JOB SUMMARY

The Mental Health Tech provides direct patient care to individuals living in a psychiatric unit.

Observes and assists assigned mental health patients and helps with daily living activities, therapeutic activities, and socialization. Responsible for the overall maintenance of a therapeutic environment in the psychiatric unit and to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Attends and participates in group therapy, in-service education, and staff meetings. Records information about patients including vital signs, weight, and demeanor. May communicate with the patient's family as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs basic patient care activities.
• Observes patients and reports unusual conditions and/or reactions to RN/ LPN.
• Assists with admission, discharge, and transfer of patients.
• Facilitate educational groups on unit.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment.
• Performs routine cleaning tasks.
• Documents according to policy.
• Runs errands, such as lab specimens to Laboratory.
• Assists RN/ LPN to complete unit safety checks.
• May be required to work on other nursing units.
• Complies with the hospital’s Corporate Compliance Program including, but not limited to, the Code of Conduct, laws and regulations, and hospital policies and procedures.
• Must be free from governmental sanctions involving health care and/or financial practices.
• Other duties as assigned. This list is non-exhaustive.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Education
  • None.
• License
  • State of Wyoming CNA Certification or 2 years Previous Mental Health Experience preferred.
    • Licensed professionals must strictly adhere to the ethical code of their respective discipline.
• Experience
  • Previous experience preferred.
• Certifications required
  • See Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification Policy and Certifications/Education Requirements Policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The ability to maintain continuing education requirements and all certifications and licenses as required (e.g. ACLS, PALS, TEAM, CPR)
• Must be able to assist in assessing a patient’s condition, formulating a plan of care, selecting appropriate interventions, evaluating patient response to care/ treatment and explaining/ teaching patients about their condition/ recovery.
• Ability to develop positive interaction with patients, patient families, physicians, and staff in order to effectively care for the patients.
• Ability to handle emergency high-stress situations.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions and under stressful conditions.
• Analytical and reasoning skills with a high level of mental concentration and memory.
• The ability to maintain continuing education requirements and all certifications and licenses as required (e.g. ACLS, PALS, TEAM, CPR)
• The ability to demonstrate knowledge of developmental stages and apply developmental theories/concepts when planning and implementing care for the appropriate age of the patient. Ability to maintain the appropriate level of knowledge and skills.
• Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skill in the following age groups:
  • Adolescent (12-18)
  • Adult (19 and older)