Mental Health Technician, Part-Time, Nights, 7p - 7:30a, Adult Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, Cherry Hill
About The Position
The Mental Health Technician assists in delivering patient- and family-centered care in an adult inpatient behavioral health unit. The role involves observing patient behavior, assisting with patient care, and working closely with the R.N. to promptly report changes in a patient's mood or behavior. The technician supports safe, compassionate, and coordinated care while respecting patients' personal preferences, priorities, needs, and cultural beliefs and values. The position includes communicating with patients, families, designated care partners, and the interprofessional team; using therapeutic communication and verbal de-escalation; supporting unit activities; assisting with activities of daily living and other patient care; maintaining a safe and clean environment; and completing required documentation. The technician may provide direct safety observation and may participate in staff orientation, meetings, and work groups.
Requirements
- High School Diploma/GED with at least one year of related health care experience is preferred for Non-Philadelphia County Jefferson campuses; alternatively, the posting lists the following required education and experience pathways:
- High School Diploma/GED, completion of a supervised mental health or addiction practicum, completion of 12 college credits in the social sciences, and two years of experience in mental health or addictions care.
- Bachelor’s Degree in humanities or social services and one year of experience in mental health or addictions care.
- 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 that understanding in healthcare-related 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.
- BLS (Basic Life Support) certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
- Ability to lift and carry 40–50 pounds; duties may include pushing or pulling patients on beds or stretchers and lateral transfers.
- Ability to stand and walk frequently to continuously; duties may also include kneeling, bending, squatting, and performing CPR.
Nice To Haves
- At least one year of related health care experience for Non-Philadelphia County Jefferson campuses with a High School Diploma/GED.
Responsibilities
- Provide safe, compassionate, coordinated care that respects patients' personal preferences, priorities, needs, and cultural beliefs and values.
- Communicate and provide support to the interprofessional team, patients, families, and designated care partners, using effective written, telephone, and verbal communication.
- Use therapeutic communication skills and offer emotional support to patients.
- Use verbal de-escalation in response to observed patient behaviors and follow established protocols for safe and effective management.
- Observe patient behaviors, complete scheduled rounding, and promptly report changes in patients' moods or behaviors to the R.N.
- 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 independence when possible.
- Provide direct safety observation for assigned patients when needed.
- 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.
- May participate in orientation of new staff.
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 with 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
- Medical insurance, including prescription coverage, is available to colleagues working less than part-time, including per diem colleagues, adjunct faculty, and Jeff Temps
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
