Mental Health Technician II / Unit clerk - Halifax Behavioral Services

Variable (United States of America)

Mental Health Technician II / Unit clerk - Halifax Behavioral Services

A para-professional healthcare employee who provides direct patient care and observation for 16yo to geriatric patients, under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required. CMA (Cert. Medical Assist.), Paramedic, or EMT and BLS required.  Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related degree preferred.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE:

  1. One year experience working as a CMA/Paramedic/EMT preferred.

  2. Some experience working with Mental Health and or Subs. Abuse patients preferred.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Provides patient care, direct observation/supervision, interaction and positive role modeling to mental health patients in a manner that promotes safety and therapeutic treatment
• Works with all members of a multi-disciplinary team in facilitating milieu activities such as community meetings, goals, groups and recreational activities as appropriate to the specified patient population
• Maintains patient confidentiality and is compliant with HIPAA requirements
• Knowledgeable of Baker Act Law, timeframes and required paperwork
• Organizational ability, sound judgment and initiative, ability to handle multiple responsibilities and tasks in stressful situations.
• Great phone etiquette and interacts positively and effectively with patient, family members and other members of the multidisciplinary team
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADL) Ability to respond to patients with empathy and have positive interpersonal skills
• Recognizes potential escalation of behavior and has the ability to use appropriate and effective de-escalation skills
• Ability to react calmly and therapeutically in a crisis situation serves as a role model providing structure and guidance to patients in positive ways. 
• Knowledge of potential risks and safety precautions in the care of mental health patients including conducting observation checks according to policy and procedure
• Accurately reports patient status, issues, concerns and any behavioral changes of the patient to the RN
• Attends staff meetings, trainings, in-service presentations and completes all mandatory education requirements
• Follows policy and procedures and all regulatory agencies requirements related to use of seclusion and/or restraint
• Able to perform all unit clerk responsibilities, knowledge of and can navigate EMR, print out forms, web fax, etc.
• Anticipates needs of RN’s and Providers, is proactive by getting paperwork they may need and put together the paper chart
• Performs other duties as assigned or directed