Psychiatric Technician

Silver Hill Hospital•New Canaan, CT

About The Position

Silver Hill Hospital (“SHH”) is fully committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all present employees as well as for applicants in all phases of the employment process (recruitment, hiring, assignment, conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination). Therefore, except in any cases of bona fide occupational qualification or need, SHH will act without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, past/present history of mental disorder, intellectual disability, physical or learning disability, genetic information or any other characteristics protected by applicable law, (unless it is shown by supervisory personnel that a disability prevents performance of the work involved or may result in undue hardship) in all aspects of the employment process and relationship. This policy is based on the understanding that an applicant is able to handle the job requirements. Employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. Silver Hill Hospital is a nationally recognized, independent, not-for-profit psychiatric hospital located in New Canaan, CT. For ninety four years, Silver Hill Hospital has been at the forefront of psychiatry and leading the way in providing the best treatment for psychiatric illnesses and addiction. Our track record of success is based on a carefully executed team effort, one that uses an array of powerful tools, talent and knowledge to help people turn their lives around. We have opportunities available for individuals who have a passion to make a difference in the lives of our patients.

Responsibilities

Assists the nurse with the collection of assessment data.
Reports ongoing observation of patient behavior to the nurse.
Communicates problems identified by patient and/or family to the nurse.
Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care or interaction appropriate to the patient population served by the assigned unit and the ability to assess and interpret age appropriate data about the patient's status in order to identify age-specific needs and provide the care needed.
Maintains cooperative, ongoing communication with nurse and interdisciplinary health team members.
Documents observations and patient behavior, e.g. checklists and Group Notes, Nursing Flow Sheets.
Assists nurse in identifying patient care goals, development/revision of care plans, and the formulation of treatment plans.
Assists the nurse in the implementation and evaluation of interventions.
Implements procedures according to established Standards of Practice and policy and procedure.
Demonstrates thoroughness and accuracy in performing baseline vital signs, i.e., height, weight, N.P.O.m CIWA/COWS and identify and report to staff nurse results out of the normal range.
Collects, labels and transports specimens in a safe and accurate manner.
Observes patients on special precautions (e.g., constant observation, special observation, camera observation, seclusion/restraint) according to policy and procedure.
Assists in the implementation and evaluation of group programs with patients and patient's ability to perform Activities of Daily Living.
Escorts patients to program, appointments, library, etc.
Actively conducts several groups each day (i.e., Wrap Up Group, Goals Group, Leisure Activities Group, Movement Group)
Identifies patient safety needs, ligature risks, and unsafe situations in the milieu and reports them to the nurse.
Assists in orienting patients to the milieu, Patient's Bill of Rights, scheduled program and unit rules/routines.
Demonstrates thoroughness and accuracy in performing patient checks and ligature checks every 15 minutes as well as room checks.
Intervenes in a safe and therapeutic manner with escalating and aggressive patients.
Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness in assisting team members in White, Red, and Blue Alerts, including CPR.
Assists with evaluation of patient outcome, institutes corrective action and follow-up.
Participates in staff meetings and is responsible for being aware of administrative and clinical issues.
Assists in orientation with new Psychiatric Technicians and Volunteers.
Performs other duties and responsibilities within the scope of a technician, as assigned.