Behavioral Health Tech

Phoebe Putney Health System; Albany, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoebe Putney Health System in Albany, GA is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician to provide direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The role includes clerical support, patient data collection, and assisting with various medical procedures within a behavioral health setting.

The position requires a High School Diploma or GED, with preference for candidates who have 2-3 years of behavioral health experience or related coursework, including psychiatric safety training.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• 2-3 years Behavioral Health experience preferred.
• Two years of course work in psychology, sociology, or other mental health related field is acceptable.
• At least one year of course work in nursing with an interest in behavioral health is acceptable.
• At least one year of experience in a behavioral health setting, preferably inpatient, or in corrections/security.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care as assigned by the Registered Nurse.
• Provide clerical support and assist in patient data collection.
• Perform medical procedures under the direction of an RN.
• Take and record vital signs; assist with ADLs and equipment as needed.
• Collect specimens (urine, stool, blood) and transport to the lab.
• Observe and document patient status and notify nurse of significant changes.
• Assist with meals, safety checks, and environment safety rounds.
• Assist with admission and discharge duties and escort patients as needed.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Summary

Provides direct patient care as assigned by the Registered Nurse.Provide clerical support, assists in patient data collection and performingmedical procedures under direction of an RN utilizing knowledge of verbal and non-verbal communication skills to provide targeted therapeutic interventions with patients.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Work Experience

2 - 3 years Behavioral Health Experience (Preferred)

ONE of the following:

• At least two years of course work in psychology, sociology, or other mental health related field.
• At least one year of course work in nursing with a strong interest in behavioral health.
• At least one year of experience working in a behavioral health setting, preferably inpatient.
• At least one year of experience working in corrections, military, security or law enforcement (may include police or security officer experience) (Required)

Licenses and Certifications

Required Certifications/Licensures:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Phoebe's Crisis Response Training within two months of hire date

Preferred Certifications/Licensures:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Mental Health Technician Certification
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)

Essential Functions

BH TECH RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Give care and address questions concerns from patients as needed or alert qualified nurse.
• When necessary, assists with a.m. and p.m. care such as: showering, shampooing hair, oral care, shaving, nail care
• Take and record vital signs. Give bedpans, urinals, assist patients to commode or bathroom. Measure and record intake and output.
• Collect specimens (urine, stool, blood) and send/take them to lab.
• Ambulate patients; exercise, reposition patients, assist patients in and out of chairs and wheelchairs. Transport patients to other areas.
• Perform simple treatments and tests as ordered such as apply and change unsterile pads, dressings, hot/cold compresses, packs; apply ointments; keep patients clean, dry, comfortable, and check safety equipment at regular intervals.
• Checks for contraband and monitors all things necessary for psychiatric safety. Performs environment safety rounds.
• Keep patient rooms neat, clean, orderly.
• Change beds; provide clean linens as often as necessary.
• Replenish patient supplies. Perform emergency housekeeping.
• Run errands for patients and staff. Clean unit kitchen, utility room, storage areas as directed.
• Dispose of soiled linens and waste.
• Store supplies and linens, check for defects and outdating.
• Prepare patients for meals, assist with meals, monitor during meals, assist with menu selection and documentation of percentages consumed. Pass other nourishments throughout the shift.
• Perform admission and discharge duties as directed such as: searches of person and belongings, inventory of belongings, appropriate storage of belongings. Will escort patients when discharged or transferred. Will also accompany patients to other areas of the facility for necessary procedures.
• When necessary, perform 1:1 monitoring.
• Will perform groups such as goals group, wrap-up groups and various other groups.
• Observe patients (physical appearance, attitude, response to medications and treatments, appetite, etc.), record observations and alert nurse to significant observations.
• Assist nurse in preparing body after death.

DOCUMENTATION:

Documents and submits required information and data in a timely fashion.

Clearly and accurately documents patient interactions.

Ensures that documentation is tailored to expected readers / users.

Uses correct terminology.

Conforms to required style and format.

Additional Duties

Adheres to the hospital and departmental attendance and punctuality guidelines.

Performs all job responsibilities in alignment with the core values, mission and vision of the organization.

Performs other duties as required and completes all job functions as per departmental policies and procedures.

Maintains current knowledge in present areas of responsibility (i.e., self education, attends ongoing educational programs).

Attends staff meetings and completes mandatory in-services and requirements and competency evaluations on time.

Demonstrates competency at all levels in providing care to all patients based on age, sex, weight, and demonstrated needs.

For non-clinical areas, has attended training and demonstrates usage of age- specific customer service skills.

Wears protective clothing and equipment as appropriate.