Psychiatric Tech - Behavioral Health
Full-time / Night-Shift (7:30pm-8:00am)
UM Capital Region - Largo, MD

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs initial intake interview for patient and family. Assists in the evaluation and assessment of patient's condition and psychological functioning. Observes and interacts with patient to determine symptoms and changes in behavior; assists with the therapy process.

Principal Duties:

1. Provides care based on the patient's plan of care under the supervision of the Registered Nurse.

a. Provides for cleanliness, grooming, rest, nourishment and elimination as needed. Encourages independent behavior when appropriate.

b. Reports observations and pertinent information concerning patients to the Registered Nurse.

2. Assists in maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment that respects patients' rights. Monitors patients for special risks (falls, elopement, suicide attempt) and reports observations to responsible nurse. Inspects unit for contraband.

3. Participates in and may conduct therapeutic milieu activities for assigned patients under the supervision of the Registered Nurse.

4. Stimulates patients to participate in scheduled daily activities, i.e., community meetings, groups, etc. Assists with activities therapy program under the supervision of the adjunctive therapists.

5. Attends individual treatment planning for assigned patients when requested.

6. Assists with admission, transfer and discharge procedures. Accompanies patients for scheduled off-unit and off-site activities, field trips, diagnostic tests, etc.

7. Observes patient behavior and when necessary, notifies appropriate staff. Observes when the patient's behavior may be physically harmful to self or others. Intervenes with critical patients such as during escalation, suicidal behavior and elopement. Monitors patients on close observation and/or suicide precautions.

8. Is alert to contraband. Watches hall for elopers. Assists in restraining procedures under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse.

9. Documents completely and accurately according to the unit and division standards, including safety measures.

10. Remains calm and effective in emergency situations and follows appropriate guidelines.

11. Reports broken and unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel and/or Department Director.

Customer Service:

1. Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.

2. Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as "How may I be of help to you?" using the customer's name as soon as it is learned.

3. Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.

4. Keeps customer's information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.

5. Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.

6. Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer's expectations have not been met.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

1. Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.

2. Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.

3. Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.

4. Mindful and respectful of others' time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.

5. Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department

Communication Etiquette:

1. Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility's service communication protocol in all interactions.

2. Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.

3. Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).

4. Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).

5. Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.

6. Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.

7. Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).

8. Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self Management:

1. Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital's dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.

2. Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.

3. Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.

4. Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards.

5. Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.

6. Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards. Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times.

7. Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement.