Psychiatric Technician

About the Role

The psychiatric technician is an active participant of the patient care team who performs direct nursing tasks, observes and reports physical and behavioral symptoms. Assists in implementing the therapeutic activities and in planning and implementing treatment programs for patients.

Responsibilities

• Respond to psychiatric crisis situations, including rapid response and physical interventions such as safe physical/manual restraint of patients.
• Apply mechanical restraints and transition patients to seclusion rooms safely.
• Participate in annual training for physical, verbal, and non-verbal interventions required to manage psychiatric emergencies.
• Demonstrate physical techniques required for safe crisis intervention.

Requirements

• Possess the physical ability to respond to psychiatric crisis situations, including walking rapidly or running.
• One of the following qualifications:
  • Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or National EMT licensure (must be maintained during employment); or
  • Minimum of one (1) year direct patient care experience in an inpatient psychiatric and/or behavioral healthcare setting (a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a social/human services program may substitute for experience); or
  • Nursing students eligible for CNA exam who:
    • Are currently enrolled in an accredited school of Nursing (RN/LPN);
    • Have completed the first semester of clinical for ASN degree, third semester for BSN, or first trimester for LPN;
    • Are not currently licensed in the U.S. as an RN or LPN.
  • PCT-C: Validation of successful completion of an SMH-approved program and obtainment of a Florida CNA license within 120 days of graduation.
• Employees hired without the above licensure and/or by years of experience prior to 11/11/19 are grandfathered in and may obtain the stipulated licensure.
• Current Level 2 AHCA background clearance.
• Basic Life Support/CPR Certification within 90 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Psychiatric Technician training.

Education

High School Diploma, GED, or Certificate (required).