Behavioral Health Milieu Tech- 36hr

Connecticut Children's Medical Center•Hartford, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Behavioral Health Milieu Technicians (BHMT) provide hands-on care to individuals with varying degrees of mental health and medical diagnoses. BHMTs perform a vital, front-line function by observing, treating, and interacting with patients and families. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse on an inpatient/hospital unit, they perform a variety of routine direct patient care, environmental, and administrative support activities to promote the health, safety, and comfort of patients and families. The BHMT will also assist in educational, recreational, and therapeutic activities when deemed appropriate.

Requirements

Associate degree required with a minimum of six months direct patient or client care.
OR High School diploma, GED equivalent, or a higher level of education that would require a High School diploma and 3 years of experience in a Mental Health related field.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required upon hire.
Crisis Intervention training certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained current at all times.
Understanding and follow Connecticut Children’s policies and procedures.
Basic medical terminology, mathematics and measurements.
Understanding of reasons for and techniques for managing aggressive and self-harming behavior.
Basic understanding of trauma informed care.
Basic understanding of organization environment of care and infections control policies and procedures.
Excellent interpersonal skills and communications required.
Important personal characteristics include a conscientious sense of self and a true motivation to help others.
Stress Management/Composure.
Blocking and redirecting patient movements against the patient’s weight.
Physical interventions in response to aggressive and self-injurious behavior.
Ability to move quickly and confidently to intervene in situations when protective holds and/or movements are deemed necessary.
Maintain quality, safety and infection control standards.
Learn and follow established protocols to respond in emergency situations.
Learn and demonstrate competency in basic data entry, use of collaborative care and safety plans and documentation in the medical record.
Work across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a licensed clinical team member, assist or lead educational, recreational, and therapeutic activities and group activities in the Milieu, including conflict resolution, stress management, and recreational activities.
Provides direct patient care (as defined by unit) that addresses the population-specific needs of the patients on the unit.
Obtain vital signs, temperature, weight, height, or other patient data as required.
Obtain and perform Point of Care testing on collected specimens (e.g., blood glucose, venipuncture, urine, pharyngeal swabs etc.).
Take part in collecting data during the intake/admission process for all admitted patients, including completing inventory and searching of personal belongings.
Participates in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
Communicates to the team observations of the environment and patient indicators that a patient is escalating or at increased risk for agitation/aggression or harm to self or others.
Works to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while maintaining boundaries for patients, families, and staff.
Supports visitation guidelines and policies as established by unit and hospital.
May be assigned to the role of patient observation based on unit need.
Identifies unit/patient needs, reports and resolves potential/actual escalations on the unit.
Demonstrates appropriate critical incident follow-up skills by timely verbal reporting to the care team and documentation in the Electronic Health Record as appropriate.
Completes other documentation, i.e., Incident reports, seclusion and restraints as applicable.
Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living, which may include assisting with feedings and personal care (e.g., hygiene, ambulating, and activities of daily living).
Transport patients.
Assist with patient admissions and discharges.
Assist in procedural holds as directed by MD, Provider, and/or primary nurse.
Demonstrates an awareness of safety needs and a basic knowledge of medical terminology, infection control, risk management, and environment of care policies in all interactions with patients/families.
Helps in the application and removal of physical restraints when directed by the attending medical provider and/or primary nurse.