Mental Health Technician, Part-Time, Days, Adult Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, Cherry Hill
About The Position
The Mental Health Technician assists with patient care on an adult inpatient behavioral health unit, observing patient behaviors and promptly reporting changes in mood or behavior to the R.N. The role supports patient- and family-centered care and works closely with the interprofessional team to provide safe, compassionate, and coordinated care. The technician uses therapeutic communication and verbal de-escalation, completes scheduled safety rounds, assists with personal care and other daily activities, and leads or supports group and unit activities. The role also includes maintaining a safe, clean care environment, completing required documentation, participating in meetings and work groups, and potentially helping orient new staff.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED, with at least one year of related health care experience preferred for Non-Philadelphia County Jefferson campuses; or a high school diploma or GED, a completed supervised mental health or addiction practicum, 12 college credits in the social sciences, and two years of mental health or addictions care experience; or a bachelor’s degree in humanities or social services and one year of mental health or addictions care experience.
- 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 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.
- BLS (Basic Life Support) certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
- Ability to lift and carry 40–50 pounds, including pushing or pulling patients on beds or stretchers and assisting with lateral transfers.
- Ability to stand and walk frequently to continuously; role may involve kneeling, bending, squatting, and performing CPR.
Responsibilities
- Recognize and respect patients, families, and designated care partners, including their preferences, priorities, needs, and cultural beliefs and values.
- Communicate with and support the interprofessional team, patients, families, and designated care partners through written, telephone, and verbal interactions; use therapeutic communication and provide emotional support.
- Use verbal de-escalation skills in response to patient behaviors and follow established safety protocols.
- Observe patient behaviors, complete scheduled rounding, and report changes in mood or behavior to the R.N. in a timely manner.
- Lead or assist with community meetings, recreational groups, and other unit activities.
- Assist the R.N. with patient care activities in accordance with 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 orienting 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, 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
