Description

Under direct supervision, performs a basic level of general and psychiatric nursing care to mentally ill or emotionally disturbed patients in an acute services or health center setting.

This recruitment will be used to fill any current or future vacancies as needed per department. There are currently three (3) departments that have this classification, Custody Health Services, Behavioral Health, and Santa Clara County Health and Hospital System.

Custody Health Services (CHS) provides medical, mental health, and dental services to patients in custody at the 3 County Jail facilities: Main Jail, Elmwood and Juvenile Detention facilities. CHS provides on-site routine and urgent/emergent medical services at both Main Jail and Elmwood adult detention facilities in Santa Clara County. Health care of incarcerated men and women includes care of acute and chronic illness as well as preventative and specialty care. CHS also runs a 39 single-bed acute psychiatric inpatient housing unit at the Main Jail. The services are provided for adult male and female patients who require acute inpatient services for stabilization. Juvenile Custody Health provides integrated medical services to justice involved youth housed in Juvenile Hall and in James Ranch to include comprehensive pediatric medical, mental health, and dental care.

Some positions may require to work in a locked facility, which requires passing a background check for security clearance.

The County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department (BHSD) strives to be a premier integrated behavioral health care provider, employer, and partner. We are a passionate team of caring, courageous staff and professionals dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals, children, families, and older adults impacted by mental health and substance use challenges. To support achievement of their hopes, dreams, and quality of life goals, our team provides high quality whole-person care and comprehensive community-based behavioral services through the lens of race, equity, diversity and inclusion. We are looking for stellar health care professionals like you to start a rewarding career with us and be a partner for health and wellness in the community.

Typical Tasks

Observes, evaluates, and records patient behavior and reports on any unusual conditions.

Encourages patient participation in and co-leads recreational and other group activities.

Carries out patient care duties such as admitting, orienting, discharging, taking vital signs, and assisting with meals.

Administers medications and treatments as allowed by Licensure regulations.

Keeps records pertaining to patient care.

Accompanies patients to designated areas to carry out treatment and activities.

Assists in maintaining cleanliness and safety of treatment environment.

Assists patients in developing and maintaining a well-groomed appearance.

Participates in group sessions and patient care rounds.

Assists in preventing patients from injuring themselves or others.

Responds to needs of family members and visitors in treatment area.

Assists in ordering, dispensing, storing, and maintaining supplies in the facility.

May be assigned to mental health evaluations in the field.

• Performs other related work as required.

Employment Standards

Possession of a valid license as a psychiatric technician issued by the California State Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners. Possession of a valid California driver's license may be required.

Knowledge of:

• Practical nursing techniques and their application;
  
• Standard practices used in caring for the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed, including typical behavior patterns with symptoms of mental illness;
  
• Common psychiatric medications.

• Administer oral and subcutaneous medications;
  
• Recognize basic physical and mental symptoms;
  
• Apply routine general and psychiatric nursing care to mentally ill or emotionally disturbed patients;
  
• Exercise patience while interacting with patients;
  
• Exercise judgment in recognizing basic symptoms indicative of adverse patient reactions;
  
• Work effectively as a member of a treatment team;
  
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions;
  
• Get along well with others;
  
• Express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing;
  
• Physically restrain patients.