Behavioral Health Technician- Emergency Department, Full Time Days
About The Position
The Behavioral Health Technician provides routine patient care in the Emergency Department under the direction of a nurse. The role includes observing and monitoring patients, recording changes in condition, obtaining vital signs and weights, helping with activities of daily living, providing emotional support, and facilitating groups. The technician assists with admissions, transfers, and discharges, including contraband searches and inventory and safekeeping of patients’ belongings. The role also uses crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques and helps maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment. The technician serves as a resource for medical staff, nursing staff, security, and other Behavioral Health Technicians.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- BLS certification from the American Heart Association.
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training and certification within 30 days of employment; unrestricted NCI Certification upon completion of training.
- Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Competency working with children, adolescents, and adults with mental illness.
- Basic knowledge of age-specific considerations for the population served.
- General computer competency.
- CNA certification from the NC Nursing Assistant Registry is listed under required licenses and certifications.
- Ability to work variable shifts.
- Ability to bend, stand for prolonged periods, walk, turn, and lift patients.
- Visual and auditory acuity for observation and manual dexterity for computer use and documentation.
- May have skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material.
Nice To Haves
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Social Work.
- Two years of psychiatric experience.
- Nursing Assistant certification accepted.
Responsibilities
- Provide care that promotes safety, protects patient rights, preserves dignity, provides comfort, and supports a positive therapeutic environment.
- Assist with admissions, including conducting contraband searches, orienting patients to their room and environment, obtaining vital signs, and securing belongings.
- Assist with patient transfers and discharges, including obtaining vital signs and gathering belongings.
- Obtain and monitor vital signs, obtain patient weights, and report abnormalities to the nurse.
- Assist patients with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene and toileting when necessary.
- Assist with therapeutic holds, restraints, and seclusion procedures after completing NCI Training.
- Assess patients through play and group activities and report abnormal findings to the nurse.
- Assist with Q-15-minute rounding and video, visual constant, and touch constant observation, including monitoring and documentation as directed by the nurse.
- Assist with intake and output documentation and graphing vital signs as directed.
- Facilitate Therapeutic Community Meeting and Wrap-up as assigned.
- Participate in educational and performance improvement initiatives.
- Actively participate in cost containment.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
