Psychiatric Technician (QMHA)

Albertina Kerr; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Albertina Kerr in Portland, OR seeks a Psychiatric Technician QMHA-eligible to provide direct care for children and adolescents in acute psychiatric episodes. You’ll run skills groups, guide recreational activities, and support daily living tasks within a strength-based, collaborative team.

Position requires QMHA eligibility within 90 days of hire or existing certification, plus a bachelor’s degree or 3 years of relevant behavioral health experience.

Qualifications

• QMHA certification required; eligibility within 90 days of start.
• Bachelor’s degree or 3 years of relevant behavioral health experience.
• Experience with clients with high behavioral acuity.
• Understanding of age-specific child development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills and ability to learn new systems.
• Physical requirements: lifting, bending, standing for extended periods.
• Knowledge or ability to follow Oregon Intervention System (OIS) protocols.

Responsibilities

• Conducts evaluations and assessments of clients.
• Ensures clients’ safety and provides basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene).
• Consults treatment plans to apply appropriate care.
• Teaches social skills and facilitates socialization.
• Facilitates educational and therapeutic groups for clients.
• Documents notes and completes incident reporting.
• Performs safeguarding interventions.
• Performs cleaning and housekeeping tasks.

Skills

QMHA certification

Behavioral health experience

Age-appropriate development

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Physical capability

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

3 years behavioral health experience

Job description

At Albertina Kerr, we believe that all people thrive in nurturing and inclusive communities. Our mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to lead self-determined lives in their communities.As a Psychiatric Technician who is QMHA registered or eligible, you will provide direct care and support to children and adolescents experiencing an acute psychiatric episode. This is an extraordinary opportunity to enter or grow your career in the mental health field. You'll facilitate skills groups and education groups, guide structured recreational activities, and support the children and adolescents we serve in their daily activities. Kerr utilizes Collaborative Problem Solving in helping children with behavioral challenges. This strength-based model fosters the understanding that kids do well if they can.Our Children's Psychiatric Crisis (Subacute) program offers short-time, safe, and secure residential placement for children and teens who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Services focus on mental health stabilization, psychiatric evaluation, and transitional planning with an average length of stay around three weeks. Common diagnoses include major depression, suicide ideation, and anxiety. You'll support a diverse population, including transgender and nonbinary youth as part of an impactful, multidisciplinary team.Essential DutiesConducts evaluations and assessments of clients.Ensures clients personal safety and provide with basic needs: adequate food, clean clothing, and assistance in areas of hygiene when needed.Consults treatment plan to implement appropriate care for developmental needs.Teaches social skills and provides appropriate opportunities for socialization.Facilitates educational groups and therapeutic skills groups for clients.Consistently fulfills the duties of a mandatory abuse reporter.Documents notes and carries out incident reporting.Performs safe-guarding interventions.Completes cleaning and housekeeping tasks.Position covered under SEIU Local 503 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).BenefitsPaid medical, dental, and vision employee benefitsPaid basic life & accident insurancePaid internal training and career developmentPaid holidays and generous time off401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4% employer match24-hour Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that provides resources for everything from mental health to pet insurance and financial counsellingBachelor's degree in a relevant area of study as defined by the QMHA certification or 3 years of relevant behavioral health occupational experience.QMHA certification required. Passage of QMHA eligibility at 90 days after start of employment is required if employee does not have it at time of hire.Visit MHACBO for more details.Demonstrated experience and skill in working with clients with high level of behavioral acuity.Understanding of age specific child development.Ability to interact effectively with clients, families, and peers.Adept problem-solving skills.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Ability to constantly apply adequate visual and auditory senses to supervise and care for individuals served.Proficient computer skills, and capacity to learn new operating systems and applications.Basic math skills.Physical requirements: Ability to lift, push, bend and pull; stand or move about; raise arms in an unsupported position; twist from side to side at the waist; reach for objects; perform similar repetitive hand operations or other fatiguing demands for over five hours per day.Ability to safely perform Oregon Intervention System (OIS) requirements for physical intervention techniques.