Mental Health Tech I

Job Summary:

As an essential member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, the Mental Health Technician provides behavioral health interventions to clients in an acute treatment setting. Performs client care in an environment that optimizes safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/clinical care errors while providing therapeutic support. Assists client's in daily living activities and leads supportive care initiatives, while ensuring alignment with treatment goals. Operates within Standards of Care outlined by Diversus Health policies and procedures, to include maintaining protective oversight of environment and clients while they are on the unit. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to patient transport to external locations as needed, providing triage support for the crisis team, and front desk coverage, including screening and connection to care.

Essential Functions:

• Actively monitors for clinical and environmental risk issues, while consistently following all safety procedures. Duties include but are not limited to: completing Q15 watches, line of sight checks, and other safety checks, monitoring of utensils, pencils, and contraband on the unit, and conducting one to one's based off provider orders.

• Supports nursing staff in the client admissions process. Duties include but are not limited to: storage of client's personal property and associated documentation, and orienting clients to the unit.

• Oversees and interacts with clients on the unit while maintaining healthy therapeutic boundaries. Verbally de-escalates clients in crisis when appropriate.

• Conducts skills groups that are evidence-based and relevant to team-based care plan and clients being served. Accurately documents participation in Electronic Medical Records (EMR).

• Supports and supervises the visitation process on the unit. Assures appropriate documentation/consents have been completed. Reports any issues or concerns to the charge nurse on duty.

• Obtains clients vital signs when delegated by the charge nurse. Accurately documents vitals in EMR.

• Assists providers with daily client care and discharge duties within scope of role, to include but not limited to: patient education, outreach, crisis response planning, coordination of continued care and transportation, processing and return of personal items.

• Monitors patient nutritional intake and reports to Nursing

• Completes all documentation, to include but not limited to QIRs and group notes when appropriate, in accordance with Diversus Health policies and procedures.

• Assists in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and clients. Uses trained skills of Handle with Care (HWC)in safely managing crisis situations with escalated clients and responds according to approved protocols for crisis situations and restraint/seclusion events.

• Actively engages in team meetings, in-service trainings, and supervisory sessions as required. Completes compliance and other applicable trainings within required time frame. Performs other various shift duties as assigned by management.

• Fosters an environment of teamwork within the unit, the LAS system and with community partners.

The Environment at Diversus Health is fluid. Roles and responsibilities may be altered to accommodate changing business conditions and objectives. Employees may be asked to perform duties that are outside of the specific work that is listed. This position may require you to work standard hours, as well as flexible hours before and after standard hours, and overtime in excess of 40 hours in a work week.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field OR

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience and lived experience in one of the following:

• A person who uses his or her lived experience of recovery from mental illness/or addiction, plus skills learned in formal training, to deliver services in behavioral health settings to promote mind-body recovery and resiliency

• Or, having a family member who has mental illness or substance use disorder and the knowledge of the behavioral health care system gained through navigation and support of their family member

• 1+ years' experience in an acute care setting or Community/Inpatient Behavioral Health, preferred.

• Valid Colorado Driver's License with clear MVR that complies with organizational insurance requirements.

• Ability to drive for extended periods of time with experience reading and navigating maps.

• Knowledge of safe and efficient operation of light automotive equipment.

• Proficient written and oral communication skills with the ability to accurately and professionally implement and document services provided to clients.

• Possess basic computer skills and type 25+ w.p.m. for the input and output of client information, using electronic medical records.

• Experience working in a team environment.

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