Mental Health Tech- SBHU

Job Summary:

Summary:

A Mental Health Technician (MHT) performs selected patient care activities under the supervision of the Program Director and/or Nurse Manager.  Primary duties include observing and recording patient information pertinent to the treatment plan and reporting this information to the Staff Registered Nurse. This position is also responsible for escorting and monitoring patient activities and attending to their personal needs.  The MHT must be capable of physically assisting patients, dealing with patient emergencies, and working as a member of the clinical team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
• Restore and promote patient’s health by assisting in their individual therapeutic treatment plan
• Conducts activities in accordance with patient diagnosis and needs
• Attend to patient personal needs (oral hygiene, toileting, bathing, dressing, transferring, etc.) as required.
• Escort and monitor patients during admissions, transfers and discharges; and provide line-of-sight or one-to-one support to patients as ordered by the physician
• Check and document luggage and personal belongings upon admission; maintain patient property list
• Regularly observe and record patients’ behaviors, temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure and weight
• Monitor and document patient’s food and fluid intake; feeding patients as required
• Complete and document 15 minute (or less) visual checks on patients per unit/hospital policy
• Insure patient dignity and respect patient values
• Establish a compassionate environment by providing emotional and psychological support to patients, families and friends
• Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality; and protects operations by keeping patient and program information confidential
• Operate within ethical standards
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary team members
• Assure quality of care by adhering to therapeutic standards, measuring health outcomes against patient care goals and regulatory standards
• Coordinate and supervise therapeutic activities for individual patients and for groups in accordance with patient care treatment plans
• Help maintain unit cleanliness and neatness for patient comfort
• Assist in orientation for patients and families
• Per RN direction, and using approved methods, assist in safely placing patients in seclusion or restraints; observe suicide/seclusion precautions
• Monitor visitors and supervise visitation
• Intervene with patients who disregard, violate, or ignore unit safety rules.  Report any signs of increasing aggression, suicidal behavior, and danger of elopement, violation of smoking rules, or violation of any other unit/facility safety rules.
• Assist in emergency care if necessary
• Maintain continuity among peers by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs
• Protect patients and employees by adhering to safety standards; infection-control policies and protocols; storage procedures; and controlled substance regulations
• Use hygienic practices and teach patient hygienic practices
• Attends and contributes to therapeutic groups, community meetings and activities
• Attends appropriate facility in-service training programs
• Completes all required educational sessions, including staff meetings and competencies per unit/hospital policy
• Ensure operations of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs; and evaluating new equipment and techniques
• Assist with tele psych equipment as required
• Provide feedback to supervisor on ongoing basis in regard to concerns, improvements, changes, etc.
• Other duties as consistent with this role.

Job Requirements

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to manage anger, fear, hostility, and violence of others appropriately
• Ability to make decisions under pressure
• Ability to manage stress appropriately
• Proficient in applicable software applications
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines
• Comfortable working in confined or crowded areas
• Comfortable working alone or in a team environment
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions and correspondence moderate in complexity
• Ability to communicate the needs of the patients

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED preferred
• Crisis prevention certification as required
• Basic Cardiac Life Support certification required
• Minimum one year experience with appropriate education preferred

An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. Lifting/carrying frequently up to 35 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.  Some stress related to high level of responsibility for quality care.

MHTs work in close contact with patients who have moderate to severe psychiatric concerns and/or behavioral issues.  There is the possibility MHTs could be exposed to violent behavior from patients and/or infectious diseases as part of their daily duties.

This role periodically uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.

The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to physically perform the requirements of the crisis prevention model utilized to provide safe physical holding of patients and transport techniques. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Americans with Disabilities Statement

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

Standard of Business Conduct

Every St Joseph Hospital employee is required to abide by the Standards of Conduct and to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.

Covenant Health Mission Statement

We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our Core Values:

•Compassion

We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.

•Integrity

We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources.

•Collaboration

We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities.

•Excellence

We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.

Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history).

Comp Range:

Rate of pay displayed reflects the beginning of the pay scale.  At the time of an offer, determination of your offer will reflect your skills and experience as it relates to the position.

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