MHT Full and Part Time

Hospital for Behavioral Medicine (HBM) specializes in mental health treatment. Our 120-bed inpatient facility is equipped with the latest safety features designed to provide patients with a comfortable environment to receive therapeutic care. Situated in Worcester County, Hospital for Behavioral Medicine is the newest mental health facility of its kind in the state of Massachusetts and is a joint venture between HBM and UMass Memorial Health Care. A short drive from the UMass Memorial Medical Center, HBM is designed to serve members of the community both near and far.

To learn more about Hospital for Behavioral Medicine, please visit:https://www.hospitalforbehavioralmedicine.com/

If you feel that your skills and compassion fit with our vision for person-centered care and want to make a difference in your community, we invite you to apply today!

Hospital for Behavioral Medicineoffers competitive rates and benefits including:

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mental Health Technician functions as an active part of the treatment team, providing continuous patient care, supervision, interaction, and role modeling to patients ranging in age from preschool through geriatrics depending on which unit worked. MHT's work under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS ARE CATEGORIZED UNDER THE JOINT COMMISSION STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE.

Assessment

1. Take and record vital signs properly.
2. Utilize sound judgment during assessment and observe/documents any changes in a patient'sappearance, behavior or ability to work toward treatment plan goals.
3. Communicate changes in patient's condition to the charge nurse.

Treatment Planning

1. Follow the therapeutic interventions outlined by the treatment team for each patient.
2. Ensure awareness of patient's individualized plan of care including goals and interventions.
3. Provide information to the charge nurse that assists in the development and revision of thetreatment plan.
4. Document the treatment plan, nursing interventions and the patient's response to the intervention.

Intervention

1. Ensure intervention is based on the patient's plan of care.
2. Employ appropriate crisis intervention techniques as needed.
3. Employ facility approved Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behavior (CPI/PMAB) techniques as necessary.
4. Assist patients through the discharge process.
5. Assist patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living.

Milieu Management

1. Comply with the established policies and procedures requiring a safe, clean and therapeuticenvironment.
2. Practice universal precautions and environmental safety guidelines.
3. Recognize and respond to priorities in patient care responsibilities.
4. Supervise and assist patients in all patient areas.
5. Check patients for contraband and manage the patient's valuables and belongings.
6. Report potential crisis situations to the nurse in charge and responds in an appropriate fashion.
7. Ensure patient safety through continuous supervision of patient.
8. Establish and maintain a professional therapeutic relationship with patients.

Teaching

1. Teach the patient proper hygiene and ensure adherence to hygiene methods.
2. Carry out teaching activities identified in the treatment plan under the supervision of the RN Manager.
3. Model and teach appropriate social skills.
4. Re-enforce the importance of medication compliance, and monitor activity of compliance.
5. Orient patients to their unit and program, providing continuous guidance as needed.

Performance

1. Assume responsibilities for the completion of all patient care responsibilities and other assignedduties.
2. Act as the patient's advocate and assure that patient's rights are upheld.
3. Comply with established measures for infection control, OSHA regulations, and risk management.
4. Comply with the Employee Code of Ethics.
5. Adhere to all facility and personnel policies and procedures.
6. Participate in continuous Performance Improvement activities.

Specific Standards for the Care of Child Patients Ages 5 through 11

1. Maintain knowledge of the Child Program rules, protocols and handbooks guidelines.
2. Maintain knowledge of children's stages of development and seek guidance from the nurse in charge when questions about the norms for behavior related to child development arise.
3. Assess patients for behaviors consistent with the developmental stages and make note of anydeviations in behavior, and/or history of physical and/or sexual abuse issues.
4. Recognize acting out behavior of child specific age group and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behavioral and non-judgmental terms based on the age of the patient.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of learning disabilities and translates treatment/program expectations to the learning-disabled child.
6. Relate to child patients in an age appropriate manner.
7. Utilize seclusion and restraint procedures with an understanding of the need for modification about smaller body sizes of children, abandonment issues and the history of physical and/or sexual abuse issue.
8. Act as a resource to other staff about the Child Patient Programs.

Specific Standards for the Care of Adolescent Patients Ages 12 through 18

1. Maintain knowledge of the Adolescent Program rules, protocols and handbooks guidelines.
2. Assess patients for behaviors consistent with the developmental stages and makes note of any deviations in behavior.
3. Recognize acting out behavior of adolescent specific age group and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behavioral and non-judgmental terms based on the age of the patient.
4. Demonstrate an awareness of learning disabilities and translates treatment/program expectations to the learning-disabled adolescent.
5. Relate to adolescent patients in an age appropriate manner.
6. Utilize seclusion and restraint procedures with an understanding of the need for modification about smaller body sizes of adolescents, abandonment issues and the history of physical and/or sexual abuse issue.
7. Act as a resource to other staff about the Adolescent Patient Programs.

Specific Standards for the Care of Adult Patients Ages 19 through 64

1. Gather information from the patient, family and interdisciplinary team and use judgments based on knowledge of adult behaviors in treatment planning and interventions.
2. Recognize behaviors and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behaviors and non-judgmental terms.
3. Utilize seclusion/restraint procedures applicable to adult body size and patient history of violent or emotional behaviors.
4. Maintain current knowledge of the Adult Program rules, protocols and handbook guidelines.
5. Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of adult care within Specific Standards of Care for this age group.

Specific Standards for the Care of Geriatric Patients Ages 65 and older

1. Maintain knowledge of the developmental tasks and sociological theories of aging.
2. Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of gerontological health careand behavioral care.
3. Gather the appropriate information from the patient, family and interdisciplinary team and use therapeutic judgments based on knowledge of gerontological health/behavioral care practices to develop a comprehensive plan of care.
4. Utilize interventions based on gerontological theory to restore patient's functional capabilities and to prevent complications and excess disability.
5. Maintain knowledge of treatments, medications and side effects of such in the geriatric age group.

Specific Standards for the Care of Chemically Dependent Patients

1. Assesses patient needs as related to chemical dependency and document the plan of care from the admission through discharge.
2. Collaborate with other chemical dependency staff professionals in planning for discharge and follow-up care.
3. Maintain an awareness of how personal issues relating to co-dependency can impact work performance/relationships.

Additional Standards

1. Adhere to facility, department, corporate, personnel and standard policies and procedures.
2. Attend all mandatory facility in-services and staff development activities as scheduled.
3. Adhere to facility standards concerning conduct, dress, attendance and punctuality.
4. Support facility-wide quality/performance improvement goals and objectives.
5. Maintain confidentiality of facility employees and patient information.

Note: The job functions of this position are not limited to the duties listed above.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Degree or equivalent preferred; or Certified Nursing Assistant preferred;

Degree from an accredited college or university in social work, recreational therapy or appropriate therapeutic discipline.

Experience: One year of related experience, with a knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques with understanding of mental illness, preferred.

Additional Requirements: Successful completion CPR certification and CPI training to within 30 days of employment prior to assisting with restraining procedures. May be required to work overtime and flexible hours.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES WHAT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION SHOULD CURRENTLY POSSESS. THIS LIST MAY NOT BE COMPLETE FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

1. Knowledge of all code procedures.
2. Knowledge of personal hygiene training techniques.
3. Knowledge of psychiatric care techniques.
4. Knowledge of aggressive behavior management techniques.
5. Thorough knowledge and training in CPR.
6. Knowledge of admitting procedures.
7. Knowledge of A&R intake calls.
8. Knowledge of BIRP charting.
9. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
10. Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures.
11. Effective oral and written communication skills.
12. Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers.
13. Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures.
14. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.
15. Ability to work as a team player.
16. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.
17. Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.
18. Ability to recognize the importance of adapting to the various patient age groups (adolescent,adult and geriatric).
19. Ability to participate in all aspects of patient care management.
20. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
21. Ability to meet corporate deadlines.
22. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Hospital for Behavioral Medicine we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees.We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.