Psychiatric Technician - New River Valley Medical Center

Carilion Clinic • Christiansburg, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Technician is a member of the multidisciplinary team on an acute psychiatric hospital unit, helping ensure the safety of adult and child patients with mental illness. The role delivers patient care, assists with activities of daily living and nutritional needs, provides clerical and secretarial support, leads daily goals and wrap-up groups, and helps direct code-secure activities. The technician reports observations and concerns to licensed nursing staff and contributes to a safe, therapeutic milieu.

Responsibilities include observing patients and reporting unusual circumstances; organizing and providing nursing care according to unit standards; completing admission and discharge processes and documentation in the chart or EMR; orienting new admissions to unit routines and safety precautions; responding to call lights and telephones; and conducting safety rounds every 15 minutes or as required by unit policy. The technician may provide delegated treatments such as EKGs, blood glucose testing, intake and output measurements, and enemas.

The position advocates for patients’ rights and provides psychological, social, and cultural support with respect and dignity. It requires managing patients who may become aggressive or combative, assisting nursing staff with escalating situations, and participating in crisis response to protect patients, visitors, and staff. The technician also participates in quality and performance improvement, cost containment, and maintaining a safe, orderly, professional environment. Clerical duties are performed under the supervision of licensed nursing staff.

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 New River Valley to transport patients.
• Requires 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 employee’s capabilities.
• Ability to learn and participate as a team member.
• Clinical skills to work with child, adolescent, and adult populations, with an understanding of their growth and development.

Responsibilities

• Observe patients and report unusual circumstances, concerns, or issues to licensed nursing staff.
• Organize, prioritize, and provide nursing care in accordance with unit standards.
• Complete admission and discharge processes and documentation in the chart or EMR.
• 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 measurements, and enemas.
• Advocate for patients and protect their rights while providing psychological, social, and cultural support.
• Treat patients with respect and dignity, provide privacy, and use system resources to address cultural and disability needs.
• 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 expressed in groups to licensed nurses.
• Assist nursing staff with patients who are escalating and lead or direct code-secure activities with staff and security.
• Function effectively in crisis situations to support the safety and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff.
• Participate in Quality Management and performance improvement activities, and identify improvement opportunities in a timely manner.
• Participate in unit-level cost-containment measures, charge supplies appropriately, and handle equipment and supplies according to policy and procedures.
• Maintain a safe, orderly, and professional environment; identify and correct safety hazards or report them to the appropriate resource.
• Select appropriate equipment, verify it is operating properly, and use it according to policies, procedures, and manufacturer recommendations.
• Remove discontinued equipment from patient rooms, clean it, and return it to the proper storage area.
• 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 plan.
• 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