Crisis Intervention Technician

University of Maryland Medical System•Aberdeen, MD

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision and/or direction of the Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse, monitors patient care activities and the environment to maintain the therapeutic milieu and safety for an adult population of psychiatrically ill patients on the behavioral health unit. Patients range from age 18 years and older.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
Ability to interact and verbally de-escalate patients in crisis.
Ability to work well under pressure during crisis situations.
Ability to follow instructions provided in written/oral format.
Ability to effectively function as a member of the multi-disciplinary team.
Ability to demonstrate maturity, tact, sound judgement and sensitivity to patients regardless of their level of functioning.
Ability to respond to psychiatric emergency situations appropriately, utilizing CPI, as needed with physically aggressive patients.
Ability to effectively convey verbal and written information.
Ability to understand and respect importance of patient privacy and confidentiality.
Ability to manage time and multi-task effectively, setting appropriate priorities.
Ability to develop and promote a constructive/positive atmosphere within the work area by demonstrating the ability to maintain cooperation with and assist fellow team members.

Nice To Haves

Associates/Bachelors Degree in a related field preferred.
Previous experience in a behavioral health and/or law enforcement setting preferred.
Must complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training upon hire.

Responsibilities

Develops and promotes a constructive/positive atmosphere within the behavioral health inpatient unit for patients and team members through interaction and engagement.
Provides a visible deterrence for potentially violent and emotionally distraught patients by utilizing therapeutic rapport and if necessary, the least restrictive physical intervention required as per CPI techniques.
Responds quickly and effectively to emergent and non-emergent situations. Utilizes knowledge and prior training of handling aggressive patients to assist team members in safely managing patients, according to policy.
Communicates observations and pertinent information to the RN regarding patients’ physical and mental changes, including age-specific and cultural needs.
Participates in team huddles and handoff report. Works closely with BH team members via communicating regarding patients’ escalation triggers and potential for violence.
Actively participates in team debriefings after physical intervention of patients.
Demonstrates compliance with patient safety protocols. Safely transports, transfers, and ambulates patients using appropriate body mechanics.
Demonstrates interpersonal skills appropriate to the age/developmental stage of patients, visitors and team members.
Decreases the emotional, physical, and mental stress level of a situation using verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques.
Completes all required training, participates in Department meetings, and functions as part of the BH team.
Performs other duties, as assigned.