Mental Health Technician - Psychiatric Services

Overview

Halifax Health is seeking a Mental Health Technician for the Psychiatric Services Department.

Summary

The Mental Health Technician is a para-professional healthcare employee who provides direct patient care and observation for adolescent, adult and geriatric patients under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Job Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.

• Paramedic/EMT/CNA or 2nd Year RN Student and BLS required.

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related degree in a mental health field preferred.

• One year experience working as a CNA/Paramedic/EMT preferred.

• Some experience working with Mental Health clients preferred.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides continuous patient care, direct observation/supervision, interaction and positive role modeling to the child, adolescent, adult or geriatric patient in a manner that promotes safety and therapeutic treatment

• Works with other members of a multi-disciplinary team in facilitating milieu activities such as community meetings, goals, groups and recreational activities as appropriate to the specified patient population

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADL)

• Ability to respond to patients with empathy and with positive interpersonal skills

• Recognizes potential escalation of behavior and has the ability to use appropriate and effective de-escalation skills

• Ability to react calmly and therapeutically in a crisis situation

• Knowledge of potential risks and safety precautions in the care of mental health patients including conducting observation checks according to policy and procedure

• Reports patient status, issues, concerns and behavioral changes of the patient to the RN

• Maintains patient confidentiality and is compliant with HIPAA requirements

• Serves as a role model providing structure and guidance to patients in positive ways

• Exhibits organizational ability, sound judgment and initiative

• Interacts positively and effectively with patient, family members and other members of the multidisciplinary team

• Attends staff meetings, trainings, in-service presentations and completes all mandatory education requirements

• Follows policy and procedures and all regulatory agencies requirements related to use of seclusion and/or restraint

• Compliant with assigned schedule and time and attendance policy

• Performs other duties as assigned or directed

About Us

Recognized as one of the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals in the United States by IBM Watson Health, Halifax Health serves Volusia and Flagler counties, providing a continuum of health care services through a network of organizations including a tertiary hospital, two community hospitals, urgent care clinics, psychiatric services, a cancer treatment center with five outreach locations, the area's largest hospice, a center for inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, primary care walk-in clinics, a clinic specializing in women's health, a pediatric care community clinic, five pediatric medical practices, a home health care agency and an exclusive provider organization. Halifax Health offers the area's only Level II Trauma Center, Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC), Center for Transplant Services, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Services, complete Neurosurgical Services, OB Emergency Department and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for babies born earlier than 28 weeks. For more information, visit halifaxhealth.org.