Mental Health Technician MHT Carroll County High School

Position Summary:

Provides direct and indirect patient care under the direction of a RN or LPN/LVN. Provides for the personal care and comfort of psychiatric patients. Provides a safe, clean environment. Participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Position Responsibilities:

Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)

* Performs and records patient vital signs, intake and output; notifies RN of any changes.

* Continuously observes patients' behavior, mental status and activities, notifies RN of any changes or unusual occurrences.

* Demonstrates the ability to identify behaviors that require intervention.

* Escorts patients when leaving the unit for activities, meals, visitation, and scheduled tests.

* Able to perform patient safety checks at scheduled times, documents appropriately.

* Able to assist with restraint (physical hold) of a patient, placing a patient in seclusion under the direction of the RN and utilizing CPI techniques and adherence to policy and procedure.

* Demonstrates the ability to set limits for patients and other de-escalation techniques.

* Documentation meets current standards and policies.

* Answers the telephone in a professional manner, directs calls appropriately, takes messages.

* Operates equipment safely and correctly

* Orients patients to the unit, takes admission vital signs and records on the Nursing Assessment Form and/or the EHR.

* Participates in treatment team meetings. Communicates appropriately and clearly to the Nurse Manager, RNs therapists and physicians.

* Perform 15-minute observation rounds and documents appropriately.

* Assists in the orientation of new staff members.

* Assists with therapeutic educational groups under the direction of the RN or Director of Clinical Services.

* Responsible for one-on-one observation and constant visual observation for high-risk patients.

* Responsible for assisting patients needing additional care related to medical needs.

* Monitors patient's compliance with pre- and post- procedure instructions, including ECT instructions, under the supervision of the RN.

* Provides general nursing care, i.e., transferring patients, assisting with ADLs, meals.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Safety (15% of performance review)

* Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members

* Follows all safety rules while on the job.

* Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.

* Corrects minor safety hazards.

* Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.

* Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.

* Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.

* Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Teamwork (15% of performance review)

* Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.

* Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.

* Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.

* The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required

* Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.

* Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.

* Adheres to the Standards of Behavior

Integrity (15% of performance review)

* Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital

* Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.

* Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.

* Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.

* Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership

* Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.

* Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.

* Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.

Compassion (15% of performance review)

* Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.

* Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand

* Desire to go above and beyond for others

* Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences

Qualifications

Education

* Required: High school diploma or GED. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.

* Preferred: Some college classes. Certified Nursing Assistant certification

* Maintains education and development appropriate for position.

* May substitute experience for education

Experience

* Required: Previous experience in a healthcare setting

* Preferred: One (1) year of experience as a behavioral health technician

* May substitute education for experience