Patient Care Technician I - Clinical Studies

CenExel•Anaheim, CA

14d•$20 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

CenExel is seeking a Patient Care Technician I to support participants during inpatient clinical studies in a Clinical Research Unit (CRU). The role combines direct participant support and psychosocial assistance with coordination of care, discharge planning, and adherence to study protocols and clinical research requirements. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, on-site position with a scheduled shift from 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Weekend availability is required, and the employee must be available to work an AM shift during the first 2–3 weeks for training. Compensation is $20.00–$21.00 per hour, depending on education, experience, and skillset, plus a $1.50-per-hour differential after 90 days. Full-time employees are eligible for the stated benefits package after 30 days of employment.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED equivalent.
At least 6 months of experience in the healthcare field.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Strong team-building and consensus-building skills.
Ability to resolve conflicts effectively and cope with crisis situations.
Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients and staff.
Ability to multitask, with meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skill in good clinical judgment.
Ability to work as part of a team and maintain a flexible schedule.
Availability to work weekends.
Availability to work an AM shift for the first 2–3 weeks for training.

Responsibilities

Assess research participants’ current psychosocial needs and identify case management needs.
Observe and report personality or behavior changes in participants to the charge person or charge nurse.
Interact with participants to help them solve problems and de-escalate upset or belligerent behavior.
Communicate appropriately with participants while assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) and providing cigarette breaks when allowed by the protocol.
Provide meals and snacks as allowed by the study and ensure participants follow protocol-specific dietary and smoking restrictions.
Assist with meal preparation, ordering, choices, and delivery, depending on location.
Assist participants with laundry and housekeeping tasks as needed.
Assist with nightly room and equipment checks.
Assist with dispensing medications, if properly certified, as instructed by a physician or the Medication Administration Record.
Communicate with physicians in person or by phone to receive PRN or STAT medication changes as needed.
Assist participants with discharge planning.
Work with each participant to set and prioritize goals and address needs during their inpatient stay.
Assist with discharge summaries, verify information, medications, and follow-up appointments, and notify treatment providers, care providers, family, and referral sources of discharge.
Coordinate transportation for discharge and off-unit appointments, and ensure calendars are updated.
Assist participants with miscellaneous needs, such as paying bills, contacting probation officers, purchasing items needed for ADLs, or obtaining clothing from shelters.
Coordinate, supervise, and document family meetings and case manager visits to the CRU.
Assist participants with applications for healthcare coverage, Social Security, and food stamps.
Build relationships with representatives of other agencies to help participants obtain services such as housing, mental health care, medication, medical resources, financial assistance, and legal advocacy.
Develop and manage weekly groups for inpatient clients focused on psychosocial needs.
Update the database upon CRU discharge or study termination to ensure participant information is accurate and current.
Ensure strict adherence to best practices, FDA Code of Federal Regulations, ICH, GCP, CenExel standard operating procedures, site working practices, study protocols, and company guidelines and policies.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.