Mental Health Technician

JOB SUMMARY Works under the direct supervision of the charge nurse and/or Manager of the Behavioral Health Unit. The Mental Health Technician assists the registered nurse in the assessment, treatment, and care of recipients on the Behavioral Health Unit.# Mental Health Technicians will uphold the mission and values established by Memorial Healthcare. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product of service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the recipient and family experience. As a customer-focused Memorial Healthcare team member, he/she must be accessible, flexible, knowledgeable, and responsive. # PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Provides empathy, support, redirection, and understanding to recipients on the Behavioral Health Unit while maintaining the therapeutic milieu. Assists the RN in recipient-care activities. Deals effectively over the phone with the inquiry/crisis response system and participates in the pre-screening process for assessing the appropriateness of potential admissions. Observes and records information according to prescribed hospital policy and procedure and Behavioral Health Unit protocol. Available and able to assist in any crisis intervention/physical management situation. Assures recipient safety through frequent rounds and observations as indicated or required. Keeps RN informed of changes in recipient condition and documents all observations and interventions appropriately. Participates in recipient education. Facilitates group activities and one-on-one interactions. Demonstrates job related aspects of recipient safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse recipient occurrences. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards of care, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, standards of behavior, and the code of ethical behavior. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of recipients served on his/her assigned unit.# Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the recipient#s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each recipient#s requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit#s and division#s policies and procedures.# DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Assists in maintaining a clean, safe environment. Attends in-service education programs to learn new treatment procedures and skills. Completes all mandatory competency assessments, in-services, and procedures by the due dates. Assists in the orientation of newly hired Mental Health Technicians. Communicates identified problems following the appropriate chain of command. Uses effective communication skills in facilitating the team approach to the delivery of holistic care. Performs all other job-related duties as assigned. JOB SPECIFICATIONS EDUCATION# ## Bachelor#s degree preferred with minimum current enrollment in an Accredited Bachelor#s program in psychology, social work, nursing, or related field, and anticipated graduation within 18 months of hire. No licensure required. Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) required.### REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION Must obtain and remain current with the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS). Must obtain and remain current with a non-violent crisis intervention technique (HWC).# Must successfully complete restrain/seclusion training and attend yearly refreshers. EXPERIENCE One year or related experience in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting preferred. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis.# Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements. Sedentary Work:# Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch.# On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend.# Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.# May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs. Vision:# Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.# Near acuity:# Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.# Midrange Acuity:# Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet. Motor Coordination:# While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms.# Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment. Speaking/Hearing:# Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening. ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES Follow directions. Complete a history and initial assessment of recipient#s condition. Provide input into a care plan based upon the assessment. Evaluate recipient#s reactions to the care plan. Understand physician orders. Document assessment, needs, interventions, and evaluations. Have sufficient good judgment to spontaneously interact with recipients in a therapeutic manner. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws. ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL/MOTOR SKILLS Hand-eye coordination for assisting with physical care of recipients, assessment techniques, etc. Utilize a keyboard and a computer mouse for documentation. Understand computer programs utilized at Memorial Healthcare, such as the Meditech program. Demonstrate competence in practical application. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare. ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS Communicate receptively and expressively in English, both written and verbal, with diverse populations, including physicians, recipients, families, community agencies, employees, and volunteers. Visually assess recipient#s condition as needed for assessment or treatment. Perceive recipients approaching them (i.e., coming up from behind them) for safety reasons. Use smell for assessment purposes. Accurately hear communication by phone or in person. Maintain self-control. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS Interact extremely well with recipients and their families, public, physicians, and other Memorial Healthcare staff to provide appropriate and complete recipient care, individually and in multi-disciplinary teams with a professional, effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication. Maintain confidentiality. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills. Ability to work as a team member in all activities. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.

JOB SUMMARY

Works under the direct supervision of the charge nurse and/or Manager of the Behavioral Health Unit. The Mental Health Technician assists the registered nurse in the assessment, treatment, and care of recipients on the Behavioral Health Unit. Mental Health Technicians will uphold the mission and values established by Memorial Healthcare. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product of service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the recipient and family experience. As a customer-focused Memorial Healthcare team member, he/she must be accessible, flexible, knowledgeable, and responsive.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

* Provides empathy, support, redirection, and understanding to recipients on the Behavioral Health Unit while maintaining the therapeutic milieu.
* Assists the RN in recipient-care activities.
* Deals effectively over the phone with the inquiry/crisis response system and participates in the pre-screening process for assessing the appropriateness of potential admissions.
* Observes and records information according to prescribed hospital policy and procedure and Behavioral Health Unit protocol.
* Available and able to assist in any crisis intervention/physical management situation.
* Assures recipient safety through frequent rounds and observations as indicated or required.
* Keeps RN informed of changes in recipient condition and documents all observations and interventions appropriately.
* Participates in recipient education.
* Facilitates group activities and one-on-one interactions.
* Demonstrates job related aspects of recipient safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse recipient occurrences.
* Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards of care, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, standards of behavior, and the code of ethical behavior.
* Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of recipients served on his/her assigned unit. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the recipient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each recipient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's and division's policies and procedures.

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

* Assists in maintaining a clean, safe environment.
* Attends in-service education programs to learn new treatment procedures and skills.
* Completes all mandatory competency assessments, in-services, and procedures by the due dates.
* Assists in the orientation of newly hired Mental Health Technicians. Communicates identified problems following the appropriate chain of command.
* Uses effective communication skills in facilitating the team approach to the delivery of holistic care.
* Performs all other job-related duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

* Bachelor's degree preferred with minimum current enrollment in an Accredited Bachelor's program in psychology, social work, nursing, or related field, and anticipated graduation within 18 months of hire.
* No licensure required.
* Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) required.



REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION

* Must obtain and remain current with the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS).
* Must obtain and remain current with a non-violent crisis intervention technique (HWC).
* Must successfully complete restrain/seclusion training and attend yearly refreshers.

EXPERIENCE

* One year or related experience in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting preferred.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

* Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch. On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend. Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
* Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
* Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
* Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

* Follow directions.
* Complete a history and initial assessment of recipient's condition.
* Provide input into a care plan based upon the assessment.
* Evaluate recipient's reactions to the care plan.
* Understand physician orders.
* Document assessment, needs, interventions, and evaluations.
* Have sufficient good judgment to spontaneously interact with recipients in a therapeutic manner.
* Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
* Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL/MOTOR SKILLS

* Hand-eye coordination for assisting with physical care of recipients, assessment techniques, etc.
* Utilize a keyboard and a computer mouse for documentation.
* Understand computer programs utilized at Memorial Healthcare, such as the Meditech program.
* Demonstrate competence in practical application.
* Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

* Communicate receptively and expressively in English, both written and verbal, with diverse populations, including physicians, recipients, families, community agencies, employees, and volunteers.
* Visually assess recipient's condition as needed for assessment or treatment.
* Perceive recipients approaching them (i.e., coming up from behind them) for safety reasons.
* Use smell for assessment purposes.
* Accurately hear communication by phone or in person.
* Maintain self-control.
* Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

* Interact extremely well with recipients and their families, public, physicians, and other Memorial Healthcare staff to provide appropriate and complete recipient care, individually and in multi-disciplinary teams with a professional, effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
* Maintain confidentiality.
* Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
* Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
* Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
* Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.