BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN WEEKEND

Job Summary

Functions as a member of the treatment team under the clinical direction of a registered nurse by providing patient care and performing evaluations of psychiatric patients in the emergency room.

The Behavioral Health Technician position provides direct one-on-one and group counseling services to mental health patients while participating in team assessments and care plan development.

Essential Job Functions

• Delivers direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care.
• Performs and / or assists with patient care needs as directed.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living if needed.
• Conducts vitals on patients.
• Conducts timed observation rounding of patients on the unit, based upon the patient’s identified level of risk.
• Collects, documents, and reports ongoing patient care data as directed.
• Interacts with assigned patients, makes pertinent observations of patients' behaviors, reports and records same.
• Remains with and observes assigned patients in a one-to-one situation if necessary.
• Demonstrates good interview techniques with phone contacts / patient / family / significant others and documents accordingly.
• Accompany patients off the unit for testing as needed.
• Assists in developing an educational process for the provision and coordination of patient care activities that promote and maintain health, foster self-care, and improve outcomes.
• Reports to R.N. information regarding the patient's readiness to learn.
• Plans and initiates patients' activities.
• Facilitates groups as requested.
• Documents observations in group / activity sessions.
• Demonstrates leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the role of Behavioral Health Technician.
• Demonstrates an ability to solve problems utilizing critical thinking skills and seeks assistance from immediate supervisor when appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of chain of command; refers patient questions / requests information to appropriate supervisor.
• Effectively functions as a resource person.
• Acts as patient advocate.
• Assists in the department's compliance with state, JCAHO, OSHA, and other regulatory agencies.
• Assists in preparation for inspection and surveys.
• Conducts audits to ensure compliance and quality care as directed
• Adheres to the infection control process, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
• Participates in preparation for inspections, surveys and audits.
• Participates in ongoing unit performance improvement activities.
• Completes and documents follow up phone calls to patients and / or their families who have been discharged from the Emergency Department.
• Provides and participates in educational activities.
• Provides and documents patient / family education.
• Participates in staff education, both as participant and presenter.
• Makes recommendations for staff development.
• Serves on hospital committees and participates in other related projects as directed.
• Precept new Behavioral Health technician staff on the unit and in the Emergency Department.
• Process psychiatric emergencies.
• Assesses the severity of guest’s presenting condition.
• Completes Evidence Based Tools to screen and assess for patient’s risk of Suicide.
• Utilizes clinical expertise in collaboration with Emergency Department and Psychiatric team members to assign patient’s levels of risk.
• Works collaboratively with Nursing Staff to an effective comprehensive crisis resolution.
• Works collaboratively with all Emergency Departments of Excela Health hospitals to facilitate effective resolution of behavioral health issues.
• Obtains authorization / reauthorization / certifications as appropriate for ongoing treatment
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of the Mental Health Procedures Act.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specialty Functions

• Works collaboratively with the Emergency Department and Behavioral Health treatment team to affect an effective comprehensive crisis solution.
• Communicates pertinent information of actual / potential problems to the professional staff.
• Communicates pertinent information at shift reports and during internal and external transfers.
• Consults with the Psychiatrist all clinical screening and assessment information after completion of the clinical interview of the patient and / or family in the Emergency Department.
• Consults with the Psychiatrist and Charge Nurse about incoming bed search requests.
• Conducts bed searches to facilitate patient transfers to other Behavioral Health Inpatient facilities.
• Consults with Psychiatrist and Emergency Department Physician on the need for admission to a higher level of care.
• Assists in development of the treatment plans and caring plans for patients being discharged from the Emergency Department.
• Conducts groups on the unit when available.
• Completes Positive Coping Plans for patients who are being discharged to home on the Acute Medical floors following Psychiatric consultations for suicide risk.
• Provides for patient safety in compliance with hospital and nursing department policies.
• Utilizes two forms of patient identification before implementing any form of patient care.
• Assumes appropriate code team role during code situations or mock codes.
• Responds effectively during emergency situations, including internal and external disasters.
• Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors and staff.
• Supports limited use of restraints in accordance with established standards and documents according to policies.
• Oversees that sufficient and proper supplies are maintained on an assigned unit.
• Monitors sterile supplies for expiration date and replaces as needed.
• Distributes and maintains a sufficient supply of linens in assigned patient care areas.
• Replenishes daily / weekly unit stock from appropriate departments, i.e., CSR, storeroom.
• Cleans supplies and unit-maintained equipment.
• Checks patient belongings for contraband and logs in on Patient / Valuable / Belongings sheet.
• Performs patient observations per unit policy. Performs unit safety checks, including room checks, per unit policy.
• Understands and utilizes principles of non-violent crisis intervention.
• Observes patients for increase in agitation and reports to RN for early intervention.
• Assists as needed in handling, restraining and secluding agitated patients using the least restrictive means.
• Assists in establishing control of the patient who is awaiting disposition from the Emergency Department.
• Knows how to use panic button and how to call security for assistance as needed.
• Utilizes Crisis Intervention skills.
• Provides crisis intervention utilization prescribed departmental procedure and recognized best practice techniques.
• Documents services provided according to department and regulatory agencies.
• Obtains authorizations / reauthorizations for treatment.
• Completes activity logs as requested.
• Completes patient assessments and facilitates legal processes.
• Interviews patients / families / significant others at time of initial presentation to complete psychosocial history and assessment.
• Documents clinical activities within established time frames according to department, hospital and regulatory agency standards.
• In collaboration with guest and the service team, establishes appropriate recovery-based goals.
• Assists with educating patients and families on all issues related to crisis intervention and resolution.
• Consults with Excela Health System staff, when requested, on all issues and concerns related to the Mental Health Procedures Act
• Facilitates involuntary and voluntary commitments in the Emergency Room and on Acute Medical floors, with assistance from the County delegate as needed.
• Attends involuntary commitment hearings.
• May work under the direction of the Crisis Response Center Therapist or RN in order to communicate and coordinate patient care.
• Communicates effectively with patients / peers / families / treatment team / agencies.
• Attends at least 75% of staff meetings.
• Reads and signs off minutes of those not attended.
• Returns patient / family phone calls and documents.
• Provides peer / treatment team consultation when asked.
• Uses computer as required for email, scheduling, authorizations, insurance tracking. Etc.
• Collaborate with outside agencies to gather patient related clinical information to present to the Physicians and Nursing staff to formulate a plan of care, and act as a liaison.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or related field.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and / or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications

One (1) year mental health experience in a similar setting.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law.

Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic : goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and / or transfer device is required.

Essential Absolute Necessity.

Marginal Minimal Necessity.

Constantly 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps / shift.

Frequently 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps / shift.

Occasionally 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps / shift.

Rarely Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps / shift.

Physical Condition

Essential

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Extreme Heat

Extreme Cold

Heights

Confined Spaces

Extreme Noise(>

85dB)

Mechanical Hazards

Use of Vibrating Tools

Operates Vehicle (company)

Operates Heavy Equipment

Use of Lifting / Transfer Devices

Rotates All Shifts

8 Hours Shifts

10-12 Hours Shifts

On-Call

Overtime (+8 / hrs. / shift; 40 / hrs. / wk.)

Travel Between Sites

Direct Patient Care

Respirator Protective Equipment

Eye Protection

Head Protection (hard hat)

Hearing Protection

Hand Protection

Feet, Toe Protection

Body Protection

Latex Exposure

Solvent Exposure

Paint (direct use) Exposure

Dust (sanding) Exposure

Ethylene Oxide Exposure

Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure

Blood / Body Fluid Exposure

Chemicals (direct use) Exposure

Mist Exposure

Wax Stripper (direct use)

Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Laser Exposure

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and / or transfer device is required.

Essential Absolute Necessity.

Marginal Minimal Necessity.

Constantly 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps / shift.

Frequently 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps / shift.

Occasionally 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps / shift.

Rarely Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps / shift.

Physical Condition

Essential

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Bending (Stooping)

Sitting

Walking

Climbing Stairs

Climbing Ladders

Standing

Kneeling

Squatting (Crouching)

Twisting / Turning

Keyboard / Computer Operation

Gross Grasp

Fine Finger Manipulation

Hand / Arm Coordination

Pushing / Pulling(lbs. of force)

Carry

Transfer / Push / Pull Patients

Seeing Near w / Acuity

Feeling (Sensation)

Color Vision

Hearing Clearly

Pulling / Pushing Objects Overhead

Reaching Above Shoulder Level

Reaching Forward

Lifting Floor to Knuckle

Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle

Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder

Lifting Shoulder to Overhead

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and / or transfer device is required.