Psychiatric Technician - Behavioral Health Sciences - Full Time

Position Summary:  The Psychiatric Technician in Behavioral Health provides direct patient care and the support functions under supervision of Registered Professional Nurse or Licensed Mental Health Worker.  This position works as a member of the multidisciplinary Behavioral Health team.  Participation in group and therapeutic activities is required. The Psychiatric Technician supports the philosophy of Robert Packer Hospital, The Nursing Division and The Behavioral Health Unit. This position represents the hospital in a professional, courteous manner to patients/families and healthcare team while being sensitive to how others perceive both verbal and non‐verbal communication. Education, License & Cert:  High School Graduate. Certification in CPI and RQI within six months of hire. Experience:  Psychiatric Technician or Care Partner experience is preferred.  Essential Functions: 

Under the direction of an RN, provide patient observation as designated constant, q 5 minutes, q 10minutes, q15 minutes, q30 minutes.  Assumes assignment for ICA rotation as appropriate.

Participates in the delivery of patient care for patients 14 years and up under the direction of the RN including, but not limited to toileting, feeding, washing hair, range of motion exercises, mobilizing patients, transfers, and ambulation.

Performs and records temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressures and weights for patients 14 years and over.

Facilitate or assist with group and therapeutic activities as assigned.

Inventory and assure disposition of patient’s belongings when admitted, discharged, or transferred.

Obtains urine, stool and sputum specimens for adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations.

Transports patients, serves and retrieves trays, distributes water pitchers, orders and distributes nourishment.

Assist with Admission, Discharge and Transfer within the Electronic Medical System.

Assist in Monitoring Patients during scheduled visitation.

Assists in the application of restraints according to policy.

Other Duties: 

1) The staff member must be able to assist with the orientation process of new division personnel. The staff member is expected to attend and participate in unit council meetings. The staff member will demonstrate knowledge of and act according to established safety protocols. Consistently utilizes universal precaution techniques for all patient interactions.

2) Other duties as assigned.

Updated 6-17-24

Joining the Guthrie team allows you to become a part of a tradition of excellence in health care. In all areas and at all levels of Guthrie, you’ll find staff members who have committed themselves to serving the community.The Guthrie Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace.The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit, integrated, practicing physician-led organization in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania. Our multi-specialty group practice of more than 500 physicians and 302 advanced practice providers offers 47 specialties through a regional office network providing primary and specialty care in 22 communities. Guthrie Medical Education Programs include General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Anesthesiology and Orthopedic Surgery Residency, as well as Cardiovascular, Gastroenterology and Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship programs. Guthrie is also a clinical campus for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.