Behavioral Health Technician

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:High school diploma or equivalent required.Two-year degree in related field preferred.Previous psychiatric or Nurse Assistant experience with preference for experience as a Mental Health Technician on an inpatient psychiatric unitMust have the ability to provide physical assistance to patients as well as physical management along with the capability to lift at least 30 pounds.SPECIFIC DUTIES:Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance and performance improvement programs, safety, environmental and infections control standardsParticipates in the development, implementation and evaluation of patient treatment programsProvides care to patients in a manner that considers safety, comfort, and the therapeutic environment. Assists patients with the activities of daily livingTakes vital signs, weighs patients, and collects specimens as neededMaintains awareness of patient's physical and mental statusReports and documents observations in legible, accurate and appropriate format following hospital and unit proceduresMay attend, co-facilitate or lead didactic lectures, group therapy or activity therapiesEnhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, workshops, attending in-service education and reviewing current literatureAssists with admissions and discharges per unit protocolsExplains unit rules and responsibilities to patientsTransports patients to off-site activities as neededPromotes good public relations with department personnel, physicians, other referral sources, patient families and the communityTherapeutically shares knowledge of self-help groupsAttends staff meetings as requiredDemonstrates competency through hospital and department checklists, customer/patient evaluation, clinical staff dialogue, performance appraisals and staff educationMay receive, stock, restock, transport pharmaceuticalsProvides oversight of patient self-administration of medication in accordance with unit protocolsUnit Clerk responsibilities may include:Answering incoming phone callsPreparing and updating chartsChart auditing and staffing reviewThe Unit Clerk hourly pay rate may vary from the Behavioral Health Technician pay rate.