Psychiatric Tech - Full Time - Emergency Services (Day Shift)

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36 | Work Shift: 7am–7pm

Summary of the Job

The Psychiatric Technician monitors patients' physical and emotional well-being and reports unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff. They provide nursing, psychiatric and personal care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed or developmentally disabled patients. Also, they observe and influence patients' behavior, communicate and interact with them by teaching, counseling and befriending them. They are responsible to take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers and blood pressure gauges. They encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, and other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills and develop social relationships. They collaborate with or assist physicians, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or developmentally disabled patients to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community. They develop and teach strategies to promote client wellness and independence. The Psychiatric Technician restrains violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required. They aid patients in performing tasks such as bathing and keeping beds, clothing and living areas clean.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent required.
• CPI training required (can be acquired within 3 months of hire).
• Current BLS certification through any International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) provided courses such as but not limited to: Ochsner Health System, American Heart Association, and American Red Cross. The ILCOR course must include a manikin check off (can be acquired within 3 months of hire).

Physical Demands

Must possess good physical health. Some requirements include but are not limited to standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time. Lifting at least 20 pounds is required. Must be able to work with a moderate level of noise.

Physical Effort required:

• Constant (67%–100%) – seeing
• Frequently (34%–66%) – lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling/feeling, talking and hearing
• Occasionally (1%–33%) – climbing (stairs, ladders, etc.), stooping and crouching