Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), Part-time
Job Type: Part-time
Variable Schedule: Evenings and/or Nights
Salary: $25.71 - $29.41 per hour
General Description: Assisting nursing team in the delivery of care and assists in patient teaching assignments, with the inpatient behavioral health unit.
JOB DUTIES:
Patient Treatment Activities
Performs routine treatment procedures as directed, provides maintenance of a therapeutic environment.
Assists Staff Nurse and/or Licensed Practical Nurse in treatment procedures.
Patient Care Activities
Helps prepare unit, patient room(s), and patient bed(s) for receiving patient admission, returning surgical patient, transfer or emergencies.
Assist in and, as necessary, accompanies patient in the admission, transfer and discharge procedures.
Prepares patients for meals, assists or feeds patients, as necessary and removes tray. Distributes drinking water and other nourishments to patients.
Responds to and assists in “3 Conewango” and other crisis response calls.
Demonstrates an appropriate understanding of diagnosis and symptomology of Psychiatric patients and therapeutic techniques in dealing with patients.
Demonstrates knowledge of crisis intervention skills and intervenes therapeutically in crisis situations.
Demonstrates knowledge and competency of seclusion and restraint techniques and assists in placing a patient in seclusion and/or restraint in accordance with established policy and procedure.
Demonstrates flexibility in response to unexpected changes in work volume, emergencies, staffing or schedule changes.
Reports to work at the scheduled time. Shows responsibility by minimizing unscheduled absences.
Demonstrates knowledge of the principals of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patients status I
Interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to patient age specific needs and to provide the appropriate care.
Identifies opportunities for improvement and offers suggestions related to therapeutic programs, policies and procedures. Participates in the Quality Improvement process.
Leads groups and activities in collaboration with the Registered Nurse and unit Psychiatrist.
Under supervision, performs general care activities for patients in isolation and seclusion. Demonstrates knowledge of various levels of observation, making rounds per those levels, and accurately documents. Anticipates patients’ needs and answers/responds to patient call lights or paging, and assists with personal care as needed.
Completes the initial mental health/drug and alcohol/COWS screening either prior to admission for patients who present in the ECC, or upon admission to the unit for direct admissions.
Obtains patient information including that required to complete the prior authorization process.
Initiates the prior authorization process prior to patient admission.
Acts as liaison with the Emergency Care Center, which includes providing admission review and communicating with the ECC Physician and Psychiatrist when admission is required.
Assists the ECC staff in identifying alternative patient care providers when inpatient admission is not necessary and facilitates contact with these providers.
Participates in treatment team meetings when assigned and assists in determining appropriate treatment modules for each patient.
Demonstrates knowledge of the authorization/utilization review process and completes this process when assigned; works with Case Management for insurance authorizations.
Participates in discharge planning and assists in identifying alternative discharge options within the community.
Other Activities Related to Patient Care
Handles and cares for patients’ clothing and other personal property (including prosthetic devices, hearing aids, dentures, glasses, contact lenses, etc.) from admission through discharge of patient.
Transports patient to and from various areas, as necessary
Reports (and, where appropriate, records) any changes observed in condition or behavior of patient. Contributes to nursing care plan. Demonstrates a working knowledge of each patient treatment plan and the rationale for the nursing care rendered.
Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment by reporting equipment that is out of order, reporting other problems to Supervisor, cleaning equipment, as assigned, and preparing same for disinfections, and receiving linen and supply stock on the unit. Assures environmentally safe milieu for patient (i.e. removing contraband).
Establishes and maintains interpersonal relationship with patient, visitors and other hospital personnel. Provides an explanation to every patient and/or family member about the care provided.
Keeps patient information confidential and respects patients’ right to privacy
WORK/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s Degree in related field
Previous experience in a behavioral health setting
Basic computer skills
BLS and CPI certifications, or the ability to become certified