Mental Health Technician II

Halifax Health is seeking a Mental Health Technician II for the Psychiatric Services Department.

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.  CNA and BLS required. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related degree preferred.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE:

One year experience working as a CNA/Paramedic/EMT preferred.
Some experience working with Mental Health clients preferred.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Provides continuous patient care, direct observation/supervision, interaction and positive role modeling to patients,  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 and directed by COTA staff to the specified patient population
• 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 providing structure and guidance to patients in positive ways.  
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities and tasks in stressful situations.
• Knowledge of potential risks and safety precautions in the care of mental health patients including conducting patient observation checks and EOC rounds according to policy and procedure
• Accurately reports patient status, issues, concerns and any behavioral changes of the patient to the RN
• Maintains patient confidentiality and is compliant with HIPAA requirements
• Exhibits organizational ability, sound judgment and initiative
• Interacts positively and effectively with patient, family members and other members of the multidisciplinary team
• 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
• Compliant with assigned schedule and time and attendance policy
• Performs other duties as assigned or directed
   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Walking and standing for periods of eight hours or longer, resulting in moderate fatigue. Lifting, pushing and pulling required of 50 pounds or greater. Fine motor skills and verbal communication skills.  Ability to assist with physical restraints when needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Encounter and manage multiple priorities in stressful situations.
• Encounter and manage conflict.
• Daily contact with acutely ill patients, families, and significant others.
• Daily contact with medical, nursing, rehabilitation and other staff.
• Daily contact with social/community agencies, nursing/boarding home staff, home care agencies staff, and other outside vendors of equipment and services.

Recognized as one of the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals™ in the United States by IBM Watson Health™, Halifax Health serves Volusia and Flagler counties, providing a continuum of health care services through a network of organizations including a tertiary hospital, two community hospitals, urgent care clinics, psychiatric services, a cancer treatment center with five outreach locations, the area’s largest hospice, a center for inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, primary care walk-in clinics, a clinic specializing in women’s health, a pediatric care community clinic, five pediatric medical practices, a home health care agency and an exclusive provider organization. Halifax Health offers the area’s only Level II Trauma Center, Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC), Center for Transplant Services, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Services, complete Neurosurgical Services, OB Emergency Department and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for babies born earlier than 28 weeks. For more information, visit halifaxhealth.org.