BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN

Independence Health System; Greensburg (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence Health System in Greensburg, PA seeks a Behavioral Health Assessment Team Clinician to provide direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies and standards of care. You will document data, interact with patients and families, and participate in crisis assessments and unit performance improvement.

Responsibilities include leadership within the team, coordinating with emergency services, ensuring infection control, and maintaining clear communication with

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 within the behavioral health area.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Responsibilities

• Delivers direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care.
• Collects, documents, and reports ongoing patient care data as directed.
• Interacts with assigned patients, make pertinent observations of patients' behaviors, reports and records in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the role of Behavioral Health Assessment Team Clinician.
• Participates in preparation for inspections, surveys, and audits.
• Communicates pertinent information on actual/potential problems to the professional staff.
• Will perform crisis assessments in the Emergency Department to determine the most appropriate level of care.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Communication

Legal aspects knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or related field

Job description

• Delivers direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care.
• Collects, documents, and reports ongoing patient care data as directed.
• Interact with assigned patients, make pertinent observations of patients' behaviors, reports and records in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates good interview techniques with phone contacts/patient/family/significant others and documents accordingly.
• Demonstrates leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the role of Behavioral Health Assessment Team Clinician
• Demonstrates an ability to solve problems utilizing critical thinking skills and seek assistance from immediate supervisors 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.
• Adheres to the infection control process, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
• Assists the department's compliance with state JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.
• Participates in preparation for inspections, surveys and audits.
• Participates in ongoing unit performance improvement activities.
• Communicate effectively with patients/peers/families/treatment team.
• Returns patient/family phone calls and documents.
• Use computer as required for E-mail, scheduling, authorizations, insurance tracking, etc.
• Provides and participates in educational activities.
• Provides and documents patient/family education.
• Participates in staff education, both as participant and presenter.
• Serves on hospital committees and participates in other related projects as directed.
• Works collaboratively with the Emergency Room Department and Behavioral Health treatment team to affect an effective comprehensive crisis solution.
• Communicates pertinent information on actual/potential problems to the professional staff.
• Communicates pertinent information at shift reports and during internal and external transfers.
• Contacts other treatment facilities regarding transfer of psychiatric patients (if transfer is necessary).
• Will perform crisis assessments in the Emergency Department to determine the most appropriate level of care.
• Will complete voluntary/involuntary commitments when applicable out of the Emergency Department or on the medical units.
• Obtains insurance authorization as appropriate for psychiatric treatment.
• Performs effectively in the role of preceptor to new hires.
• Assumes appropriate 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 guests, families and staff.
• Understands and utilizes principles of non-violent crisis intervention.
• Attends yearly crisis intervention class.
• Interact with and observe guests for any signs of increased anxiety and/or agitation and consult with peer and professional staff regarding early intervention strategies.
• Assists, as needed, in interventions to address the needs of troubled or agitated guests, using a strength-based, least restrictive approach in all interactions.
• Knows how to use panic button and how to call Security for assistance as needed.
• Understands and utilizes the Principles of Recovery as they apply to crisis/emergent episodes of care
• Recognizes that recovery is a person-centered/person-driven process. Recognizes that self-determination and/or self-direction are the foundation of person-centered care. Supports the empowerment of all individuals to make informed decisions regarding their care and exhibits a strength-based approach to crisis intervention.
• Exhibits respectful, culturally sensitive behavior and attitude toward all guests and their families
• Works collaboratively with community agencies involved in the service delivery plan.
• Serve on hospital committees and participate in other related projects.
• Creativity in treatment in various settings including inpatient, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics; ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings; flexibility in scheduling.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills
• Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)
• Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions

• Delivers direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care.
• Collects, documents, and reports ongoing patient care data as directed.
• Interact with assigned patients, make pertinent observations of patients' behaviors, reports and records in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates good interview techniques with phone contacts/patient/family/significant others and documents accordingly.
• Demonstrates leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the role of Behavioral Health Assessment Team Clinician
• Demonstrates an ability to solve problems utilizing critical thinking skills and seek assistance from immediate supervisors 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.
• Adheres to the infection control process, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
• Assists the department's compliance with state JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.
• Participates in preparation for inspections, surveys and audits.
• Participates in ongoing unit performance improvement activities.
• Communicate effectively with patients/peers/families/treatment team.
• Returns patient/family phone calls and documents.
• Use computer as required for E-mail, scheduling, authorizations, insurance tracking, etc.
• Provides and participates in educational activities.
• Provides and documents patient/family education.
• Participates in staff education, both as participant and presenter.
• Making recommendations for staff development.
• Serves on hospital committees and participates in other related projects as directed.
• Works collaboratively with the Emergency Room Department and Behavioral Health treatment team to affect an effective comprehensive crisis solution.
• Communicates pertinent information on actual/potential problems to the professional staff.
• Communicates pertinent information at shift reports and during internal and external transfers.
• Contacts other treatment facilities regarding transfer of psychiatric patients (if transfer is necessary).
• Will perform crisis assessments in the Emergency Department to determine the most appropriate level of care.
• Will complete voluntary/involuntary commitments when applicable out of the Emergency Department or on the medical units.
• Obtains insurance authorization as appropriate for psychiatric treatment.
• Performs effectively in the role of preceptor to new hires.
• Assumes appropriate 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 guests, families and staff.
• Understands and utilizes principles of non-violent crisis intervention.
• Attends yearly crisis intervention class.
• Interact with and observe guests for any signs of increased anxiety and/or agitation and consult with peer and professional staff regarding early intervention strategies.
• Assists, as needed, in interventions to address the needs of troubled or agitated guests, using a strength-based, least restrictive approach in all interactions.
• Knows how to use panic button and how to call Security for assistance as needed.
• Understands and utilizes the Principles of Recovery as they apply to crisis/emergent episodes of care
• Recognizes that recovery is a person-centered/person-driven process. Recognizes that self-determination and/or self-direction are the foundation of person-centered care. Supports the empowerment of all individuals to make informed decisions regarding their care and exhibits a strength-based approach to crisis intervention.
• Exhibits respectful, culturally sensitive behavior and attitude toward all guests and their families
• Works collaboratively with community agencies involved in the service delivery plan.
• Serve on hospital committees and participate in other related projects.
• Creativity in treatment in various settings including inpatient, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics; ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings; flexibility in scheduling.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills
• Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)
• Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]

Required Qualifications/Experience

• 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 within the behavioral health area.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.