What are the responsibilities and job description for the BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN position at Independence Health System?
Job Details
Description
Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Extreme Heat
x
Extreme Cold
x
Heights
x
Confined Spaces
x
Extreme Noise(>85dB)
x
Mechanical Hazards
x
Use of Vibrating Tools
x
Operates Vehicle (company)
x
Operates Heavy Equipment
x
Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices
x
x
Rotates All Shifts
x
x
8 Hours Shifts
x
x
10-12 Hours Shifts
x
x
On-Call
x
Overtime( 8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk)
x
x
Travel Between Sites
x
Direct Patient Care
x
x
Respirator Protective Equipment
x
x
Eye Protection
x
x
Head Protection (hard hat)
x
Hearing Protection
x
Hand Protection
x
x
Feet, Toe Protection
x
Body Protection
x
x
Latex Exposure
x
x
Solvent Exposure
x
Paint (direct use) Exposure
x
Dust (sanding) Exposure
x
Ethylene Oxide Exposure
x
Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure
x
Blood/Body Fluid Exposure
x
x
Chemicals (direct use) Exposure
x
x
Mist Exposure
x
Wax Stripper (direct use)
x
Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure
x
Ionizing Radiation Exposure
x
x
Laser Exposure
x
Physical Demands
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Bending (Stooping)
x
x
Sitting
x
x
Walking
x
x
Climbing Stairs
x
x
Climbing Ladders
x
Standing
x
x
Kneeling
x
x
Squatting (Crouching)
x
x
Twisting/Turning
x
x
Keyboard/Computer Operation
x
x
Gross Grasp
x
x
Fine Finger Manipulation
x
x
Hand/Arm Coordination
x
x
Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)
x
10#
20#
50#
50#
Carry
x
10#
10#
Transfer/Push/Pull Patients
x
x
Seeing Near w/Acuity
x
x
Feeling (Sensation)
x
x
Color Vision
x
x
Hearing Clearly
x
x
Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead
x
x
Reaching Above Shoulder Level
x
x
Reaching Forward
x
x
Lifting Floor to Knuckle
###
10#
Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle
###
50#
50#
Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder
###
10#
20#
Lifting Shoulder to Overhead
###
10#
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Description
- Regular, consistent, on-site, and timely attendance.
- Delivers direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care.
- Performs and/or assists with patient care needs as directed.
- Assists patients with activities of daily living if needed.
- Collects, documents, and reports ongoing patient care data as directed.
- Interacts with assigned patients, makes pertinent observations of patients' behaviors, reports and records same.
- Remains with and observes assigned patients in a one-to-one situation if necessary.
- Demonstrates good interview techniques with phone contacts/patient/family/significant others and documents accordingly.
- Assists in developing an educational process for the provision and coordination of patient care activities that promote and maintain health, foster self-care, and improve outcomes.
- Reports to R.N. information regarding the patient's readiness to learn.
- Plans and initiates patients' activities.
- Facilitates groups as requested.
- Documents observations in group/activity sessions.
- Demonstrates leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the role of Behavioral Health Technician.
- Demonstrates an ability to solve problems utilizing critical thinking skills and seeks assistance from immediate supervisor when appropriate.
- Demonstrates knowledge of chain of command; refers patient questions/requests information to appropriate supervisor.
- Effectively functions as a resource person.
- Acts as patient advocate.
- Assists in the department's compliance with state, JCAHO, OSHA, and other regulatory agencies.
- Assists in preparation for inspection and surveys.
- Adheres to the infection control process, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
- Oversees that sufficient and proper supplies are maintained on an assigned unit.
- Monitors sterile supplies for expiration date and replaces as needed.
- Distributes and maintains a sufficient supply of linens in assigned patient care areas.
- Replenishes daily/weekly unit stock from appropriate departments, i.e., CSR, storeroom.
- Assists the department's compliance with state JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.
- Participates in preparation for inspections, surveys and audits.
- Participates in ongoing unit performance improvement activities.
- Communicates effectively with patients/peers/families/treatment team.
- Returns patient/family phone calls and documents.
- Uses computer as required for E-mail, scheduling, authorizations, insurance tracking, etc.
- Provides and participates in educational activities.
- Provides and documents patient/family education.
- Participates in staff education, both as participant and presenter.
- Makes recommendations for staff development.
- Serves on hospital committees and participates in other related projects as directed.
- Works collaboratively with the Emergency Room Department and Behavioral Health treatment team to affect an effective comprehensive crisis solution.
- Communicates pertinent information on actual/potential problems to the professional staff.
- Communicates pertinent information at shift reports and during internal and external transfers.
- Contacts other treatment facilities regarding transfer of psychiatric patient (if transfer is necessary).
- Obtains insurance authorization as appropriate for psychiatric treatment.
- Performs effectively in the role of preceptor to new hires.
- Provides for guest safety in compliance with hospital and department policies.
- Utilizes two forms of guest identification before implementing any form of care.
- Assumes appropriate team role during code situations or mock codes.
- Responds effectively during emergency situations, including internal and external disasters.
- Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment for guests, families and staff.
- Completes proper collection, identification, labeling and delivery of specimens to the appropriate department.
- Ensures replacement of supplies and unit maintained equipment.
- Cleans supplies and unit maintained equipment.
- Performs observations per unit policy. Performs unit safety checks per unit policy.
- Understands and utilizes principles of non-violent crisis intervention.
- Attends yearly crisis intervention class.
- Interacts with and observes guests for any signs of increased anxiety and/or agitation and consults with peer and professional staff regarding early intervention strategies.
- Assists, as needed, in interventions to address the needs of troubled or agitated guests, using a strength based, least restrictive approach in all interactions.
- Knows how to use panic button and how to call Security for assistance as needed.
- Understands and utilizes the Principles of Recovery as they apply to crisis/emergent episodes of care
- Recognizes that recovery is a person-centered/person-driven process. Recognizes that self-determination and/or self-direction are the foundation of person centered care. Supports the empowerment of all individuals to make informed decisions regarding their care and exhibits a strength based approach to crisis intervention.
- Exhibits respectful, culturally sensitive behavior and attitude toward all guests and their families
- Works collaboratively with Peer Support Specialists and Crisis Center professional staff to insure the maintenance of a comfortable, safe, welcoming environment and a positive guest experience.
- Works collaboratively with community agencies involved in the service delivery plan for guests of the crisis response center.
- Serve on hospital committees and participates in other related projects.
- Creativity in treatment in various settings including inpatient, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics; ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings; flexibility in scheduling.
- Proficient oral and written communication skills
- Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)
- Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments
- Other duties as assigned
- Completion of Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or Related Field
- Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
- Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
- One (1) year experience in an acute psychiatric inpatient setting, mental health crisis response service or related behavioral health program.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
- Act 33 with renewal
- Act 34 with renewal
- Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
- This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.
- Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
- Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.
- Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela’s missions, vision and values.
- Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
- Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.
Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Extreme Heat
x
Extreme Cold
x
Heights
x
Confined Spaces
x
Extreme Noise(>85dB)
x
Mechanical Hazards
x
Use of Vibrating Tools
x
Operates Vehicle (company)
x
Operates Heavy Equipment
x
Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices
x
x
Rotates All Shifts
x
x
8 Hours Shifts
x
x
10-12 Hours Shifts
x
x
On-Call
x
Overtime( 8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk)
x
x
Travel Between Sites
x
Direct Patient Care
x
x
Respirator Protective Equipment
x
x
Eye Protection
x
x
Head Protection (hard hat)
x
Hearing Protection
x
Hand Protection
x
x
Feet, Toe Protection
x
Body Protection
x
x
Latex Exposure
x
x
Solvent Exposure
x
Paint (direct use) Exposure
x
Dust (sanding) Exposure
x
Ethylene Oxide Exposure
x
Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure
x
Blood/Body Fluid Exposure
x
x
Chemicals (direct use) Exposure
x
x
Mist Exposure
x
Wax Stripper (direct use)
x
Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure
x
Ionizing Radiation Exposure
x
x
Laser Exposure
x
Physical Demands
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Bending (Stooping)
x
x
Sitting
x
x
Walking
x
x
Climbing Stairs
x
x
Climbing Ladders
x
Standing
x
x
Kneeling
x
x
Squatting (Crouching)
x
x
Twisting/Turning
x
x
Keyboard/Computer Operation
x
x
Gross Grasp
x
x
Fine Finger Manipulation
x
x
Hand/Arm Coordination
x
x
Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)
x
10#
20#
50#
50#
Carry
x
10#
10#
Transfer/Push/Pull Patients
x
x
Seeing Near w/Acuity
x
x
Feeling (Sensation)
x
x
Color Vision
x
x
Hearing Clearly
x
x
Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead
x
x
Reaching Above Shoulder Level
x
x
Reaching Forward
x
x
Lifting Floor to Knuckle
###
10#
Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle
###
50#
50#
Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder
###
10#
20#
Lifting Shoulder to Overhead
###
10#
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.