Psychiatric Technician, 5 Ridgeway, Part Time, Days - AFSCME

UC Health is hiring a Psych Tech-Psychiatric Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW) for the 5 Ridgeway Psychiatry Unit at UC Medical Center on varied shifts.

About University of Cincinnati Medical Center

As part of the Clifton Campus of UC Health, Greater Cincinnati’s academic health system, University of Cincinnati Medical Center has served Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for nearly 200 years. Each year, hundreds of thousands of patients receive care from world-renowned clinicians and care teams. UC Medical Center experts utilize the most advanced medical knowledge and technology, providing specialty and subspecialty medical care unavailable elsewhere in Greater Cincinnati.

UC Medical Center is home to medical breakthroughs, with physician experts conducting basic, translational, and clinical research leading to new therapies and care protocols. It houses Greater Cincinnati’s only Level I adult trauma center, equipped with specialist and medical resources for complex conditions and injuries.

Join the only Psychiatric Unit in Southwest Ohio offering exposure to a variety of behavioral health diagnoses. You will treat patients that other institutions do not accept and gain unique clinical experiences.

Location

Cincinnati, OH, United States

Qualifications

• Minimum: High School diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Relevant college coursework; STNA certification or college-level coursework in nursing, psychiatry, or social work.
• Minimum: Six months of direct patient care experience in a psychiatric setting or equivalent college-level coursework in nursing, psychology, or social work.
• Preferred: Specialized training in phlebotomy, vital signs, and assistance with activities of daily living.
• For employees in UCMC Psychiatric Services: NCI-APS (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical Skills) Certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

About UC Health

UC Health is an integrated academic health system serving Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. In partnership with the University of Cincinnati, it combines clinical expertise, research, and teaching to provide options for complex medical situations. UC Health includes UC Medical Center, West Chester Hospital, University of Cincinnati Physicians, UC Health Ambulatory Services, Lindner Center of HOPE, and specialized institutes such as the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center.

Many UC Health locations have received national recognition for quality and patient satisfaction. The organization is committed to innovation and world-class care for the community and patients worldwide.

Responsibilities

The Psychiatric Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW), in collaboration with the healthcare team, maintains a therapeutic milieu and safe environment for all psychiatric patients. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the TPW ensures quality patient care and performs the following duties:

• Engages in population-appropriate communication and understands growth and development milestones.
• Provides clear instructions to patients and families regarding treatment and involves them in care.
• Identifies physical limitations and deploys interventions as necessary.
• Recognizes and responds to behavioral health problems, unique psychological needs, or cultural/religious norms.
• Performs treatments, administers medication, or operates equipment safely.
• Recognizes and responds to signs of abuse or neglect.
• Establishes a therapeutic milieu and ensures a safe environment, including monitoring the unit, managing patient behavior, and securing hazardous objects.
• Provides routine bed checks and orients patients to the unit.
• Performs clinical duties as directed by the Registered Nurse, including vital signs, phlebotomy, EKG, finger sticks, assistance with feedings, hygiene, ADLs, and supply management.
• Co-leads treatment groups (e.g., Goals Group, Exercise Group) and organizes therapeutic activities (e.g., Bingo, card games, recreation room activities).
• Observes behaviors and group interactions, reporting changes in patient condition to the RN.
• Initiates basic psychiatric interventions and provides redirection as needed.
• Uses age-appropriate communication and non-punitive limit-setting.
• Assists in physical crisis management as needed.
• Participates in quality improvement activities, staff meetings, in-service sessions, and crisis intervention programs.
• Transports patients to appointments (e.g., X-ray, EEG, MRI, clinic visits).
• Performs other duties as delegated by the RN, Clinical Manager, or Nursing Supervisor.