Psychiatric Technician, Behavioral Health

About the role

Located in Largo in the heart of Prince George's County, our new state-of-the-art regional medical center (UM Capital Region Medical Center) will provide improved access to primary and ambulatory care services, and serve as a tertiary care center for critically ill patients. In addition, our new space will allow us to expand our offerings as a community partner to help improve the health status of Prince George's County residents.

Responsibilities

• Performs initial intake interview for patient and family
• Assists in the evaluation and assessment of patient's condition and psychological functioning
• Observes and interacts with patient to determine symptoms and changes in behavior; assists with the therapy process
• Provides care based on the patient's plan of care under the supervision of the Registered Nurse
• Provides for cleanliness, grooming, rest, nourishment and elimination as needed
• Encourages independent behavior when appropriate
• Reports observations and pertinent information concerning patients to the Registered Nurse
• Assists in maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment that respects patients' rights
• Monitors patients for special risks (falls, elopement, suicide attempt) and reports observations to responsible nurse
• Inspects unit for contraband
• Participates in and may conduct therapeutic milieu activities for assigned patients under the supervision of the Registered Nurse
• Stimulates patients to participate in scheduled daily activities, i.e., community meetings, groups, etc.
• Assists with activities therapy program under the supervision of the adjunctive therapists
• Attends individual treatment planning for assigned patients when requested
• Assists with admission, transfer and discharge procedures
• Accompanies patients for scheduled off-unit and off-site activities, field trips, diagnostic tests, etc.
• Observes patient behavior and when necessary, notifies appropriate staff
• Observes when the patient's behavior may be physically harmful to self or others
• Intervenes with critical patients such as during escalation, suicidal behavior and elopement
• Monitors patients on close observation and/or suicide precautions
• Is alert to contraband
• Watches hall for elopers
• Assists in restraining procedures under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse
• Documents completely and accurately according to the unit and division standards, including safety measures
• Remains calm and effective in emergency situations and follows appropriate guidelines
• Reports broken and unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel and/or Department Director

Customer Service Standards

• Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate
• Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as "How may I be of help to you?" using the customer's name as soon as it is learned
• Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution
• Keeps customer's information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria
• Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself
• Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service
• Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer's expectations have not been met

Commitment to Co-Workers

• Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed
• Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines
• Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved
• Refrains from criticism in public
• Mindful and respectful of others' time and schedules
• Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences
• Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department

Communication Etiquette

• Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility's service communication protocol in all interactions
• Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty
• Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations)
• Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail)
• Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate)
• Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone
• If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to
• Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation
• Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible
• Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours)
• Always mindful of voice and language in public

Self Management

• Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital's dress code
• Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible
• Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes
• Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements
• Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards
• Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency
• Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards
• Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences
• Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines
• Respects length of time for lunch and break times
• Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement

Requirements

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Basic Life Support – Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP)
• One year full-time experience as a technician in a mental health setting
• Basic knowledge and working experience with Medical Terminology

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Pay

• $17.92-$30.67/hr depending on prior years of experience
• Shift differentials available

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.