Psychiatric Social Health Technician

Under the direct supervision of a professional nurse or other assigned professional staff member, performs functions related to assisting patients with activities of daily living and personal hygiene, and participates as a member of a treatment, nursing or health care team in implementing appropriate regimens for patients who are in Behavioral Health service areas. Acts in compliance with health care system and all relevant regulatory policies.

• Observes patient’s physical condition, mental state and social behavior and reports to team leader or Nurse-in-charge and provides individual nursing care for patients who are acutely ill.
• Participates in planning and implementing an orientation program for new patients. Gathers information for intake, social histories, referrals and related purposes.
• Participates in planning and implementing daily living activities on the ward for patients and contributes to the development of a therapeutic ward environment.
• Assists in planning and implementing therapeutic activities with groups of hospitalized psychiatric patients and encourages client involvement in various individual and group activities as part of planned treatment programs.
• Assists with the physical care and personal hygiene of selected patients, consisting of, but not limited to: bathing, turning and positioning, skin care, passive and active range of motion, mouth care, foot care, nail care, applying hot and cold packs, etc.
• Assists patients with meal selection and feeds patients if necessary, delivers or removes trays, and distributes water, nourishment, ice, etc.
• With successful completion of NYC Health + Hospitals program, assists behavioral health team in the application and removal of restraints and the implementation of restraints or seclusion, when deemed necessary by appropriate personnel, ensuring the physical and emotional health and safety of the patient when using such methods.
• On the direction of a registered nurse or other professional staff member, either individually or as part of the behavioral health team, may escort patient to required location(s) within and outside the health care setting.
• Takes patient vital signs when directed by clinical staff, enters patient vital sign data into the electronic medical record, and performs finger stick tests.
• Changes linen and makes beds, and keeps the ward or unit, linen, utility, treatment, storage rooms, and recreational areas in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Disinfects personal items with appropriate disinfectant products when required.
• May perform functions and activities of the basic Nurse’s Aide in support of the above tasks, and other related work as assigned.

• High school diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization.
• Successful completion of the NYC Health + Hospitals training program in the application and use of restraints and seclusion prior to performing such work.
• Successful completion of the NYC Health + Hospitals training in the performance of vital signs and grooming within ninety (90) calendar days of appointment to the title.
• Holds or obtains a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) within sixty (60) calendar days of appointment to the title.