Inpatient Technician

Job Title: Inpatient Technician

Job Code: INPTECH

Department: Analenisgi Inpatient

Division: Nursing

Salary Level: NE4

Reports to: Inpatient Technician Supervisor

Last Revised: September 2021

Job Summary

The Inpatient Technician at the Analenisgi Inpatient Unit has primary responsibilities including: Coordinate and provide a quality inpatient environment that delivers optimal support to individuals involved in an inpatient behavioral health and substance use treatment setting. Provide daily supervision of and interactions with the patients of the inpatient program. Communicate regularly with other staff to ensure adherence to the treatment plan goals for patients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with all patients in clinical settings.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential requirement of this position. This position may require nights/weekends shifts.
• Consistently adheres to, enforces, and effectively implements agency and program policies and procedures and keeps current of any changes in policies and procedures.
• Accurately accounts for the whereabouts of each patient by conducting and documenting facility whereabouts in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
• Maintains an active presence in the unit by conducting frequent circulations of the unit. Checks for unsafe conditions and facility cleanliness. Documents and corrects conditions/takes steps to correct conditions as required.
• Supervises the daily activities of patients while on the unit to include, but not limited to: medication administration, therapeutic activities, and recreation, visitation, and meal times.
• Intervenes as necessary to protect clients from injuring other patients, staff, and/or themselves according to policy.
• Effectively communicates emergencies in a timely manner to co-workers and the Inpatient Management as required. Completes required documentation in an accurate timely manner.
• Monitors client visitation periods. Terminates visitation according to program procedures as necessary.
• Ensures outside individuals, visitors, guests, public law enforcement and safety personnel sign the appropriate documents (e.g., sign-in sheets, confidentiality agreements, etc.). Asks for identification to ensure accountability. Informs guests of the rules around visitations.
• Conducts searches for contraband (e.g., pat downs, lockers, etc.) in accordance with Agency policy and procedure. Properly documents all searches. Follows chain of custody issues with regard to contraband.
• Complies with Agency medication policy and procedures. Accurately maintains related records (e.g., logging, inventory, counts, and audits). Immediately reports any discrepancies to the RN and Inpatient Treatment Program Manager.
• Assists in obtaining shift coverage if taking time off.
• Remains awake and alert while on duty to ensure responsiveness to staff, patient, and/or unit needs.
• Transports clients as directed and follows agency standards, rules, regulations, and all laws for safe transport.
• Monitors agency vehicle use and maintenance needs and accurately reports any problems to appropriate staff.
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with patients as outlined in Agency Code of Ethics, Relationships with Clients, Former Clients, and Notification Requirements, and other policies.
• Expresses empathy regarding patient situations as appropriate.
• Maintains telephone coverage during hours on duty. Answers calls courteously and professionally, directs calls appropriately, and takes accurate messages as necessary.
• Interacts professionally with employees, visitors, guests, law enforcement, court, and safety personnel.
• Facilitates groups as assigned or directed.
• Obtains required training hours on an annual basis.
• Attends staff meetings and required training sessions.
• Complies with all Agency security standards, including procedures and electronic equipment/devices.
• Communicate essential information to staff and solicit feedback/input from staff; Promote and encourage communication between clinical, supervisory and inpatient staff.
• Ensure compliance with Joint Commission Behavioral Health standards, rules and regulations.
• Ensure new patients are oriented to the unit. Oversee staff follow-through on patient care plans and support for supervision of patients. Respond to complaints, concerns and requests in a timely and effective manner.
• Works with unit staff to conduct satisfaction surveys from current and former patients. Provide information received regularly to management. Respond to satisfaction surveys when possible.
• Represent Cherokee Indian Hospital Behavioral Health Services at community events, position related activities, and meetings.
• Interface with staff (Manager, Providers, Supervisors, Therapists, Nurses, etc.) to provide and implement quality activities for the patients utilizing creative and cost-effective ideas that target the varied interests of patients, providing recovery-based interventions.
• Document all treatment and clinically significant events for the medical record in the manner prescribed by CIHA policies and procedures.
• Follow all applicable privacy/confidentiality policies, procedures, and practices for maintenance and release of patient records and clinical information, including EBCI, CIHA, IHS, DHHS, HIPAA, JCAHO, CFR 42, or other licensing bodies.
• Others duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Current BLS Certification preferred, if not must be obtained within six months from hire date.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in verbal and written formats to meet position requirements required.
• Computer skills including use of Microsoft Office required.
• Ability to learn and use Electronic Medical Records, and other software programs as needed.
• Ability to work independently with flexible hours required.
• Specific experience working with Native Americans preferred.
• Previous experience working in a behavioral Health setting preferred.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist preferred.
• Certified Nursing Assistant preferred.
• Associates Degree in Human Services preferred.

Job Knowledge

• Ability to effectively utilize an electronic medical record and other software such as Microsoft office, payroll processing and reports.
• Considerable originality and initiative are required in the daily performance of tasks.
• Considerable knowledge of principles, techniques, and practices of social work, social policy, services and supports which are effective for recovery from substance abuse and psychiatric symptoms.
• Considerable knowledge of a wide range of medical, behavioral and psychosocial problems and their treatment.
• Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community.
• Considerable knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies, which govern the program.
• Considerable knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and their treatment.
• Significant knowledge of substance abuse to include diagnostic criteria for abuse, dependence, intoxication and withdrawal of all drug classifications, methods of evaluation and assessment, impact of mental illness on patients ability to negotiate treatment recommendations, current treatment approaches, modalities of care, and substance abuse and other programs or services available to patients.
• Skill in establishing rapport with clients and families.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues of other professional disciplines, and a variety of governmental and private resources and organizations in the community.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.
• Ability to ascertain the potential dangerousness of a situation, respond, and accordingly.

Complexity of Duties

This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources that best meets the constantly changing needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws and regulations in order to make decisions when a precedent is not available. Duties require the application of clinical judgment and problem solving skills in order to be effective. Judgment often involves decisions that may have life or death results. At times may be dealing with individuals who are highly agitated, emotional, or out of touch with reality.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct guidance of the Inpatient Management where goals, objectives, policies, and procedures are well defined. Works independently within applicable licensing regulations where latitude for creative thinking, initiative and discretion are given to achieve department goals and objectives.

Responsibility for Accuracy

Most clinical errors would be detected with proofing and review procedures. Failure to properly manage and direct activities could result in ill will for the department, delays in patient treatment, and negative patient and community relations. Ineffective health planning could have adverse effects on the health status of the community by limiting access to necessary resources. Accuracy of data and research is critical in the allocation of tribal resources. Responsible for the adherence to policy and procedure. Inappropriate actions or inaccuracies in judgment could result in improper diagnosis and treatment, serious liability for the tribe, or more serious health risks to patients.

Contact with Others

Interacts frequently with coworkers, hospital staff, patients, stakeholders and other health professionals for the purpose of exchanging information, obtaining, or providing assistance. Serves on various local, community, and health committees, boards and advisory councils, as appropriate. Tact, courtesy, and professional conduct are required to maintain positive working relationships. Utmost sensitivity and confidentiality is required when dealing with patients and families.

Confidential Data

The provision of medical care requires that the incumbent maintain strict appropriate confidentiality regarding all patient information. The employee will have access to patient records and highly confidential information and must function with utmost integrity to safe guard this information. The employee complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy, HIPAA, and other federal law requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations may result in disciplinary action and other action as allowed by federal regulations.

Mental/Visual/Physical Environment

Job duties can be mentally and emotionally stressful at times given the complexity of the duties, management and supervision of staff and the clinical areas being addressed with the people being served. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. Physical activities require the ability to be mobile, sit, reach, bend, and be in front of groups and deliver training for extended periods. Some physical exertion and stamina is required such as required to transport training materials or to travel. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. Must be able to lift 30 lbs. Position requires to stand (under 1/3 time); walk (under 1/3 time); sit (to 2/3 time); talk or hear (over 2/3 time). Special vision requirements: Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).

Work Environment

The employee works primarily in a hospital, inpatient or outpatient clinical environment but may be required to work at other offices and locations. The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, and irritant chemical and explosive gases. Employee must strictly adhere to OSHA guidelines and protocol for maintaining sterile conditions. Some travel is required. Infrequent overnight travel may be required for meetings or to attend training.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.