Mental Health Technician

Memorial Health•Springfield, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a registered nurse, the Mental Health Technician performs a variety of tasks and services to assist in the provision of care and comfort for mental health patients. This role involves providing age-appropriate care, reporting and recording observations, and contributing to the efficient functioning of the unit by handling telephones, directing unit traffic, and accurately entering patient orders into the electronic medical record. The technician maintains a visible presence on the unit, ensuring a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, employees, and physicians. The position requires intervention in difficult and potentially physical situations to ensure safety, with all duties performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines. The role embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Stewardship.

Requirements

Relevant healthcare program completion (e.g. certified nursing assistant, emergency medical technician-basic, medical assistant, personal care aide , etc.) OR Completion or active enrollment in core nursing classes OR Minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience
CPR certification required, or obtained during nursing team onboarding process.
Minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience performing the essential responsibilities of the mental health technician role.
Basic computer data entry skills, including the ability to enter, store and retrieve information.
Possess updated knowledge and competency in using equipment related to job duties (i.e., gait belt, mobility devices, protection/safety equipment, etc.)
Demonstrate effective communication skills with the ability to relay information to/from patients, their families, and members of the care team.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Demonstrate initiative, self-direction, motivation, and a proven ability to work successfully with a variety of people and disciplines.
Successful completion of Nursing Team Onboarding, unit-based orientation, and clinical competency validation tool within 30 days of hire required.
Completion of Safety First Training within 30 days of hire and annually thereafter required.

Nice To Haves

Obtain national certification as a psychiatric technician within 1 year of employment preferred.
Experience in Mental Health and/or Forensic work preferred.
Post high school education in Psychology or related field preferred.
One-year secretarial or comparable clerical experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Embody the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Quality, Integrity and Stewardship that support our mission, vision and values: SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I will put safety first in everything I do. I will speak up, without fear, on matters of patient and colleague safety. I will take action to create an environment of zero harm. QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I will continually advance my knowledge and skills. I will seek out continuous improvement opportunities. I will deliver evidence-based care that leads to excellence in outcomes. INTEGRITY: Show respect and Compassion - I will respect others and show compassion. I will behave honesty and ethically. I will be accountable for my attitude, actions and health. STEWARDSHIP: Reduce Waste - I will use resources wisely and maintain financial stability. I will work together to coordinate care and services across the health system. I will promote healthier communities.
Perform and document nursing care measures to meet the physical needs of patients.
Provide or assist patient with hygiene activities.
Assist with patient activity using proper body mechanics, transfer techniques, and assistive devices.
Adhere to safety precautions with patient mobility.
Feed and/or assist patients with food trays and nourishments while providing continuous monitoring of utensils during meals.
Assist patient with elimination needs and follow steps to prevent infection.
Collect and record intake and output.
Assist with admission, transfer and discharge of patients.
Perform patient care tasks as delegated by the nurse.
Obtain and record vital signs, weight, and blood glucose readings.
Report data about the patient to the nurse.
Observe and report unusual conditions and/or change in patient behavior or appearance to the nurse.
Record all interventions; observe and report the patient response, changes, and/or deviations from normal parameters.
Follow unit protocols and record findings.
Observe safety precautions for patient/family/self/others.
Follow hospital policies to prevent the transmission of infections.
Provide continuous observation and documentation for high-risk patients.
Perform searches of persons, patient belongings, and rooms to ensure a safe environment.
Collaborate with the nurse and security to manage patients in crisis.
Transport and provide continuous observation for all patients requiring testing or procedures in another department.
Provide 1:1 supervision for high-risk patients and/or equipment, as delegated by the nurse.
Maintain unit awareness through continuous monitoring of the milieu.
Control the entry and exit of colleagues and visitors to the unit.
Provide constant monitoring of all legal proceedings.
Check in visitors and ensure all visitor belongings are correctly stored before allowing access to the unit.
Perform Unit Surveillance and monitoring cameras and alert colleagues of potential safety issues.
Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, intercede in disputes between individuals using verbal de-escalation techniques and skills, to diffuse potentially violent patient or visitor situations.
Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, physically manage combative, violent persons who endanger staff, physicians, patients or visitors.
Apply and maintain restraint devices and document as delegated by the nurse.
Conduct continuous patient observation rounds every fifteen minutes.
Comply with established policies, procedures, standards and guidelines.
Promote efficient and effective functioning of the unit/hospital.
Complete assigned aspects of unit inventory management.
Assure adequate supplies are stocked and available.
Review receipts of new supplies and equipment upon arrival; validate accuracy and place supplies in assigned location.
Facilitate maintenance of equipment with Biomed or appropriate department.
Handle floor stock medications or medications delivered from Pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube system.
Relocate these medications, in original containers, to designated secure storage locations or deliver directly to appropriate licensed staff.
Use designated lines of communication and authority.
Facilitate telephone, verbal, written, and electronic communication with nursing staff, physicians, patients, and visitors promptly, accurately, and professionally.
Maintain cleanliness and safety of unit, service area and equipment.
May be required to flex into a different role or between the different psychiatric departments as required for adequate staffing.
Uphold the Illinois Mental Health Code, regarding patient rights and confidentiality.
Prioritize stat orders and immediate needs.
Process orders accurately.
Accurately input data into the electronic medical record and maintain accurate paper records for those items that are not computerized.
Refer patient/visitor concerns to nursing and/or customer service staff.
Refer news media to nursing or public relations staff.
Assemble admission chart packs.
Put patient identifier on all chart forms.
Scan patient documents to Medical Records.
Gather and copy appropriate paperwork from the RN for patient transfers to other units and facilities.
Manage large amounts of sensitive and confidential information concerning patient and family information in medical documents.
Promptly and courteously greet others in a friendly manner.
Receive and direct others by using AIDET and Greet & Feet.
Respond to patient requests in a timely manner.
Within scope of job description, respond to questions and provide direction.
Interact with patients/visitors/others in a courteous and respectful manner.
Provide therapeutic activities and psychoeducational groups for patients.
Provide individualized social skills training.
Perform additional unit specific tasks/care elements for which they have received specific instruction and demonstrated competence.
Perform other related work as required or requested.