Psychiatric Technician
Job Summary
The Behavioral Health Technician provides direct patient care and clinical support to individuals receiving behavioral health services by assisting with assessments, treatment, rehabilitation, and therapeutic interventions. This role monitors patient progress, maintains accurate medical records, coordinates care with multidisciplinary teams and community resources, and promotes patient safety while supporting the delivery of high-quality behavioral health services.
Required Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited Psychiatric Technician Program; or Completion of an equivalent education and experience that meets the requirement of the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians or completion of education and experience as a behavioral science specialist/technician in the United States military and proof of having completed an Armed Forces course involving psychiatric technician training or civilian course from an accredited school in the care of behavioral health patients.
Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS)
Licenses: N/A
Experience: One year of experience as a Psychiatric Technician after graduation.
U.S. Citizenship is required
Key Responsibilities
Conduct or assist in treatment and rehabilitation of patients. Perform initial basic assessment procedures including standardized psychological testing, clinical interviewing, mental status examinations, substance abuse evaluations, and psychological and nursing assessment.
Identify mental health and nursing diagnoses, and provide patient education.
Observe, monitor, record, and report patient's progress.
Conduct or assist in conducting group and individual counseling, therapeutic community, and other related milieu activities.
Institute precautionary measures to prevent patient injury or suicide.
Absorb and assist patients with nutritional, hygiene, and comfort measures.
Obtain and record vital signs.
Coordinate with other agencies regarding specified care, treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and administrative functions. Contact military and community agencies to obtain collateral information.
Explain and interpret mental health services to patients or others.
Assist in, or arrange patient referral to public, private, and military community agencies.
Prepare and maintain records and reports pertaining to specialty services.
Absorb and assist with care of individuals experiencing acute and post-traumatic stress reactions.
Prepare and maintain treatment records.
Work Environment & Schedule
On site at JBSA - Lackland, 0700-1600, Monday through Friday. Employees will work 9-hour shift, which includes a 1-hour unpaid lunch each day, not to exceed 40 hours per week.
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, and reach for extended periods;
Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds occasionally;
Ability to assist patients with mobility and activities of daily living;
Ability to respond quickly during behavioral health emergencies;
Ability to use manual dexterity to operate medical equipment and document patient care;
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff.