Lead, Behavioral Health Technician

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital Lufkin, healing is our focus. We are passionate about helping adults and seniors manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Utilizing proven, innovative and progressive therapies, our qualified professionals strive to promote long-term wellness through a range of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment options.

Benefits We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage (Multiple Plan Options) - Eligible first of the month after 30 days.
• 401 (k) Retirement Savings Plan with Discretionary Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Daily Pay
• Paid Time Off
• Competitive Market Compensation
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
  
  

The Lead Behavioral Health Technician (Lead BHT) supports the nursing staff and oversees the other BHTs on the floor in maintaining a therapeutic milieu by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of training and experience. This position will maintain a safe and professional standard for patient care in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures and Performance Improvement Standards.

Essential Functions:

• Continually monitors and supports compliance with unit rules.
• Demonstrates the ability to employ de-escalation and therapeutic interventions as needed.
• Responsible for management of the patient environment and oversight of completing unit safety checks.
• Makes self available to staff; provides regular performance feedback; develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth. Trains and precepts new Mental Health Technicians.
• Complies with standard and universal precautions and infection control policies.
• Implements patient care activities under the direction and supervision of licensed nursing personnel.
• Performs vital signs, weights, ADL, nutritional monitoring, and communicates findings to the nurse.
• Assists patients with laundry, meals, bathroom functions, and maintaining of belongings as needed.
• Assists at-risk and physically challenged patients with mobility needs.
• Individualizes all patient care activities to the age specific, disability, and cultural sensitivity needs of the patient.
• Communicates and documents patient observation.
• Documents significant occurrences, observed behavior, vital signs, nutrition intake, and patient observation findings on assigned patients and as requested by the registered nurse, according to policy.
• Communicates outcome of assigned tasks to nursing staff.
• Communicates follow-up on patient care responsibilities; incomplete assignments, ongoing activities, and current patient needs to relevant staff to assure continuity of care.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

Education / Experience:

• High school graduate or equivalent required.
• At least two (2) years’ experience working with psychiatric patients in an inpatient setting desired.
  
  

Skills / Abilities:

• Must be able to read, write and follow verbal and written instruction.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must work well with diverse populations.
• Must be able to utilize Age, Disability and Cultural Specific knowledge in working with specialized populations to best communicate with those clients.
• Must be in good physical and mental health as evidenced by a warm empathetic attitude, respect for dignity, worth and potentiality of clients and hold a high sense of personal integrity.
• Must be able to work under close supervision.
• Must successfully complete Basic Life Savings (BLS) course and an Oceans approved behavioral de-escalation program.
  
  

Work Environment:

Subject to many interruptions. Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. This position can be high paced and stressful; must be able to cope mentally and physically to atmosphere. This person might sometimes experience disagreeable odors, sights and/or unpredictable patient behavior. Work requires spending approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.