Behavioral Health Technician-24HR

Connecticut Children's•Hartford, CT

About The Position

The Central Staffing Office (CSO) Behavioral Health Technician promotes the safety, health, and comfort of patients, families, and staff across Med/Surg, PICU, and NICU in connection with behavioral health and psychiatry patients. The role also supports Zone C (Emergency Department) and the Integrated Care Unit as needed. The technician assists the care team with patient intake, observation, safety, activities of daily living, documentation, delegated measurements and tests, and maintaining a therapeutic environment. The technician works under the direction of licensed clinical staff and follows departmental and hospital policies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of experience with pediatric psychiatric or behavioral health patients in a school, hospital, or home environment.
BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers, required upon hire and maintained current at all times.
Marcus Crisis Prevention Program training certification, required within one month of hire and maintained thereafter.

Responsibilities

Assist the Registered Nurse in collecting patient data during intake and admission for behavioral health and psychiatric patients.
Inventory patients’ personal items, conduct appropriate wanding of patients and belongings, participate in supervised clothing changes, secure belongings according to department standards, and return items at the end of the visit.
Communicate observations of the environment and patient indicators of escalating behavior or increased risk of agitation, aggression, or harm to self.
Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and appropriate boundaries for patients, families, and staff.
Support visitation guidelines and policies established by the department and hospital.
As assigned by the primary RN and shift charge RN, serve as an intermittent or roving patient care partner.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dietary needs, and escorting patients off the unit.
Complete patient documentation as appropriate.
Obtain vital signs and weights as delegated by a Registered Nurse; when there are no patients in Zone C, support main Emergency Department triage as assigned by the charge nurse.
Assist with applying and removing physical restraints when directed by the attending medical provider or primary nurse.
Collaborate with the care team to contribute to safe observation levels and the development and implementation of individualized care plans vetted by the licensed team; uphold team-established limits and boundaries.
Use de-escalation techniques and assist with procedural holds as directed by a physician, provider, or RN.
Obtain and test specimens, including blood glucose, urine, and pharyngeal swabs, and perform one- and two-step point-of-care tests.
Perform EKGs.
Conduct continuous rounds to observe for and intervene early in escalating situations.
Keep the department free of unnecessary hallway clutter and obstructions and maintain the environment of care.
Complete daily safety checks and restocking of equipment, restraints, and supplies.
Participate in post-restraint huddles.
Establish effective relationships with patients, families, staff, and external customers or consultants.
Be accountable for departmental and hospital quality and safety initiatives and goals.
Apply knowledge of age-related differences and needs from neonate through adolescence and demonstrate cultural sensitivity in interactions with patients and families.
Value cultural diversity and individual differences in the workforce.
Demonstrate support for the organization’s mission, values, and goals through behaviors consistent with Connecticut Children’s standards.
Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.