What are the responsibilities and job description for the Safety Technician position at UnityPoint Health?
- Area of Interest: Behavioral Health Services
- FTE/Hours per pay period: .01
- Department: Security
- Shift: As Needed
- Job ID: 179447
Safety Technician
UnityPoint Health - Marshalltown Hospital
As-Needed
Marshalltown Hospital is seeking a diligent and proactive Safety Technician to join our team on an as-needed basis. Safety Technicians are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment within the departments to which they are assigned. In this role, you will engage in activities designed to identify, deter, abate, or correct both routine and emergent safety situations as they arise, ensuring the well-being of all patients, visitors, and staff within the hospital.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:
- Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
- Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
- Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
Physical Environment of Care
- Create a safe, welcoming space for patients by monitoring units, screening visitors, and removing unsafe items.
- Quickly respond to behavioral emergencies and assist with safety screenings upon patient admission.
- Build strong working relationships with nurses, dietary, therapy, and support teams to ensure seamless care.
- Actively monitor patients through routine rounding and maintain clear communication with the care team.
- De-escalate challenging situations and, when necessary, use physical interventions to protect patients and staff.
- Partner with nurses and mental health professionals to assess patient needs and support care plans.
- Provide compassionate support to patients and families—emotionally, physically, and personally.
- Communicate clearly and calmly in high-stress situations to ensure understanding and trust.
- Stay current on mental health laws and procedures (e.g., 48-hour holds, court committals, Ed Thomas Law).
- Lead or support training on de-escalation, restraints, and behavioral safety practices.
- Assist in workplace violence prevention efforts through data collection, reporting, and follow-ups.
- Complete timely documentation and reports to meet policy, safety, and regulatory standards.
Required:
- High School diploma.
- Good communication skills.
- Good documentation skills.
- Ability to defuse acute situations with behavioral patients
- Post-secondary in counseling, therapy, or psychology.
- 1 – 3 years working in a related field or situation.