Therapy-Focused Psychiatric Technician

University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics; Time; On-site; NOK 286,000 - 365,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah Health seeks a compassionate Psychiatric Technician to provide safe patient care in a supportive environment within a psychiatric unit. The role emphasizes observation, basic nursing tasks, and participation in treatment planning with the interdisciplinary team.

Admission assistance, patient and family orientation, and leading therapeutic activities are key duties. Strong communication and crisis-intervention skills are essential for this on-site position at University of Utah

Qualifications

• An Associate degree OR Two years of behavioral health OR direct patient care experience; may include CNA, MA, HCA, Teacher’s aide or assistant.
• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Responsibilities

• Assists with maintaining a safe and hazard free environment by observing and documenting patient behavior, conducting patient room searches, reporting unsafe conditions and applying appropriate emotional and physical support.
• Performs or assists with the admission of new patients by gathering routine information for nursing assessment, searches patients and personal effects for contraband, documents personal effects and other appropriate information.
• Orients the patient and patient’s family to the facility and the policies and procedures.
• Escorts the patients to off-unit appointments and activities using therapeutic interventions to ensure the safety of the patient, hospital staff, and other University patients and visitors.
• Assists with providing a therapeutic milieu for patients by encouraging patients to participate in recreational activities and group therapies.
• Assists with supportive therapy for select patients by leading activity and conversation groups.
• Assists in the development of patient behavioral expectations.
• May functions as a preceptor to new Psychiatric Technicians.
• Assists with the unit's training and quality assurance programs, as well as ordering, stocking, and maintaining clerical and patient supplies. Provides an annual educational in-service to co-workers.
• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and may coordinate with leadership to maintain department forms.
• Assists with initiating and contributing to patient treatment planning, teaching and discharge planning.
• Participates in patient care team conferences by sharing observations of patient’s progress toward identified goals and assists the primary Registered Nurse with the development, evaluation, and revision of patient care plans.

Skills

Patient care

Crisis intervention

Group facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Associate degree

Behavioral health experience

Tools

RQI eCredential

Job description

University of Utah Health seeks a compassionate Psychiatric Technician to provide safe patient care in a supportive environment within a psychiatric unit. The role emphasizes observation, basic nursing tasks, and participation in treatment planning with the interdisciplinary team.

Admission assistance, patient and family orientation, and leading therapeutic activities are key duties. Strong communication and crisis-intervention skills are essential for this on-site position at University of Utah