Health Technician (Mental Health)

The VA New Jersey Healthcare System is recruiting for GS-0640-6 Health Technicians (Mental Health) at the East Orange, NJ campus. The primary purpose of the position is to perform routine clinical procedures and tasks for which the incumbent has been deemed competent that do not require the judgement of a licensed health care professional. The incumbent functions under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and is responsible to the Nurse Manager in the assigned clinical area. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology Skill taking vital sign measurements, documenting deviations, and reporting results and recovery-oriented care Knowledge of behavioral crisis situations and how to assist in the performance of rescue measures Ability to assist patients safely, including patient handling Knowledge of infection control practices Knowledge of behavioral restraints, including application and safety considerations Knowledge of Direct Line of Sight procedures knowledge of electronic medical records, patient identification procedures, and information security Preferred Experience: 1+ years acute mental health experience, psychology or related degree. There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ["The incumbent functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team in the acute inpatient psych setting. The incumbent may be trained in new procedures within scope and then assume duties as required to support clinical operations and patient care. Duties include, but are not limited to: Patient Centered Care: The employee collaborates in a team-oriented, customer-driven, professional environment to develop new models of care that emphasize prevention, improve access and coordination of care; educate and empower patients and their families; enhance the customer experience with positive human interactions and therapeutic alliances; and promote the coordination, continuity, and integration of care. The employee demonstrates flexibility, integrity, and accountability with a work ethic that emphasizes excellence and quality. Customer confidence is enhanced by professional dress and demeanor. Other Major Duties: Clinical Activities: 90% Plans and conducts therapeutic groups including but not limited to health teaching, coping skills, and recreational activities. Utilizes therapeutic alliances and PMDB techniques to prevent and de-escalate crisis situations. Collects and reports vital sign monitoring. Collects routine and urgent specimens as directed by the Registered Nurse. Monitors behavioral patterns and reports immediately deviations from the norm which may indicate dangerous or unsafe behavior. Participates in planning and implementation of individual treatment plans with the interdisciplinary care team. The HT recognizes emergency mental health situations such as suicidal ideation and intervenes by utilizing techniques to keep the patient safe while awaiting assistance per protocol. The HT performs constant observation for high-risk patients and follows procedures to ensure safety of room environment, maintaining line of sight visual surveillance, and reporting changes in patient behavior to the RN. Escorts patients to procedures and appointments as needed. Performs video surveillance monitoring (TMO) for up to 12 veterans. Performs other duties as assigned. Administrative Activities: 10% Schedules procedures, provider evaluations, and coordinates appointments with other services. Documents treatments and procedures that they have conducted in the electronic medical record. Orders and maintains specialized supplies needed for equipment and instruments used in assigned unit. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30PM. Tour/Schedule to be determined by Supervisor. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Mental Health)/PD39013A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"] Create a Job Alert for Similar Jobs

About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VA health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Our medical center provides primary care and specialty health services, including cardiology, mental health care, treatment for spinal cord injuries and disorders, suicide prevention, women’s health services, and more.

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