciplinary Team

Provides input into treatment plan recommendations and interventions. Attend, participates, and communicates with treatment team and other team meetings regarding patient interactions, observations, and changes in patient status.Collaborates with the multidisciplinary treatment team in identifying appropriate interventions.Communicates all relevant information to team members, other departments, patient and families in a courteous and timely manner.

 D. Patient Education – Teaches standardized education using a group or 1:1 format

Recovery Centered Clinical SystemCollaborative Problem SolvingDialectical Behavior TherapyCognitive Behavior TherapyOther Psycho-education as assigned.

 E. Group Facilitation – leads or co-leads groups as assigned

Community MeetingActivity GroupsEducation GroupsRecreational GroupsDaily Wrap upOthers as assigned

 F. DocumentationAssures appropriate documentation in patient record for significant behavioral observations/interactions related to successful progress in treatment.Informs staff of missing and/or needed documentation in patient record.

 G. Team memberActive participant in Code Grey procedures.Is an active team member providing and supporting patient care.Contributes and carries out individualized treatment plans.Attends and participates in unit meetings.Provides break and meeting coverage for the unit as scheduled. Actively participates in supervision.Uses effective communication skills with team. Maintains productive relationships with co-workers at various sites and in the profession, keeping current with community resources.Assist nursing staff as needed.

 2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Continuing education and training is central to the refinement and advancement of clinical skills.

A. Demonstrates awareness of hospital and department goals.

 B. Supports hospital/departmental/unit standards and operations.Identifies clinical practice issues and uses appropriate channels of communication to obtain evaluation and promote resolution.Keeps abreast of recent changes in hospital standards by reading transmittals/ communications in a timely manner.Complies with changes in hospital standards.Assists in the completion of evaluations/checklists of new hires.Participates in unit activities, projects and committees.

 C. Actively participates in quality improvement activities.Promotes unit-based activities and assists in identifying targets.Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement orientation and training sessions as appropriate.Advocates for Continuous Quality Improvement with peers, patients/family and medical staff.Regularly reviews Continuous Quality Improvement reports.

 D. Acts as patient advocate by providing patient privacy and promoting patient confidentiality. Implements patient Bill of Rights.

 E. Demonstrates flexibility in workload assignments and scheduling.

 F. Participates in professional development and education activities.Develops and implements a plan for meeting own learning needs.Assists in the orientation of students, new staff and float personnel.Contributes to education of staff.Assists in the completion of peer review process evaluation and checklists as requested.Attends and documents job related inservices/conferences.

 G. Participates with other colleagues in identifying and discussing ethical conflicts.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, behavioral health or other behavioral science field required.

Experience:

One year of behavioral health experience preferred.

Acute care experience preferred.

Licensure

Licensure/Certification:

Healthcare provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Individuals with current Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) Registration and Certification in the state of Oregon, or who are qualified for recertification without restriction, meet the qualifications for this role if they have followed the QMHA-R Degree Path.