Full-Time Behavioral Health Technician-WES Care

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Philadelphia Model: Addressing serious mental illness (SMI) in long-term care (LTC) will provide highly structured therapeutic residential behavioral healthcare and treatment for frail adults who are eligible for skilled nursing level of care who also have serious mental illness and who have reached maximum benefit from the mental health resources available elsewhere in the community or hospital.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction and supervision of the Program Director and Licensed Registered Nurses in collaboration with other licensed professionals (I.e., social worker, program psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioner), the Behavioral Health Technician provides direct, quality, cost effective behavioral health care to residents.

ESSENTIAL & CORE FUNCTIONS

• Plans and provides behavioral health coaching to support resident's day-to-day routine including but not limited to relationship/community support, socializations, nutritional, environmental, religious, and cultural needs under the direction and supervision of a Licensed Nurse
• Aids CNA in daily personal care routine i.e., feeding support, morning and bedtime routine, communication
• Maintains residents' condition and assists in administering therapeutic care including medication compliance
• Facilitates healthy and socially acceptable behaviors while living in a community environment
• Reinforces positive behaviors to ensure boundaries are maintained with other residents, staff, and visitors and intervene as needed to maintain a safe environment
• Supports residents in meeting their clinical goals as outlined by the resident and treatment team in the individualized care plan
• Provides de-escalation techniques and trauma informed interactions as needed related to behaviors
• Participates in de-escalation of residents, and calls emergency codes, as necessary
• Responds to and participate in emergency codes and document resident behavior pre/post code
• Accompanies residents to interdisciplinary care conference and escort residents on medical, legal, and recreational activities and appointments
• Serves as a liaison between residents, families, and visitors
• Supports residents in meeting their clinical goals as outlined by the resident and treatment team in the individualized care plan
• Supports and implements long-term care policies and procedures when providing care to residents and their families
• Performs all duties in a cost-efficient manner by the judicious use of supplies and safeguarding of equipment

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Must meet all Community Behavioral Health (CBH) education and experience guidelines - bachelor's degree in human services OR HS diploma / GED equivalent and 2 years' experience (paid or unpaid) providing direct care in a human services field required
• 12+ College credits in human services strongly preferred
• Must have 3-5 years' experience providing care to older adults
• Current CPR certification required
• Previous Psychiatric or Addictions experience preferred

COMPETENCIES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of methods to administer therapeutic care to psychiatric, mental health and/or substance abuse residents
• Working knowledge of electronic medical records and other computer applications related to the work and HIPAA (privacy)
• Computer literate and possesses strong Crisis intervention, de-escalation and verbal and written communication skills
• Able to: observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress; provide therapeutic and compassionate care; work well as part of a team; maintain composure in uncertain situations; understand and follow safety procedure; demonstrate leadership qualities; maintain confidentiality; safely manage aggressive clients, verbally communicate to de-escalate a crisis and utilize effective communication skills in interacting with residents, families, visitors and coworkers
• Ability to safely carry out de-escalation techniques required

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL and MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing this job, the employee must be able to meet the physical and mental demands which may be strenuous at times. The employee must be prepared to work with uncooperative or aggressive residents. At times, the employee may be required to stand, sit, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl for extended periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift, push, or pull light to medium objects up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Regularly, the employee will be required to talk, hear, and use hands. While working in client areas, the employee could be exposed to environmental hazards and contagious diseases. Knowledge of hospital health, infection control, ethics, and de-escalation policies is essential to successfully perform the functions of this position. All employees must follow the WES Infection Control policy and all federal, state, and local infection control regulations. Flexibility and scheduling are also necessary to complete required duties.