E.D Psychiatric Tech, Fulltime Days

Stamford Health•Stamford, CT

1d•$18 - $29

About The Position

The Psychiatric Technician provides a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for psychiatric patients and assists with basic patient care. In cooperation with other health team members, the technician participates in implementing care plans designed to meet patients’ therapeutic goals. The work includes physical tasks such as assisting patients with bathing and other activities of daily living, stocking supplies, handling belongings, and assisting during acute situations, including physical holds or restraints. The role also involves monitoring and documenting patient behavior, supporting therapeutic activities and behavioral care plans, and contributing to safe patient transitions during admission and discharge. The technician works with nursing and other staff, follows organizational policies and safety practices, completes required training, and participates in staff meetings and practice-development initiatives.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in a related field or at least one year of work experience in a related job.
Ability to extract and interpret information and/or perform arithmetic functions.
BLS certification.
Obtain MOAB or CPI de-escalation training certification within six months of hire.
Ability to perform electronic documentation and use basic medical terminology.
Manual coordination and finger dexterity for tasks such as typing and machine operations.
Ability to stand for prolonged periods and transport materials, equipment, or patients; lift, move, or carry items weighing over 30 pounds intermittently throughout the day.
Ability to work in conditions that may involve dirt, odors, noise, human waste, body fluids, uneven or slippery surfaces, and occupational risks including aggressive patients, cuts, needle punctures, burns, toxic chemicals, falls, or back injury while moving, lifting, or positioning patients, equipment, or materials.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
At least one year of experience in healthcare and psychiatry or behavioral health.

Responsibilities

Help maintain a safe, hazard-free environment by reporting unsafe conditions or concerns to nursing personnel.
Respond promptly, efficiently, and calmly during crises and emergencies, taking appropriate action.
Maintain therapeutic boundaries and develop supportive rapport with patients and their families or loved ones.
Perform patient and environmental rounds and promptly report clinical or customer-service issues to supervising staff.
Observe and document patient behaviors.
Collaborate with nursing and assist peers in meeting patients’ basic care needs and activities of daily living.
Assist nursing with patient admissions and safe transitions.
Assist nursing with safe patient discharges.
Help formulate behavioral care plans and ensure they are followed.
Provide psychoeducational group support and contribute to a safe, supportive therapeutic milieu.
Monitor acute patients, including 1:1 and CO observation, restraints, phlebotomy, EKG, point-of-care testing, vital signs, and redirection, while maintaining appropriate boundaries and therapeutic communication.
Follow policies and model safe practices for peers.
Participate in monthly tech councils, staff meetings, and practice-development initiatives.
Promote and facilitate unit-based strategic action plans and goals.
Maintain professional communication, including checking email during shifts, attending staff meetings, safety huddles, and IDT, and seeking clarification when needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested to maintain a high level of service.
Complete required ongoing training and education, including department-specific requirements.
Demonstrate professional work behavior by following Service Standards and Success factors.
Comply with departmental and organizational policies and procedures and external agency requirements.