BEHAVIORAL SERVICES TECHNICIAN

St. Joseph Hospital; Lewiston (ME); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joseph Hospital seeks a Behavioral Services Technician to support patient well-being by providing direct and indirect care under the supervision of a registered nurse.

You will participate in care planning, monitor patients, assist with daily activities, and help maintain a safe environment. Ideal candidates bring high school diploma or GED, Maine CNA certification, and BLS, plus CPI training and 1 year of behavioral health experience.

Qualifications

• CPI training preferred at hire or before orientation.
• Responsible, supportive team player.
• Ability to work well in high-stress situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct and indirect patient care under the RN.
• Support the hospital mission and values in daily work.
• Model appropriate social interaction with patients and families.
• Report health changes to the RN promptly.
• Provide crisis management during behavioral emergencies using calm de-escalation.
• Facilitate meetings, groups, and activities as directed by the RN.
• Assist with hygiene, toileting, ambulation, mobility, meals, and oral care.
• Document vital signs, ADL care, and other observations in the chart.

Skills

CPI training

Team player

Stress management

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Maine CNA certification

Basic Life Support

Behavioral health experience (1 year)

College training substitution (15 sem hrs = 6 months)

Mental health training certificate substitution

Job description

Job Summary:

The Behavioral Services Technician is an essential member of the patient care team who contributes to the well-being and comfort of patients during their stay by providing direct and indirect patient care under the direction of the registered nurse.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
• Performs assigned treatments, procedures, and other related tasks according to facility policies/protocols and within the scope of the Behavioral Services Technician position.
• Models appropriate social interaction skills, including boundaries, communication, conflict resolution, etc. with patients, families, peers.
• Reports any change in a patient’s physical and mental health immediately to the RN.
• Provide immediate crisis management services in response to behavioral emergencies, using accepted non-verbal, verbal, and physical techniques.
• Facilitates meetings/groups/activities as directed by RN.
• Assists with personal hygiene, toileting, ambulation, mobility, positioning, mealtime, and oral care.
• Actively participates in the established care plan by following all individualized patient treatment plans.
• Completes patient, belongings, room, unit, and metal detector searches.
• Intervenes when the patient is dangerous to self or others, utilizing least restrictive interventions but may include seclusion and/or restraint, under the direction of an RN.
• Responds promptly to call lights, provides transport, maintains a clean environment, and follows principles of infection control.
• Maintains and documents special precautions (15 min. and hourly checks, constant observation) within specified time frames.
• Accurately documents on graphic and flow sheets in computer charting:

vital signs, weights, and ADL care provided.

• Maintains confidentiality, privacy, and patient rights.
• Completes annual/critical competencies identified for the assigned department on time.
• May be asked to float to other departments.
• Maintains all required competencies and completes annual compliance courses on time.
• Supporting student learning is a shared responsibility. Every team member is expected to contribute to creating a welcoming environment and to actively assist students in their educational experience, regardless of their specific role.
• Other duties as consistent with this role.

Job Requirements:

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training is preferred at hire or obtained before completion of orientation.
• Responsible, supportive team player.
• Ability to work well in high-stress situations.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma/GED preferred.
• State Maine CNA Certification preferred.
• Basic Life Support certification required.

• 1 year of experience in Behavioral Health Services.

• College training in mental health technology, behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy, or its equivalent may be substituted for the 1 year of experience based on fifteen (15) semester hours equaling six (6) months of experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
• 2. Completion of a mental health training certificate program may be substituted for six (6) months.

Covenant Health Mission Statement

We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our Core Values:

Compassion

We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.

Integrity

We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources.

Collaboration

We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities.

Excellence

We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.

Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history).

Comp Range:

$21.55 - $29.68

Rate of pay displayed reflects the beginning of the pay scale. At the time of an offer, determination of your offer will reflect your skills and experience as it relates to the position.