Under the direction and supervision of a licensed professional, the Mental Health Technician provides direct, quality, cost effective patient care to patients (age 18 to geriatric) and their families on Inpatient Behavioral Medicine units. Qualifications

1. Must meet the Community Behavioral Health (CBH) minimum guidelines
2. BA degree in human services OR HS diploma / GED equivalent and 2 years experience (paid or unpaid) providing direct care in a human services field required. College credits in human services strongly preferred.
3. Current CPR certification required.
4. Previous Psychiatric or Addictions experience preferred.
5. Successful and satisfactory completion of: the Behavioral Wellness Center orientation as well as a Behavioral / Mental Health Technician curriculum within 1 year of hire and required certifications including but not limited to: HIV, STD, CPI – all required for continued employment.
6. Meets or exceed performance standard within the probationary period.
7. Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) a plus.

Responsibility and Accountability

1. Plans and provides direct patient care under the direction and supervision of a Licensed Nurse.
2. Provides the Licensed Nurse with patient information to assist in the daily evaluation of patient care.
3. Observe and reports changes in patient’s behavior, physical or mental state to the Licensed Nurse.
4. Assists the Licensed Nurse in the implementation of the nursing process to patient care.
5. Document on individual contacts / clients progress toward treatment modules/goals.
6. Provides and maintains a clean, safe environment for hospital personnel, patients, families and visitors.
7. Perform and assists with patient Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
8. Develop, lead and participate in focused group activities and teachings for patients and families.
9. Engage clients throughout the day.
10. Participates in de-escalation of agitated patients, calls emergency codes and participates as necessary.
11. Responsible for responding to Codes (ie. Code 777, Rapid Response, etc).
12. Responsible for documenting client’s behavior pre/post code.
13. Utilizes Electronic Health Records (EHR) system to document patient information.
14. Performs regularly scheduled patient and environmental rounds of assigned units.
15. Responsible to assure patient’s rights and acts to prevent, identify, and report abuse.
16. May be required to escort participants on medical, legal and recreational activities.
17. Assists in orientation of new MHTs.
18. Develop a rapport with co-workers that is conducive to effective teamwork and patient care.
19. Takes responsibility for personal and educational growth and development.
20. Participates in Performance Improvement and in nursing and hospital-wide Quality Assurance activities.
21. Implements the mission, value and philosophy of nursing statements on his/her unit in Behavior Medicine (in the context of the Nursing Department and the Girard Medical Center missions, vision statements, values, philosophies, ethics, code of conduct and goals.)
22. Supports and implements hospital and nursing service policies and procedures when providing patient care to patients and their families.
23. Performs all duties in a cost-efficient manner by the judicious use of supplies and safe guarding of equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must have knowledge of methods to administer therapeutic care to psychiatric, mental health and/or substance abuse patients. Must be computer literate and possess strong de-escalation skills.

Must be able to: provide compassionate care; work well as part of a team; maintain composure in uncertain situations; demonstrate leadership qualities; maintain confidentiality; safely manage aggressive clients, verbally communicate to de-escalate a crisis situation and utilize effective communication skills in interacting with patients, families, visitors and coworkers. Ability to restrain patients per policy required.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

EOE/M/F/D/V