Psychiatric Technician- Psychiatric Emergency Empath Unit

Mayo Clinic • Rochester, MN

26d

About The Position

The Psychiatric Technician is an integral member of the hospital-based psychiatric emergency services team, providing direct and indirect patient care to adults and children in the Emergency Psychiatric Empath Unit at the Generose building. Under the direction of a registered nurse, the technician promotes patient involvement in the treatment program and assists with social, clinical, nutritional, and observational activities to support patient outcomes and maintain a safe milieu.

The role includes ongoing safety observation, assessment of the milieu, and identification of escalating or concerning behaviors. Psychiatric Technicians also lead social activities, games, and crafts that encourage engagement in the milieu and practice of therapy concepts included in individualized care plans. The unit’s adult treatment area will have 16 chairs, and the child and adolescent area will have 6 chairs. The team provides compassionate, immediate care for people experiencing acute mental health crises in a safe, non-judgmental environment, using patient-centered and evidence-based approaches to support recovery and resilience.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations in stressful and ambiguous situations.
• Basic computer and keyboarding competence, including ability to use Microsoft Office and/or electronic clinical documentation.
• Ability to multitask under stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate, collaborate, and manage relationships with interdisciplinary team members while maintaining patient- and family-centeredness and safety in a timely, efficient, and equitable manner.
• Basic skills in cleaning, cooking, and meal preparation.
• Complete required training offered after hire—including first aid, food safety, comorbid disorders, and trauma-informed care—within the first 90 days of employment.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record as defined by policy.
• Maintain current Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. If the candidate does not already have this certification, it will be included in the orientation program.
• Internal applicants should attach their three most recent performance appraisals.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a psychiatric hospital setting as a mental health or behavioral assistant working with adults and/or children, or completion of 12 college credits.
• Experience with 24/7 residential programs or psychiatry- and psychology-based programs.

Responsibilities

• Participate in direct and indirect patient care for adults and children.
• Promote patient involvement in the treatment program under the direction of a registered nurse.
• Assist patients with social, clinical, nutritional, and observational activities.
• Conduct ongoing safety observation and assess the milieu.
• Identify escalation of concerning behaviors.
• Lead social activities, games, and crafts that promote engagement in the milieu and practice of therapy concepts in individualized care plans.
• Support patient outcomes and maintain a safe patient milieu.

What This Job Offers

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