Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, WESTERN MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE, HARDEMAN COUNTY

This classification, Psychiatric Technician, currently has an approved hiring rate of $2,436.00 monthly/$29,232.00 yearly.

This is an on-site position.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school.

Necessary Special Qualifications: A valid motor vehicle operator license may be required; some positions may require a valid motor vehicle operator's license with a FOR HIRE (F) endorsement.

Overview

Under general supervision, is responsible for psychiatric technical work of average difficulty; and performs related work as required. This is the working level class in the Psychiatric Technician sub-series. Positions may work in direct care on patient units in a psychiatric hospital with responsibilities including providing daily living care, individualized teaching, group teaching, and supervised medical assistance. In addition, some positions may work as unit coordinators or admissions clerks with responsibilities such as such as entering/editing patient information into a database; ordering medical and office supplies; explaining admission procedures, taking vital signs and collecting other information from patients at the time of admission; and other clerical or patient care work. An employee in this class may be assigned to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, and/or holidays. This class differs from Lead Psychiatric Technician in that an incumbent of the latter trains and orients new Psychiatric Technicians and may supervise Psychiatric Technicians on an assigned shift in a unit.

NOTE: Applicants must successfully complete an approved Psychiatric Technician training course with the State of Tennessee or pass an equivalent examination. Failure to do so may result in termination.

Responsibilities

• Provides basic and/or emergency/psychiatric medical assistance under direct supervision of a licensed health care provider. Rescues injured patients and/or escorts patients to appropriate areas during the event of an emergency.
• Teaches patients to function at the highest daily living level possible through demonstration, one-on-one instruction, videos, or booklets. Promotes social interaction by encouraging patient participation in group activities and/or discussions.
• Identifies patients at risk based on current assessment by medical professionals and follows established protocols for specific risks to ensure safety of patients and staff. Monitors patients during administration of medications and meals to assist in compliance with prescribed regiment and monitors office and medical supplies to sure adequate quantities are on hand.
• Identifies problematic situations between staff and patients and takes appropriate corrective action (e.g., intervenes when a staff member is having difficulties interacting with a patient.). Restrains patients to prevent injuries to themselves and others.
• Reports to immediate supervisor observed progression or regression in patients that may indicate training/treatment need changes. Meets with other staff to discuss and document patient behavior or any other hospital situations that have occurred.
• Cleans the work area, supplies, and equipment to ensure a sanitary living environment. Inspects patients' belongings, rooms, and other patient areas to check for contraband, safety and health issues, equipment functioning, or other problems or issues.
• Explains HIPAA laws, patients' rights, and other information to patients, families, and/or conservators. Explains admission, vital sign, laboratory procedures, and routine ancillary services to patients.
• Maintains current information and adheres to the Health Information Portability and Privacy Act (HIPAA) and other regularity standards relevant to job duties. Attends annual and periodic in-service training to keep up-to-date on the latest methods and technologies relevant to job duties.

Competencies (KSA's)

• Instills Trust
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Manages Conflict
• Customer Focus
• Action Oriented

Knowledge:

• Customer and Personal Service
• Clerical

Skills:

• Time Management
• Learning Strategies
• Instructing
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension

Abilities:

• Multilimb Coordination
• Multilimb Strength
• Limb and/or Full Body Coordination
• Speech Clarity
• Written Comprehension

Tools & Equipment

• Computer
• Electronic Devices
• General Office Equipment
• Various Medical Equipment and Devices

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.