PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN

Carilion Clinic • Roanoke, VA

5d • $17 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Technician helps ensure the safety and well-being of adults and children with mental illness on an acute psychiatric hospital unit. The role delivers patient care, assists with activities of daily living, provides clerical support, leads goals and wrap-up groups, and directs or leads code-secure activities. The technician participates in unit activities, shares observations and information with the care team, and helps maintain a safe therapeutic environment.

The position involves observing patients and reporting unusual circumstances to licensed nurses; organizing and providing nursing care according to unit standards; completing admissions, discharges, and related documentation in the chart or EMR; orienting new admissions to unit routines and safety precautions; responding to call lights and telephones; conducting safety rounds; assisting with nutritional needs and delegated treatments; and supporting patients’ rights, privacy, cultural needs, and communication with families.

The technician must function with minimal supervision while recognizing when direction is needed, and be able to manage escalating situations involving potentially aggressive or combative behavior. The role participates in quality and performance improvement, cost-containment activities, and maintaining a safe, orderly, professional environment. Clerical duties are performed under the supervision of licensed nursing staff.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED.
• 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.
• Experience with, or the ability to manage, patients with explosive potential and escalating situations.
• Ability to function with minimal supervision and recognize when direction or assistance is needed beyond the technician’s capabilities.
• Ability to learn and participate as a team member.
• Clinical skills to work with children, adolescents, and adults, with an understanding of 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 documentation according to unit standards in the chart or EMR.
• Greet admissions, make them comfortable, and orient them to unit routines and safety precautions within 15 minutes of arrival.
• Respond promptly to call lights and telephones and meet basic patient needs, whether or not the patient is assigned to the technician.
• 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, protect their rights, and provide psychological, social, and cultural support while treating them with respect and dignity.
• 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 issues or concerns shared 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 unit activities and function as a team member, communicating observations and information to help maintain a safe therapeutic milieu.
• Participate in quality management and performance improvement activities and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in unit-level cost-containment measures and ensure supplies are charged for when used.
• 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, procedures, and manufacturer recommendations.
• Help maintain a safe, orderly, and professional environment; identify hazards and correct or report them.
• Select appropriate equipment, ensure it is operating properly, and use it according to policies and procedures.
• 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
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED