Patient Care Technician

ALPAS WELLNESS LA PLATA LLC•La Plata, MD

26d•$20 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

At Alpas Wellness Centers, our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment where people heal their minds and bodies, rediscover their purpose, and forge a path of recovery toward a brighter future. Guided by our values—Authenticity, Innovation, Patient and Staff Experience, Compassion, Safety, and Autonomy—we integrate traditional, holistic, and alternative therapies to create individualized treatment plans that truly meet each person where they are. Alpas Wellness - La Plata is a fully licensed and accredited residential treatment center located in La Plata, Maryland, dedicated to transforming behavioral healthcare through a personalized, whole-person approach. We serve individuals and families navigating substance use disorder and mental health concerns with innovative, compassionate, and evidence-based care. Our thoughtfully designed facility offers a tranquil environment complete with private and shared residential suites, nurses’ stations, community spaces, and biophilic design elements that support healing and comfort. We are driven by a vision to revolutionize behavioral healthcare. If you're passionate about delivering meaningful care and want to be part of a purpose-driven team shaping the future of wellness, we’d love to connect.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Active, valid CNA certification with the Maryland Board of Nursing required.
Current BLS/CPR certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association required.
Valid drivers license.
Working knowledge of vital signs measurement, ADL support, and basic patient care procedures.
Familiarity with electronic medical record (EMR) documentation.
Understanding of HIPAA, patient confidentiality, and infection prevention standards.
Ability to apply trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and verbal de-escalation techniques.
Strong observation skills and the ability to recognize and report changes in patient condition.
Clear written and verbal communication with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary care team.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and therapeutic communication in a behavioral health setting.
Ability to respond calmly and appropriately in emergency or crisis situations.
Reliable, team-oriented, and able to work effectively under the direction of licensed nursing staff.

Nice To Haves

Six months of experience as a CNA preferred.
Phlebotomy experience preferred.
Previous experience in inpatient behavioral health, detoxification, substance use disorder treatment, psychiatric care, or residential treatment preferred.

Responsibilities

Obtains and documents vital signs, height, weight, intake and output, and blood glucose readings (if trained and authorized).
Assists patients with activities of daily living, including hygiene, grooming, toileting, dressing, meal setup, hydration, and ambulation.
Conducts patient safety rounds and observations at ordered intervals (q15, q30, or q60 minutes), including 1:1 observation for fall, suicide, elopement, withdrawal, or behavioral precautions.
Supports nursing staff during withdrawal monitoring, patient stabilization, admissions, transfers, and discharges.
Assist with blood draw as needed.
Reports changes in patient condition, withdrawal symptoms, falls, behavioral escalation, and safety concerns to the supervising nurse immediately.
Assists with specimen collection, including urine drug screens, as directed.
Prepares equipment, supplies, and patient rooms; supports infection prevention and environmental safety.
Documents patient care tasks accurately and timely in the electronic medical record.
Participates in shift reports, huddles, and interdisciplinary communication.
Engages patients using trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and patient-centered approaches.
Applies motivational interviewing techniques to support patient engagement in treatment.
Uses verbal de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies to support patients in distress and maintain unit safety.
Maintains professional boundaries and therapeutic communication with patients, families, and staff.
Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policy.
Other duties as assigned