BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN

About the role

This position delivers direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care. The role involves collecting, documenting, and reporting ongoing patient care data as directed, interacting with assigned patients, making pertinent observations, and documenting accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Collects, documents, and reports ongoing patient care data as directed.
• Interacts with assigned patients, makes pertinent observations of patients' behaviors, and documents in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates good interview techniques with phone contacts/patient/family/significant others and documents accordingly.
• Demonstrates leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the role of Behavioral Health Assessment Team Clinician.
• Solves problems utilizing critical thinking skills and seeks assistance from immediate supervisors when appropriate.
• Adheres to the infection control process, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
• Communicates effectively with patients/peers/families/treatment team.
• Performs crisis assessments in the Emergency Department to determine the most appropriate level of care.
• Completes voluntary/involuntary commitments when applicable out of the Emergency Department or on the medical units.
• Obtains insurance authorization as appropriate for psychiatric treatment.
• Assists in the preparation for inspections, surveys, and audits.
• Participates in ongoing unit performance improvement activities.
• 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 patients (if transfer is necessary).
• Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment for guests, families and staff.
• 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.
• 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.
• Serves 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or related field.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability within the behavioral health area.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Skills

• Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.

Benefits

• 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.

Pay

TBD

Schedule

TBD