Psychiatric Technician - New River Valley Medical Center

Carilion Clinic • Christiansburg, VA

4d • $17 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Technician is a member of a multidisciplinary team responsible for supporting the safety and care of adults and children with mental illness on an acute psychiatric hospital unit. The role includes direct patient care, assistance with activities of daily living, clerical and secretarial support, leading daily goals and wrap-up groups, and directing or leading code-secure activities. The technician reports observations to licensed nursing staff, helps maintain a safe therapeutic milieu, and supports patients and families with timely information and care.

The technician completes admission and discharge processes and documentation, orients new admissions to unit routines and safety precautions, responds to call lights and telephones, conducts patient safety rounds, and assists with nutritional needs and delegated treatments such as EKGs and blood glucose testing. The role advocates for patients’ rights and provides psychological, social, and cultural support while treating patients with dignity and respect.

The position requires functioning with minimal supervision, recognizing when direction is needed, and helping manage patients who may become aggressive or combative. The technician works with nursing staff, other staff, and security during escalating or crisis situations to help ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and staff. Additional duties include participating in quality and performance improvement activities, cost containment, supply and equipment management, maintaining a safe and orderly environment, identifying hazards, and performing clerical duties under licensed nursing staff supervision.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED required.
• De-escalation training must be successfully completed within four months of hire and maintained thereafter.
• Must be able to obtain AHA BLS-HCP.
• A valid Virginia state driver's license is required in the NRV to transport patients.
• Must have experience with or the ability to manage patients with explosive potential and escalating situations.
• Must be able to function with minimal supervision and recognize when direction or assistance is needed beyond the scope of capabilities.
• Must be able to learn and participate as a team member.
• Must have clinical skills to work with child, adolescent, and adult populations and understand their growth and development.

Responsibilities

• Observe patients and report unusual circumstances to a licensed nurse.
• Organize, prioritize, and provide nursing care in accordance with unit standards.
• Complete admission and discharge processes and chart/EMR documentation according to unit standards.
• Greet new admissions, make them comfortable, and orient them to unit routines and safety precautions within 15 minutes of arrival.
• Answer call lights and telephones promptly and meet basic patient needs.
• Conduct patient safety rounds every 15 minutes or according to unit policy.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living and nutritional needs.
• Provide delegated patient treatments, such as EKGs, blood glucose testing, intake and output, and enemas.
• Advocate for patients and their rights and provide psychological, social, and cultural support while maintaining dignity and privacy.
• Provide patients and families with appropriate information and care in a timely manner.
• Organize and lead daily goals and wrap-up groups, and report patient concerns raised in groups to a licensed nurse.
• Assist nursing staff with escalating patients and lead or direct code-secure activities with staff and security.
• Participate in quality management and performance improvement activities and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in unit-level cost containment and ensure supplies are charged at the time of use.
• Remove discontinued equipment from patient rooms, clean it, and return it to proper storage.
• Use equipment and supplies respectfully and cost-effectively according to policies and procedures.
• Contribute to a safe, orderly, and professional environment; identify and address or report safety hazards.
• Select appropriate equipment, verify operating conditions, and use it according to policies, procedures, and manufacturer recommendations.
• Perform clerical duties under the supervision of licensed nursing staff.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Employer-funded pension plan, vested after five years; voluntary 403B.
• Paid time off accrued from day one.
• Onsite fitness studios and discounts to Carilion Wellness centers.
• Access to the Personify Health health and wellness app.
• Childcare discounts.
• Continued education and training.
• Sign-on bonus of $5,000 for eligible external hires, subject to applicable guidelines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED