Activity Therapy Tech-Behavioral Health PRN

Job Summary:

This position will have a therapeutic programming schedule assigned by Activity Therapy Lead. This position will assist in the preparation and implementation of the Therapeutic Activities Program. They will provide and/or direct the provision of educational activities/therapies to patients with mental illness and serve as a role model while conducting therapeutic interventions. This position assists Recreational Therapist/Therapeutic Activities Supervisor with facilitating the incentive program, competency program, client worker program, and therapeutic activities program. They may also be asked to provide or escort hospital transportation, support nursing staff in a direct care role as a Psychiatric Nursing Associate, or other duties as assigned. When not transporting or providing programming, this position will also provide patient care services under the clinical supervision of the Unit Manager to provide quality psychiatric direct care in the inpatient setting. Works as a valued member of the professional team to provide verbal and supportive movement to meet individualized goals of the treatment team. Responsible to the Unit Manager and the Charge Nurse. Safe, effective performance of direct patient care duties required.

Major Responsibilities / Duties / Critical Tasks:

This is a PRN as needed position.

Always maintain patient privacy and confidentiality of information and records.

Accurately complete required paperwork in a timely manner.

Attend all mandatory department meetings and required education /training programs

Know responsibilities related to general safety, regulatory compliance, and job-related hazards.

Follow all administrative and departmental policies and procedures.

Always maintain a professional appearance and attitude.

Able to adapt to and overcome frequently changing conditions and circumstances to ensure patient needs are successfully met.

Able to shift clock-in/clock-out times several hours either direction as needed on occasional basis.

Welcomes and orients new patients to the unit and programming schedule/opportunities

Assists Recreational Therapist/Therapeutic Activities Supervisor with programming assessment and interest inventory.

Collaborates with Recreational Therapist/Therapeutic Activities Supervisor to prepare weekly lesson/activity plans.

Assists new hires to become familiar with program's function and location of equipment/supplies for activities.

Provides activity groups that are educational, interactive, and fun for patients.

Documents patients' attendance and their response to the interventions offered.

• Work involves providing personal health services (assist with eating, drinking, bathing, mobility, and other care) and every 15-minute monitoring of behaviors.

Assists nursing staff to provide therapeutic environment to promote living and social skills of all persons with mental illness.

Will assist in inventory for patient belongings as directed.

Male PNA staff is expected to respond to Behavioral issues such as "Code Bert".

Recording information on progress notes and other required forms and communication with other staff regarding patients.

Work is assigned in 8-hour shifts but opportunities for 12-hour shift rotation with holidays and weekends as assigned/needed

Completion of Annual Mandatory Training, SAMA training, TB testing, and required licensure and certifications before expiration date.

Complete other duties as assigned.

Ensure vehicle interiors are clean and welcoming to patients.

Utilize procedures for obtaining preventative maintenance and repair of vehicles.

Mitigate risks to transport patients as safely as possible.

Ensure all patients are using safety equipment appropriately.

Utilize safety equipment such as the wheelchair lift responsibly and secure wheelchairs with four-point system

Required Education / Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain current SAMA training.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain current BLS certification.

• Must have and maintain a valid Texas driver's license.

Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Must have and maintain a solid driving record.

• Basic computer literacy.

• Experience with patients with mental illness.

• Ability to exercise good judgement to manage emotionally reactive situations involving patients/families should difficulties arise while off-site.