Psychiatric Technician, Advanced

University of Utah Health•South Salt Lake, UT

About The Position

This position provides a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for psychiatric patients and assists with the provision of basic patient care needs. The role supports patient safety, therapeutic activities, treatment planning, and discharge planning as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team at University of Utah Health.

Requirements

Associate degree, or two years of behavioral health or direct patient care experience; qualifying experience may include CNA, MA, HCA, teacher’s aide, or assistant experience.
Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system; must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Ability to recognize possible adverse reactions to medication and report them promptly to the Registered Nurse.
Ability to assess potential risk of harm to a patient or others, report concerns to the Registered Nurse, and assist with restraints and seclusion.
Interpersonal skills to gain patients’ trust and respond appropriately in crisis situations.
Ability to use group dynamics principles to facilitate social, behavioral, and communication skills among group members.
Knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the ages of patients served on the assigned unit.
Knowledge of lifespan growth and development principles and ability to assess patient-status data and provide care according to department policies and procedures.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements with or without an accommodation.

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe, hazard-free environment by observing and documenting patient behavior, conducting room searches, reporting unsafe conditions, and applying appropriate emotional and physical support.
Assist with patient admissions by gathering routine information for nursing assessments, searching patients and personal effects for contraband, and documenting personal effects and other appropriate information.
Orient patients and their families to the facility, policies, and procedures.
Escort patients to off-unit appointments and activities, using therapeutic interventions to ensure the safety of patients, hospital staff, and visitors.
Encourage patient participation in recreational activities and group therapies to support a therapeutic milieu.
Lead activity and conversation groups to provide supportive therapy for select patients.
Assist in developing patient behavioral expectations.
May serve as a preceptor to new Psychiatric Technicians.
Assist with unit training and quality assurance programs, and order, stock, and maintain clerical and patient supplies.
Provide an annual educational in-service to co-workers.
Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and may coordinate with leadership to maintain department forms.
Assist with initiating and contributing to patient treatment planning, teaching, and discharge planning.
Participate in patient care team conferences by sharing observations of patient progress toward identified goals and assisting the primary Registered Nurse with developing, evaluating, and revising patient care plans.
Recognize possible adverse medication reactions and report them promptly to the Registered Nurse.
Assess whether a patient may harm themselves or others, report concerns to the Registered Nurse, and assist with restraints and seclusion when needed.
Use group dynamics principles when co-leading groups to foster social, behavioral, and communication skills.