Mental Health Technician, Part-Time, Days, Adult Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, Cherry Hill

Thomas Jefferson University•Cherry Hill, NJ

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Technician assists with patient care in an adult inpatient behavioral health unit, observing patient behaviors and working closely with the R.N. to report changes in patients’ mood or behavior promptly. The role supports safe, compassionate, coordinated, and patient- and family-centered care while respecting patients’ preferences, needs, and cultural beliefs and values. The position is part-time and works days at the Cherry Hill location.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, completion of a supervised mental health or addiction practicum, 12 college credits in the social sciences, and 2 years of experience in mental health or addictions care; or a bachelor’s degree in humanities or social services and 1 year of experience in mental health or addictions care.
For non-Philadelphia County Jefferson campuses, a high school diploma or GED with at least 1 year of related health care experience is listed as preferred.
Knowledge of behavioral treatment techniques and procedures.
Ability to manage and maintain high-quality behavioral therapeutic interventions for a diverse mental health population.
Familiarity with Jefferson Health operating principles and code of ethics, and ability to apply this understanding appropriately in healthcare situations.
Knowledge of health information relevance and appropriate documentation requirements.
Knowledge of risks faced by patients in a healthcare environment and ability to take steps to reduce those risks.
Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.

Nice To Haves

For non-Philadelphia County Jefferson campuses, at least 1 year of related health care experience with a high school diploma or GED is preferred.

Responsibilities

Recognize patients and their family or designated care partners while providing safe, compassionate, coordinated care that respects personal preferences, priorities, needs, and cultural beliefs and values.
Communicate with and support the interprofessional team, patients, families, and designated care partners through written communication, telephone conversations, and other verbal interactions.
Use therapeutic communication skills and offer emotional support to patients.
Use verbal de-escalation skills in response to observed patient behaviors and follow established safety protocols.
Observe patient behaviors and complete scheduled rounding to help ensure patient safety.
Lead or assist with community meetings, recreational groups, and other unit activities.
Assist the R.N. with patient-care activities according to established unit protocols and competencies.
Help maintain a safe, neat, and clean patient-care environment.
Assist patients with personal care, ambulation, and feeding, encouraging independent completion when possible.
Provide direct safety observation for an assigned patient when required.
Complete required documentation accurately and efficiently in accordance with hospital policy and department guidelines.
Participate in unit, hospital, and division meetings and work groups as assigned.
Participate in the orientation of new staff when requested.
Report changes in patients’ mood or behavior to the R.N. in a timely manner.

Benefits

Medical insurance, including prescription coverage
Supplemental insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life and AD&D insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Retirement plans
Tuition assistance
Voluntary benefits, including access to group insurance rates and discounts
Tuition discounts at Thomas Jefferson University after one year of full-time service or two years of part-time service
Access to medical insurance, including prescription coverage, for all colleagues, including those working less than part-time