Behavioral Health Tech

GENERAL SUMMARY :

Under supervision of a Registered Nurse and according to established procedures, provides direct patient care to patients with behavioral health disorders.

Ensures the safety and well-being of these patients by maintaining a safe environment, observes patient’s behaviors and intervenes as needed to de-escalate situation.

Documents according to department / organization procedures.

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY :

It is the obligation of each employee of Edward Elmhurst Health to abide by and promote the mission and values of the System to ensure that excellent services are delivered with compassion.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : (The following duties and responsibilities are all essential job functions, as defined by the

ADA, except those that begin with the word "May.")

1. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served. This includes knowledge of the physical and psychological needs of patients served and the ability to respond appropriately to those needs.

• Hygiene / Personal Needs
• Delivers, sets up and removes meal trays. Assists patients with nutritional intake according to individual needs; accurately documents dietary intake and notified appropriate team member for follow-up as indicated.

Provides assistance with activities of daily living, appropriate to patients’ age, needs and developmental level as assigned and supervised by nurse.

May need to provide physical care such as assisting with the bathing and toileting of patients. Maintains a safe environment by completing rounds and documenting on precaution records in real time.

Maintains and respects patients’ right to privacy as much as possible while maintaining direct visualization of patient.

• Procedures and Treatments
• Carries out plan of care in accordance with and giving consideration to patient’s age specific needs. Complies with hospital infection control standards and techniques.

Assists with specimen collection, vitals, EKG (if trained), as delegated by nurse. Follows the Suicide Precaution Care Provider Toolkit in accordance with the Suicide Precaution Policy.

Follows the Elopement Risk and Precautions Policy. Assures competency with hospital infection control standards and techniques and evidence compliance in daily practice.

• Admission / Discharge / Transfer
• Provides patient / family orientation to room and hospital according to hospital policy. Transports / escorts patients to other areas of the hospital as directed.

Completes appropriate portions of admission documentation.

5. Patient

5.1 Ensures patient safety by providing one-to-one supervision. Precautions records are accurately completed.

5.2 Maintains a therapeutic environment by connecting with patients and redirecting behavior

as needed.

6. Team Support

Communicates with RN regularly throughout the shift on patient status. Reports changes in patient status or safety to appropriate nursing personnel as they occur.

Treats each employee as an equal and valued member of the team; works cooperatively with other employees to complete the work.

7. Patient / Family / Customer

Treats others with courtesy and respect in all interactions. Provide safe, seamless, and personal care to the patient.

Promotes patient rights and ensures confidentiality and privacy in accordance with diagnosis.

8. Education

Attends education in-service classes, unit meetings as required. Successfully completes annual mandatory skills day in a timely fashion.

9. Continuous Improvement

Continuously look for, suggests and works on better ways to conduct work

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Education, Experience and / or Skills Required : A High School Diploma or GED Ability to demonstrate de-escalation and behavior management techniques Excellent interpersonal;

skills including teamwork, ability to prioritize, ability to receive and follow through on directions

• Education, Experience and / or Skills Preferred : College level course in psychology or related field A minimum of one year of prior experience in a hospital or customer service environment A minimum of six months of experience in psychiatric setting
• License / Certification Required : CPR certification required within the first 30 days of employment CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification within 90 days of hire A valid driver’s license is required if the incumbent is selected to perform related duties at an off-site location.

If the incumbent uses their personal vehicle, the incumbent must maintain automobile liability coverage as required by law and evidence of such coverage may be requested.