Psychiatric Technician - New River Valley Medical Center

Carilion Clinic • Christiansburg, VA

4d • $17 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

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

The position supports admissions and discharges, documents care in the chart or EMR, conducts patient safety rounds, responds to call lights and telephones, and provides delegated treatments such as EKGs and blood glucose testing. It also involves advocating for patients' rights and providing psychological, social, and cultural support to patients and families.

The technician must be able to work with minimal supervision, recognize when direction is needed, and help manage escalating situations, including patients who may be aggressive or combative. The role participates in quality and performance improvement, cost containment, equipment and supply management, and maintaining a safe, orderly, professional environment. Clerical duties are performed under the supervision of licensed nursing staff.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED.
• Successfully complete de-escalation training within four months of hire and maintain the training thereafter.
• Must be able to obtain AHA BLS-HCP.
• Valid Virginia State driver's license required in the New River Valley to transport patients.
• Experience with or ability to manage patients with explosive potential and escalating situations.
• Ability to function with minimal supervision and recognize when direction or assistance is needed.
• Ability to learn and participate as a team member.
• Clinical skills to work with children, adolescents, and adults, with understanding of their growth and development.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining the safety of adults and children with mental illness on an acute psychiatric hospital unit.
• Deliver patient care and assist patients with activities of daily living and nutritional needs.
• 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 related documentation in the chart or EMR.
• Greet and orient admissions to unit routines and safety precautions within 15 minutes of arrival.
• Respond promptly to call lights and telephones and meet basic patient needs.
• Conduct patient safety rounds every 15 minutes or according to unit policy.
• Perform delegated 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 concerns or issues to a licensed nurse.
• Assist nursing staff with escalating patients and lead or direct code-secure activities with staff and security.
• Participate in quality management and performance improvement activities and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in unit-level cost containment and ensure supplies are charged appropriately.
• Remove discontinued equipment from patient rooms, clean it, and return it to the appropriate storage area.
• Use equipment and supplies respectfully and cost-effectively according to policies, procedures, and manufacturer recommendations.
• Maintain a safe, orderly, and professional environment and identify, correct, or report safety hazards.
• Select appropriate equipment and ensure it is in proper operating condition.
• 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.
• $5,000 sign-on bonus for eligible external hires, subject to applicable guidelines.

What This Job Offers

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