Psychiatric Technician, Behavioral Health, Part-Time

University of Maryland Medical System•Largo, MD

1d•$18 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Technician performs initial intake interviews with patients and families and assists with evaluating and assessing patients’ conditions and psychological functioning. The technician observes and interacts with patients to identify symptoms and behavioral changes and assists with the therapy process. Patient care is provided according to the plan of care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The role supports patients’ personal care and independence, contributes to a safe and therapeutic environment, monitors for risks and behavioral changes, and participates in therapeutic activities. The technician also assists with admissions, transfers, and discharges; accompanies patients to activities and appointments; documents care and safety measures; and responds appropriately to emergencies. The position includes customer service, communication, teamwork, confidentiality, and compliance with hospital policies and standards.

Requirements

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Basic Life Support – Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP).
One year of full-time experience as a technician in a mental health setting.
Basic knowledge of and working experience with medical terminology.
Required experience: 1–3 years.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Provide care according to each patient’s plan of care under Registered Nurse supervision, assisting with cleanliness, grooming, rest, nourishment, and elimination while encouraging independence when appropriate.
Report patient observations and relevant information to the Registered Nurse.
Help maintain a safe, therapeutic environment that respects patients’ rights; monitor for falls, elopement, suicide attempts, and other special risks, and inspect the unit for contraband.
Participate in and, when appropriate, conduct therapeutic milieu activities under Registered Nurse supervision.
Encourage patients to participate in scheduled activities, including community meetings and groups, and assist with the activities therapy program under adjunctive therapists’ supervision.
Attend individual treatment planning for assigned patients when requested.
Assist with admission, transfer, and discharge procedures, and accompany patients to off-unit or off-site activities, field trips, and diagnostic tests.
Observe patient behavior, notify appropriate staff when necessary, intervene in critical situations such as escalation, suicidal behavior, or elopement, and monitor patients on close observation or suicide precautions.
Watch for contraband and elopement, and assist with restraint procedures under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Document completely and accurately according to unit and division standards, including safety measures.
Remain calm and effective during emergencies and follow applicable guidelines.
Report broken or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel or the Department Director.
Provide courteous, respectful, and professional service; respond promptly to customer questions and concerns, protect confidential information, and assist with resolving service issues.
Support colleagues and other departments, complete assignments on time, address conflicts appropriately, and communicate workflow status when away from the unit or department.
Follow facility communication protocols, including professional telephone, email, voicemail, and in-person communication practices.
Meet grooming, identification badge, education, competency, safety, infection-control, employee-health, confidentiality, attendance, and policy-compliance requirements.