Psych Tech (Temp Assignment - 8 weeks)

Universal Hospital Services Inc.; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

River Oaks Hospital, affiliated with Universal Health Services, is a private psychiatric facility in New Orleans seeking a dedicated Psychiatric Tech (Mental Health Tech - RBT certified preferred) to join our healthcare team. The tech serves on the clinical staff, helps maintain a safe therapeutic environment, and supports patient participation in programs and activities.

Shifts available: Days (7am–7pm) or Nights (7pm–7am), 36 hours per week.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; some college preferred.
• Must have at least 1 year of experience with patients in behavioral health; adolescents or children preferred.
• CPR certification required; RBT certification highly desirable.
• Ability to apply de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques for safety.
• Excellent verbal communication with patients, coworkers and visitors.
• Teamwork; actively participate in a treatment team environment.
• Commitment to Service Excellence standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ mental and physical health and document findings in medical records.
• Monitor patients during the required 15-minute checks.
• Conduct vital signs.
• Know location and condition of all patients at all times.
• Ensure proper hand off of clinical information.
• Perform safety checks daily and as needed per guidelines.
• Manage group of patients in outside activities (smoke breaks, outings, walks, meals, and group study).
• Assist in management of behavior and control of destructive behavior per facility guidelines.
• Recognize signs of impaired social interaction and motivate patients toward cooperation.
• Teach alternatives to destructive behavior.

Skills

Experience in behavioral health

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Empathy & compassion

Education

High School diploma or GED

Some college preferred

Tools

CPR certification

RBT certification

Job description

Responsibilities

Who We Are

River Oaks Hospital, affiliated with Universal Health Services, is located in metropolitan New Orleans, Louisiana, is a private psychiatric facility for adults, adolescents and children. Since 1970, River Oaks has established a tradition of excellence in the treatment of acute psychiatric illness, dual diagnosis, alcohol and drug detoxification, trauma based disorders, compulsive behaviors, and eating disorders, River Oaks has provided quality treatment to service individuals suffering from mental illness, and/or addictive disorders. Situated on a 14-acre campus, services are available at all levels of care (inpatient, day or partial hospitalization, outpatient, and intensive outpatient).

For more information about our hospital, please visit: https://riveroakshospital.com/

Job Overview

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionatePsychiatric Tech (Mental Health Tech - RBT certified preferred)to join our healthcare team. The Mental Health Tech serves as an active member of the clinical staff; assists in maintenance of a safe, clean, therapeutic environment; assures patient participation in program activities; and performs technical/patient care duties relative to patient’s health and safety.

Shifts Available: Days (7am - 7pm), rotating weekends; Nights (7pm - 7am), rotating weekends

Must work 36 hours week

Temporary assignment is 8 weeks. The temporary assignment may be extended additional weeks based on organizational needs.

If the temporary assignment extends working through the holidays, the candidate must be able to work the holidays as follows:

• Day Shift Tech
  • Must work Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day
• Night Shift Tech
  • Must work Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve

NOTE: Candidates employed by any UHS facility within the last 6 months are not eligible for these appointmens.

Hourly rate: $25.00

This position is not eligible for shift differential or benefits.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Education – High School diploma or GED required. Some college preferred.
• Must have experience working with patients at least one year in a behavioral health setting. Prefer experience with adolescents or children.
• Certifications – Must maintain current CPR certification.RBT certification highly desirable.
• Must have ability to apply de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to ensure safety for patients and staff.
• Communication – Must possess excellent verbal skills in communicating with patients, coworkers and visitors.
• Teamwork – Must be able to actively participate in a treatment team environment.
• Service Excellence – Consistently demonstrates all Service Excellence Standards.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conducts thorough assessments of patients’ mental and physical health, documenting findings accurately in medical records.
• Monitors patients during the required 15-minute checks.
• Conducts vital signs.
• Knows location and condition of all patients at all times
• Ensure proper hand off of clinical information
• Performs safety checks daily and as needed per guidelines
• Manage group of patients in outside activities; i.e., smoke breaks, outings, walks, meals, and group study.
• Assists in management of behavior and control of destructive behavior per facility guidelines
• Recognizes signs of impaired social interaction and motivates patients toward desired cooperation
• Teaches alternatives to destructive behavior

Skills and Competencies

• Previous experience in a mental health hospital setting is required.
• Knowledge of aliment-related issues affecting mental health is a plus.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for effective patient interaction.
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work effectively with others
• Ability to exhibit empathy, respect and compassion that involve understanding and care for patients.

Join our team of healthcare professionals dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to our patients. Your expertise as a Psych Tech will make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve.

About Universal Health Services (UHS):

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues were $13.4 billion in 2022. During the year, UHS was again recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune; and listed in Forbes ranking of America’s Largest Public Companies. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 94,000 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located all over the U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. www.uhs.com