Mental Health Technician, Per Diem, Rotating, Adult Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, Cherry Hill

Thomas Jefferson University • Cherry Hill, NJ

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Technician assists in delivering patient- and family-centered care in an adult inpatient behavioral health unit. The role includes observing patient behaviors, supporting various aspects of patient care, and working closely with the R.N. to report changes in a patient’s mood or behavior promptly.

The technician supports patients, families, designated care partners, and the interprofessional team through effective communication, therapeutic interactions, and emotional support. The role also involves using verbal de-escalation techniques, completing scheduled safety rounds, assisting with group activities and patient care, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and documenting care in accordance with hospital policy and department guidelines.

This is a per-diem position with a rotating shift at the Cherry Hill location. The listed hourly salary range is $18.66 to $26.60; the hiring rate depends on candidate experience, skills, and qualifications. The position is not eligible for an annual incentive.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and at least one year of related health care experience is preferred for non-Philadelphia County Jefferson campuses.
• Alternatively, a high school diploma or 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 are required.
• Alternatively, a 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 them 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.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
• Ability to lift and carry 40–50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk frequently to continuously.
• Ability to perform role-specific activities such as kneeling, bending, squatting, and CPR, as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, compassionate, coordinated care that respects patients’ personal preferences, priorities, needs, and cultural beliefs and values.
• Communicate with and support the interprofessional team, patients, families, and designated care partners; communicate effectively in writing, by telephone, and verbally.
• Use therapeutic communication skills and provide emotional support to patients.
• Use verbal de-escalation skills in response to observed patient behaviors and follow established safety-management protocols.
• Observe patient behaviors, complete scheduled rounding, and help ensure patient safety.
• Lead or assist with community meetings, recreational groups, and other unit activities.
• Assist the R.N. with patient care activities in accordance with established unit protocols and competencies.
• Help maintain a safe, neat, and clean patient care environment.
• Assist patients with personal care, ambulation, and feeding, and encourage independence when possible.
• Provide direct safety observation for assigned patients as needed.
• Complete required documentation accurately and efficiently according to hospital policy and department guidelines.
• Participate in unit, hospital, and division meetings and work groups as assigned.
• Participate in the orientation of new staff as needed.
• 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 insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Retirement plans
• Tuition assistance
• Voluntary benefits offering 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 all colleagues, including per-diem colleagues

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED