Psychiatric Technician

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Observes patients’ behavior, listens to their concerns, and records their condition, observations and services performed.
• Leads patients in therapeutic and recreational activities.
• Affords assistance with admitting, transporting and discharging patients.
• Maintains vigilance over patients’ vital signs.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living, including eating and bathing.
• Restrains patients who may become physically violent.
• Delivers compassionate support, attention, and assistance to patients and families.
• Safeguards compliance with all health care regulations, including HIPAA and OSHA.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment and protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control, hazardous waste and other policies and protocols.
• Performs other related duties as required and directed.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in human services field or science, or;
• Student currently enrolled in an accredited Nursing Program who has completed mental health clinical rotation, or;
• High school diploma with three years providing direct patient care on an inpatient psychiatric unit or residential setting, or;
• High school diploma with three years of relevant experience in human services (social services, law enforcement, community mental health, hospital, or criminal justice) or working as security officer in a hospital setting, or;
• Preferred: Previous experience working with persons with mental illness or substance abuse disorders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A basic understanding of patient care, medical terminology, coding procedures, mental health, and appropriate interventions for psychiatric technician practice scope.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Working knowledge of electronic medical health care record systems.
• Ability to manage patients with different types of personalities.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and policy and procedures manuals.
• Knowledge and skill with common office software applications.
• Working well in teams since many people are involved in patient care.
• Listening actively to patients to better understand what they are experiencing and to build stronger bonds.
• Remaining composed in unforeseen or emergency situations.
• Respecting patient confidentiality.
• Following directions exactly as given.