Psychiatric Technician

Position Summary: Provides input into assessing patient needs, designing treatment plans, delivery of patient care through the implementation of treatment programs and evaluation of patient responses to interventions and approaches. Functions as member of interdisciplinary team and is actively involved in group process.

Education, License & Cert:

* High School Diploma or Equivalent. Associates of Science Degree in Psychology or related field preferred. • Current CPR certification required
* Current NCI certification required

Experience:

* Two years experience in direct patient/client care or supervision. Experience and education may be substituted.

Essential Functions:

1. Performs and documents patient admission profile.

a. Performs initial interview and assessment

b. Consults with and reports findings to Charge Nurse

c. Orients patient to unit and program

d. Inventories and searches patient belonging

e. Organizes and assembles paperwork in patient chart

f. Prepares patient rooms and patient beds for receiving new admissions

2. Assesses and promotes the general health of patients.

a. Monitors vital signs

b. Specimen collection

c. Enlists patient cooperation when interacting with support staff (i.e. Lab Staff, Respiratory Therapists, Dietician)

d. Assists with and assesses activities of daily living, (i.e. sleep, hygiene, dietary intake)

e. Enforces patient guidelines, including those pertaining to visitors

f. Participates in treatment team and offers pertinent information regarding changes in patient's mentation, activities of daily living and milieu functioning

3. Documentation.

a. Communicate ideas, feelings and concepts clearly and concisely in writing

b. Documentation is accurate and completed in a timely manner

4. Demonstrates knowledge of New York State Office of Mental Health legal status and Patient Rights

a. Explain legal rights and status of patients on admission and document

b. Knowledgeable regarding Mental Health Legal Services and its advocacy role

c. Informs patients of process for filing complaints and grievances

5. Demonstrates effective communication skills (Weight Assigned=5%)

a. Utilizes active listening skills through open‐ended questions, maintaining good eye contact, and encouraging verbal expression of feelings, thoughts and emotions

b. Demonstrates therapeutic responses to patient behaviors and expressed feelings that are non‐judgmental, consistent with patient's care plan and standards of Psychiatric care, while expressing warmth and caring and at the same time maintaining a professional stance

c. Responds appropriately and quickly to real or potentially dangerous patient behavior through the effective use of calming technique and quickly informing appropriate staff

6. Demonstrates a team approach and is actively involved in all unit activities:

a. Assists, provides or participates in clinical learning experience for orientees, staff personnel and students

b. Participates in Performance Improvement Program

c. Participates in department meetings through sharing ideas/concerns and recommending improvements

d. Participates on sub‐committees

e. Offers at least one Community based education program annually and one in‐house education for staff f. Leads and co‐facilitates education, recreation and therapy groups

The pay for this position ranges from $16.00-$22.37 per hour.