Psych Tech I

Overview

Psychiatric Technician, Unit C - IDD

Full Time, 72 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift and Night Shift

Peninsula Overview:

Peninsula Behavioral Health, a division of Parkwest Medical Center and part of Covenant Health, is a leading provider of mental health services in East Tennessee. With decades of experience, Peninsula offers compassionate, evidence-based care for children, adolescents, and adults through inpatient and outpatient programs across multiple counties. From psychiatric treatment and therapy to specialized senior care, Peninsula is committed to helping individuals overcome mental health challenges and live healthy, productive lives. 

To learn more about Peninsula Behavioral Health and our units, visit Peninsula Behavioral Health Opportunities.  

IDD Unit:

The IDD unit is a 12-bed crisis stabilization program serving patients ages 10-17 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals with significant support needs. Patients may require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, toileting, and feeding, and are expected to have an average length of stay of approximately 30 days, with non-nursing staff (Psych Techs and RBTs) staffed at a 1:3 ratio.

Position Summary:

Responsible for quality patient care by providing supervision and guidance for the patients as well as maintaining a safe and therapeutic patient environment. 

Responsibilities

• Provides proper supervision and guidance in the daily activities of the program as part of a patient care team.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe and therapeutic patient environment.
• Reports patient complaints and/or changes in the patient’s psychiatric and/or medical condition promptly to the Registered Nurse.
• Completes all necessary paperwork used in the daily operation of the program and documents in the medical record objective patient care in a competent manner.
• Understands and is able to implement all emergency policies and procedures and ensures that emergency restrictive devices are available on the unit each shift and in good working order.
• Works with the Nurse Manager and/or Nurse Supervisor, and/or the Team Leader Psychiatric Technician, and co-workers to structure and monitor the unit milieu. Reports problems in working with specific patients to the Registered Nurse and/or the Team Leader Psychiatric Technician.
• Participates in the training and orientation of new staff members as directed by designated organizational leaders.
• Performs and documents monitoring of patient activities on the milieu as well as any specialized observation needs.
• Monitors vital signs, collects urine specimens, and assists patients with the activities of daily living according to appropriate guidelines and policies and under the clinical direction of the Registered Nurse.
• Serves as an extension of Clinical Services/Physical Therapy departments to deliver therapeutic activities.
• Demonstrates and maintains competence in using small group dynamics, scheduled activities, and the therapeutic milieu to carry out the Treatment Plan for each patient as part of a patient care team.
• Uses small group dynamics to provide support and limits for the patients as part of a patient care team.
• Attends shift report and is prepared to share relevant information about the patients.
• Accompanies patients to other facilities for appointments, treatments, etc. as required.
• Maintains all necessary certifications and completes all mandatory assigned education in the specified time frames.
• Attends on regular basis staff meetings and development sessions in order to maintain and enhance job knowledge.
• Participates in facility committees and the design/implementation of patient care initiatives as directed by the Nurse Manager.
• Punctual and prepared to perform duties and responsibilities.
• Presents a professional image, both in appearance and delivery of service.
• Actively ensures a safe, therapeutic milieu through effective and collaborative unit management
• Communicates to supervisory staff all work-related issues, concerns and problems.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:           

High School Diploma or GED required.

Minimum Experience:         

None

Licensure Requirement:      

None