DSA Admissions

DHRM•Staunton, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Western State Hospital is currently recruiting for a Psychiatric Care Technician for their Admissions Unit/Float position. This position plays an important role in maintaining a safe, therapeutic, recovery-oriented environment while supporting patients throughout treatment and the admission process. The Psychiatric Care Technician provides direct patient care and support within the Harvest/Webb Learning Center, Admissions Office, and other hospital areas as assigned.

Requirements

Employee needs to be able to effectively communicate with patient and staff; able to follow instructions and report observations/behaviors to licensed nurse.
Demonstrates knowledge of trauma informed care.

Nice To Haves

Previous healthcare experience preferred
Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and/or previous psychiatric experience preferred
Bi-lingual Spanish/English a plus
Veteran or Spouse of Veteran

Responsibilities

Provide patient supervision and support during Learning Center/PSR programming while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
Implement individualized treatment plans and one-to-one interventions using recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care principles.
Serve as a role model and provide direction to PCT/DSA staff regarding patient engagement, assignments, safety procedures, and appropriate use of sensory integration tools.
Recognize and respond appropriately to behavioral and psychiatric emergencies using TOVA principles and least-restrictive approaches.
Assist with orientation of new employees to Learning Center procedures and expectations.
Provide coverage in the Admissions Office as needed, including monitoring newly admitted patients, obtaining and documenting vital signs, assisting with patient needs, and supporting the admission process.
Provide direction and assistance to PCT/DSA staff assigned to Admissions Office duties.
Complete required patient observations, safety checks, flow sheets, reports, and other clinical documentation accurately and timely.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, hygiene, appropriate clothing, nutritional needs, and other direct-care needs.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients, coworkers, nursing staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
Maintain a safe therapeutic environment and support hospital efforts to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint.
Provide unit support and accept deployment to the Learning Center, Admissions Office, inpatient units, or other areas based on patient care and staffing needs.
Assist with patient transportation to off-site clinical appointments when assigned.
Complete required annual competencies, mandated training, core training requirements, and continuing education.
Demonstrate reliability and flexibility, including the ability to adjust work schedules or remain beyond scheduled hours when necessary to support patient care and safe staffing.