Description

Associate Behavioral Health Technician - Psychiatric Emergency Care

Join a compassionate team dedicated to providing exceptional care in a Psychiatric Emergency Department located in the Southeastern United States. This role involves performing routine patient care duties such as observation, monitoring, and recording changes in patient conditions, obtaining vital signs, and assisting with daily living activities. You will provide emotional support under the guidance of nursing staff and facilitate therapeutic group sessions.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure patient safety, dignity, and comfort while fostering a positive therapeutic environment.
• Assist with new admissions by conducting contraband searches, orienting patients, obtaining vital signs, and securing belongings.
• Support patient transfers and discharges, including vital sign monitoring and managing personal items.
• Perform regular vital sign checks, weight measurements, and report abnormalities promptly.
• Help patients with personal hygiene and toileting as needed.
• Participate in therapeutic holds, restraints, and seclusion procedures following proper training.
• Engage patients through play and group activities, reporting any concerns to nursing staff.
• Conduct frequent rounding and constant observation as directed.
• Assist with documentation related to patient intake, output, and vital signs.
• Facilitate therapeutic community meetings and contribute to educational and performance improvement initiatives.
• Support cost containment efforts and perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Training

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Social Work preferred.
• Nursing Assistant certification accepted.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required.
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) training and certification must be completed within 30 days of employment.

Experience

• Preferred: Minimum of 2 years of psychiatric experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Competency in working with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health conditions.
• Basic understanding of age-specific considerations for the patient population.
• General computer proficiency.
• Ability to work variable shifts, including nights.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to bend, stand for prolonged periods, and walk.
• Capability to turn and lift patients as needed.
• Visual and auditory acuity for observation and manual dexterity for documentation.
• Potential exposure to blood or other infectious materials.