Psychiatric Technician- Behavioral Health Unit

Mercy Cedar Rapids; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading health care provider in Cedar Rapids is seeking a Psychiatric Technician for its Behavioral Health Unit. This role involves direct patient care, monitoring, and supporting patients with behavioral issues in a therapeutic environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to promote positive coping mechanisms among patients while ensuring their safety and well-being.

Qualifications

• Experience with mental health or behavioral patients required.
• High school diploma needed, with preference for health care-related education.
• Certification in Basic Life Support and CPI training required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and safety monitoring.
• Facilitate wellness and coping skills groups.
• Document patient observations and actions taken.

Skills

Therapeutic communication

Coping mechanisms

Interpersonal skills

Behavior observation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

One year of college in health care or related field

Job description

Psychiatric Technician- Behavioral Health Unit

Pay Competitive

Employment type PRN

Job Description

Req#: 9739 This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by providing direct patient care and support for patients with behavioral issues. The Psychiatric Technician promotes a safe and therapeutic environment through 1:1 patient interaction, safety monitoring, group facilitation, and de-escalation. Job Duties
Ensure that accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, their families, and co-workers at hand offs and other times as needed. Take all measures necessary to ensure that the appropriate and involved parties have communicated necessary information in order to allow for the best possible patient outcome. Establish therapeutic alliances with patients through patient centered communication. Promote a safe environment for patients by completing safety checks, 1:1 observation, contraband searches, and environmental rounds and correcting safety hazards promptly. Monitor patient activity and alerts licensed personnel to any changes in behaviors that are of concern. Utilize deescalation techniques for assisting patients in regaining and maintaining control and safety. Provide direct patient care to assist with activities of daily living. Provide physical interventions when necessary in order to maintain safety while using safe techniques and following policy and procedures. Document in medical record data collected and patient observations. Perform clerical duties as needed such as answering the phone, ordering supplies Respond appropriately to emergencies and life threatening conditions. Demonstrate support for changes in practice designed to improve performance. Create a welcoming environment for new staff members, patients and patient's families. Provide safe and effective patient care under the supervision of the licensed nurse by performing tasks and support functions as delegated by the department. Assure patient privacy by knocking on doors, closing curtains, and protecting patient information. Facilitate wellness, goals, coping skills, and recreational groups as needed. Educate patient to utilize positive coping skills to improve overall well-being. Assist is providing service information and support for the crisis phone line callers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrates effective therapeutic communication skills. Recognizes manipulative and destructive behaviors and utilizes skills to promote positive coping mechanisms. Demonstrates an ability to assist appropriately with the facilitation of patient treatment groups. Excellent interpersonal skills. Demonstrates the ability to provide safe and effective patient care. Ensures that accurate and relevant information is communicated with patients, families and coworkers at hand-offs to ensure the best possible patient outcomes within MMC.
Professional Experience
Work experience with mental health, chemical dependency, or behavioral patients required. Will consider college classes towards the experience reqiurement.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent required. One year of college in health care, social services, psychology or related field preferred.
Licensure, Certification, Registration
Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), in accordance with the American Heart Association required. The department requires Crisis Prevention & Intervention (CPI) training required within 60 days of hire. Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory Reporter training required. Employee must submit certification of completed training to Human Resources prior to start or transfer date.

About the company

656 Mercy Medical Center is a Catholic hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Notice

Talentify is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Talentify provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities, including disabled veterans. Request assistance at [e-mail] or 407-000-0000.

Federal law requires every new hire to complete Form I-9 and present proof of identity and U.S. work eligibility.

An Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) will score your job-related skills and responses. Bias-audit & data-use details: www.talentify.io/bias-audit-report . NYC applicants may request an alternative process or accommodation at [e-mail] or 407-000-0000.