Senior Care Unit MHT/CNA

Appling Healthcare•Baxley, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Mental Health Technicians provide patient care in a manner that promotes safety, comfort, and a therapeutic environment. Mental Health Technicians assist patients with Activities of Daily Living, attend to patient behavioral issues, and observe patients to determine changes in condition and precautions. A shift is available from 7pm to 7am.

Requirements

Current BLS Certification (Must obtain within 90 days of hire).
Current CPI Certification (Must obtain within 90 days of hire).
Ability to read and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

High School Diploma or Equivalent is preferred but not required.
Associate's Degree or Training in Psychology or related field is preferred but not required.
Previous experience as a Mental Health Technician in a long-term care facility is preferred but not required.
Additional languages preferred.

Responsibilities

Facilitates groups and activities, planning and implementing both specialty groups and health teaching groups.
Documents patient progress in regard to group activities, especially during weekend time.
Assists Activity Therapists, Social Workers, and Nurses as directed.
Maintains appropriate boundaries with patients and demonstrates an understanding of the difference between therapeutic relationships and friendships.
Assists other staff in understanding and maintaining boundaries and reports to supervisor if boundaries are violated.
Maintains documentation in accordance with departmental/facility standards and requirements of regulatory bodies, writing legibly, using approved abbreviations, and correct spelling.
Demonstrates skill in documentation and willingness to help others achieve the same skill level.
Understands the importance of maintaining the dignity of the psychiatric patient and communicates with non-judgmental statements regarding patient behavior.
Follows the philosophy of unconditional positive regard toward patients.
Under supervision, observes, records, and reports activities of patients requiring special precautions and completes appropriate observation logs.
Utilizes interventions and limits that are direct, timely, non-threatening, and effective in de-escalating patient behavior.
Leads a crisis team within the milieu, giving direction to others in proper policy for resolution.
De-escalates potentially dangerous situations, including the proper use of time outs, locked seclusion, or restraints.
Uses good judgment in reporting verbally and in writing all clinically pertinent observations of patients or situations requiring nursing expertise or technical follow-up to the charge nurse or other supervisor.
Performs technical nursing care assignments as directed by a licensed nurse, such as collecting specimens, weighing patients, and taking vital signs.
Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment by reporting equipment issues, reporting other problems to management, cleaning equipment, and receiving linen and supply stock.
Assists in and, as necessary, accompanies patients in admission, transfer, and discharge procedures.
Initiates and conducts searches of patients and their belongings within established guidelines.
Monitors for contraband on the Unit and strives to maintain a safe environment.
Facilitates patient visits with their families in an orderly and therapeutic manner.
Attends and contributes feedback in staff meetings, and may initiate and lead staff meetings when a need is recognized.
Takes personal responsibility for increasing staff morale and positive attitude on the unit.
Assists the Charge Nurse when requested in assigning staff to groups and duties.
Acts as a preceptor to new MHTs during their orientation.
Performs additional job-related duties as required and necessary within the scope of job responsibilities, including taking the initiative to complete unassigned tasks.