Mental Health Technician, Pediatric Behavioral Health

Overview

Mental Health Technician II, Pediatric Behavioral Health

Brenner Children's Hospital

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

Full-Time: 36hrs (3) 12hrs shifts weekly 

Night Shift:  7p-7a w/alternating weekends

Job Summary:

The Mental Health Technician plays a crucial role in providing patient care to psychiatric patients. They work under the guidance of a Registered Nurse and in alignment with the treatment plan established by the treatment team for Adult and Pediatric Behavioral Health. This role involves developing therapeutic relationships with patients and their families, participating in department and team treatment programs through educational groups and one-on-one interactions, and delivering both direct and indirect care to psychiatric patients across various age groups.

Position Highlights:

• Shift Schedule: Full time Night 7p-7a w/alternating weekends
• Department: Peds Behavioral Health
• Location:  Brenner Children's Hospital

Requirements:

• Associate's degree in human services, psychology, or a related field required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration:

• Must obtain Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) training for physical restraint within 90 days of hire.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) for healthcare providers required.
• Nursing assistant certification

Key Responsibilities:

1. Treatment Plan Collaboration: Collaborate with the Registered Nurse to plan and initiate appropriate interventions in line with policies and procedures. Manage supplies to meet patient needs and budget constraints as part of Milieu Management.
2. Data Collection and Communication: Collect and communicate physical and psychosocial data about the health status of patients and their families in a systematic and continuous manner. This process includes involving patients and families. Observe and report symptoms, behaviors, and changes in patient condition promptly. Initiate one-on-one interactions with patients as per the milieu program.
3. Participation in Treatment Programs: Actively participate in departmental treatment programs by creatively determining therapeutic interventions that maximize patient outcomes. Carry out therapeutic interventions tailored to specific patient needs. Communicate any barriers to the treatment team. Collaborate with patients and the treatment team to optimize activities and patient schedules. Provide accurate, thorough, and timely documentation in line with departmental requirements.
4. Standards of Care: Demonstrate knowledge of standards of care practice and integrate them into daily practice. Ensure that safety checks are performed correctly and documented accurately. Conduct environmental rounds as required during each shift and follow up with the RN and appropriate documentation.
5. Role Model and Advocate: Serve as an adult role model for patients and peers. Advocate for patient needs and assist in milieu management. Facilitate patient educational groups.
6. Training and Precepting: Assist in the orientation and training of new staff. Serve as a preceptor to new employees regularly. Demonstrate competencies in the preceptor/resource role. Offer recommendations for improving individual performance and provide constructive feedback on your performance. Actively participate in department/hospital committee/task forces.
7. Patient Rights: Uphold patient rights in accordance with North Carolina's Patient's Bill of Rights.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Ability to evaluate and appropriately respond to verbal and nonverbal communication from psychiatric patients across different age groups.
• Demonstrated ability to escort psychiatric patients off the unit.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in computer skills to efficiently use the electronic medical record.
• Strong organizational skills, multitasking ability, and prioritization.
• Knowledge of concepts, procedures, and techniques.
• Skills in team building, problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.
• Capability to work in stressful situations.
• High level of manual dexterity.

Work Environment:

• Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances.
• May need to physically constrain/restrain agitated patients.
• Exposure to specimens carrying infectious diseases.
• Possible exposure to infections and contagious diseases.
• Exposure to the risk of bloodborne diseases.
• Occasional exposure to radiation hazards.
• Exposure to housekeeping/cleaning agents/chemicals.
• Subject to frequent interruptions.
• Occasionally subject to irregular hours.