Behavioral Health Technician - Emergency Department

About the role

Part-Time: 24 Hours Per Week. 2nd Shift: 12pm - 12:30am, 2 12-Hour Shifts. Flexible Days and Rotating Weekends/Holidays. Department: Emergency Department.

Summary

The Behavioral Health Technician I, under the direction and delegation of a registered nurse, supports and assists in the care and treatment of children and adolescents, age 5-17, admitted to the inpatient behavioral health unit or emergency department.

Responsibilities

• Collects data and contributes to the assessment, planning, intervening and evaluation of individualized care and plan of care for assigned patients.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care for the physical, psychological, social, educational, and safety needs of the patients served regardless of age.
• Provides direct care to patients according to Hospital policy and procedure as delegated, and as a team, with licensed RNs.
• Assists the nurse and other direct care staff in the provision of physical care and clinical intervention as assessed by client needs.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic activity groups effectively.
• Plan and participate in educational, social and recreational activities for individuals and groups of patients in accordance with treatment plan goals.
• Documents in the medical record according to established policies.
• Encourages patients to perform or assists them in the performance of activities of daily living.
• Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.
• Maintains on-going communication with the treatment team and charge nurse regarding observations of patients' medical and behavioral symptoms and the care provided.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team.
• Manage crisis situations effectively using positive approaches.
• Takes initiative to ensure that unit environment is maintained.
• Provides instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN.
• May apply, monitor and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol.
• Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity.
• Conduct proactive safety rounds throughout the units, monitoring the milieu.
• Conduct Environmental Safety Rounds each shift and document/report any unsafe conditions as well as any security violations.
• Monitor visiting hour activity assuring no visiting takes place in patient rooms, no contraband is passed off by visitors to patients, and milieu remains calm.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Current enrollment in an undergraduate degree for counseling, psychology, social work or related degree, or nursing preferred.
• Associate degree is preferred.
• BLS certification through the American Heart Association is required.
• 0 to 2 years' experience.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in computerized documentation is preferred.
• Experience in healthcare is preferred.