Behavioral Health Technician

Overview

Job Description The Behavioral Health Technician promotes the safety, health and comfort of patients, families and staff in Zone C (Emergency Department) as related to the care of behavioral health/psychiatry patients in the Emergency department. The Behavioral Health Technician’s primary assignment is Zone C of the Emergency Department.

Patient Care:

• Assists the Registered Nurse in collecting data of the patient during the intake/admission process for behavioral/psychiatric patients.
• Completes an inventory of personal items and appropriate wanding of patient/belongings upon arrival. Acts as part of the care team conducting supervised clothing change. Secures as per department standard and returns personal items at the completion of the visit.
• Communicates to the team observations of the environment and patient indicators that a patient is escalating or at increased risk for agitation/aggression or harm to self.
• Works to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while maintaining boundaries for patients, families and staff.
• Supports visitation guidelines and policies as established by department and hospital.
• May be assigned to the role of intermittent/roving patient care partner as determined by the primary RN assigned to care area and the shift charge RN.
• Assists patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (bathing, dietary, escorting patient off unit, etc.).
• Completes patient documentation as appropriate.
• Obtains vital signs/weights as delegated by Registered Nurse. In the event there are no patients in Zone C, may support the main ED triage function as assigned by the charge nurse.
• Helps in application and removal of physical restraints when directed to apply by the attending medical provider or primary nurse.
• Collaborates as a member of the care team to:
  Contribute to the safe level of observations;
  Contributes to the development and implementation of an individualized care plan as part of the care team. Does not independently develop or act on a care plan that is not vetted by the licensed team. Holds patients accountable for limits and boundaries as developed by the team;
  Effectively utilizes knowledge and application of de-escalation techniques;
  Assists with procedural holds as directed by MD, Provider and/or RN;
  Obtain and test specimens (e.g., blood glucose, urine, pharyngeal swabs, etc.; 1 and 2 step point of care tests);
  Perform EKGs.

Operations & Environment:

• Rounds continuously to observe for and enable early intervention of escalating situations.
• Ensures department has minimal hallway clutter and obstructions.
• Maintains the environment of care.
• Completes daily safety checks and restocking function (equipment, restraints, supplies).
• Participates in post-restraint huddle.

Customer Service:

• Establishes effective relationships with patients, families, staff and external customers/consultants to the team.

Quality:

• Is accountable for departmental and hospital quality and safety initiatives and goals.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.
• Values cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce.
• Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Children’s standards.
• Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

Required:

• Education Required:
  
  High School diploma or GED required.
• Experience
  
  Required:
  
  Minimum of one year (1) experience in pediatric emergency department or psychiatric/behavioral health unit.

License and/or Certification

Required:

• BLS CPR for Healthcare provider, required upon hire and maintained current at all times
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained current at all times.

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