Mental Health Technician - Inpatient Psych - HUP Cedar - Full-Time Evenings

Penn Medicine; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Medicine is seeking a Mental Health Technician for its Inpatient Psych Team. The role involves supporting patients with acute mental disorders, ensuring a therapeutic environment, and collaborating with nursing staff to enhance patient care and recovery.

Benefits

Comprehensive compensation package

Tuition assistance

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in human services.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support certification required.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates effective communication skills.
• Implements actions to help patients achieve their goals.
• Maintains therapeutic and respectful behavior with patients.

Skills

Communication

Therapeutic Approach

Safety Awareness

Education

H.S. Diploma/GED

Bachelor of Arts or Science in Human Services

Job description

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical, and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

The Hospital of the University Cedar Location is looking for a Mental Health Technician to join our Inpatient Psych Team!

The inpatient, acute, psychiatric units at HUP Cedar Avenue provide short-term psychiatric management for admitted patients experiencing an acute mental disorder or an exacerbation of a chronic psychiatric disorder, with or without a secondary addiction diagnosis. 2 North-East and 2 South-East are each locked, 16-bed acute care service units admitting adults on voluntary or involuntary commitment status. The department of psychiatry is committed to providing treatment and support in the least restrictive setting possible. The overall goal is to provide a therapeutic milieu for acutely ill patients and restore them to their optimal level of functioning in the community.

Summary:

• Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, the Mental Health Technician performs selected patient care activities that do not require full counseling certification or professional nurse skills, judgment, and knowledge.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates effective communication skills, including listening, seeking clarification, and sending clear messages.
• Understands the difficulties patients face in daily activities.
• Participates with the nurse in modifying the discharge plan based on patient progress.
• Maintains a non-judgmental, therapeutic approach with patients.
• Implements actions to help patients achieve their goals.
• Sets appropriate limits according to the treatment plan.
• Provides reality orientation to patients.
• Supports patients in daily activities in a helpful, non-punitive manner.
• Maintains therapeutic and respectful behavior with patients and families.
• Follows hospital safety and infection control policies as required by OSHA and the Patient Safety Program.
• Demonstrates knowledge through policy implementation, observation, testing, or written exams.
• Identifies safety issues and reports them to prevent accidents or injuries.
• Knows and applies universal precautions and infection control measures.

Credentials:

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (Required)

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in human services involving direct contact with individuals (paid or unpaid).
• Bachelor of Arts or Science from an accredited program related to human services, including coursework in sociology, psychology, or related fields.
• Equivalent experience may be considered, with 0-1 years in mental health or related fields.

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits support health and well-being, including a comprehensive compensation package and tuition assistance. Penn Medicine employees are committed to our mission, making advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship, military status, or any other protected status by law.