Mental Health Technician PRN Days

About the role

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital Waco, we are passionate about helping adults and seniors manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Utilizing proven, innovative and progressive therapies, our qualified professionals strive to promote long-term wellness through a range of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment options.

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) supports the nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of the BHT's training and experience. The BHT will maintain a safe and professional standard for patient care in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures and performance improvement standards.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to professional standards, follow policies and procedures and abide by federal, state and local requirements, as well as Joint Commission standards.
• Effectively apply supportive behavior when assisting in the control of patients who exhibit unacceptable behavior; employ de-escalation and therapeutic interventions as needed.
• Inventory patient belongings accurately and secure contraband as needed; complete unit safety checks.
• Comply with standard/universal precautions and infection control policies; attend required in-services to stay informed.
• Implement patient care activities under the direction and supervision of licensed nursing personnel, including vital signs, weights, ADL, intake and output documentation, nutritional monitoring, and communicate findings to the nurse.
• Ensure patients receive appropriate diet by reviewing dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences.
• Assist patients with laundry, meals, bathroom functions, and maintaining belongings; assist at-risk and/or physically challenged patients with mobility needs.
• Individualize patient care activities to address age-specific, disability, and cultural sensitivity needs.
• Communicate and document patient observations and data effectively in the patient record, including departures from the unit, significant occurrences, observed behavior, vital signs, nutrition intake, and other findings as requested by the registered nurse, with 100% accuracy and within defined timelines.
• Communicate outcomes of assigned tasks to nursing staff in a timely manner; ensure continuity of care by reporting follow-up needs, incomplete assignments, ongoing activities, and current patient needs to relevant staff.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• CNA certification or at least 6 months of prior bedside, direct patient care experience in a healthcare setting.

Skills & Qualifications

• Must be able to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must work well with diverse populations.
• Must utilize age, disability, and cultural-specific knowledge in working with specialized populations.
• Must be in good physical and mental health, demonstrating a warm empathetic attitude, respect for dignity, worth, and potential of clients, and a high sense of personal integrity.
• Must be able to work under close supervision.
• Must successfully complete CPR certification and an Oceans-approved behavioral de-escalation program.