Psychiatric Technician

Hours:

·         Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm

Duties:

·         Perform assigned patient care, procedures under the direct supervision of a credentialed Neuropsychologist.

·          Escort, and/or act as a therapeutic participant in patient activities both inside and out of the department.

·          Screen patients to determine presenting problems and priority of appointment.  This may entail telephone triage or in-person evaluation.  Perform basic assessment procedures, including initial screening evaluation and standardized neuropsychological testing.  Assist credentialed providers with identifying mental health diagnosis and treatment strategies, as well as providing patient education.

·         Measure and record patient's general physical condition, such as pulse, temperature, and respiration, to provide daily information.  Observe patients to detect behavior patterns and report observations to medical staff.

·         Utilize therapeutic assessment and interview skills to illicit accurate and concise account of the patient's condition.

·         Administer neuropsychological tests in support of a credentialed Neuropsychologist.

·         Explain and interpret neuropsychological services and procedures to assess care to patients and commands.  Assist in or arrange for patient referral to other facilities for alternate level of care.

·         Document patient activity per Facility policy and notify the Neuropsychologist in charge of any abnormal or unusual findings in a timely manner.

·         Assist in providing specialized treatment and rehabilitation of brain injured and mental health patients.  Assist in conducting individual and group therapy sessions.  Observe, monitor, report, and record patient interaction and progress.  

·         Utilize sound judgment and crisis intervention skills, including physical restraint, to prevent or reverse, situations which, may be potentially harmful.  Follow MTF specific policies for Seclusion/Restraint, Elopement and Management of the assaultive patient.

·         Institute precautionary measures to prevent patient injuries due-to suicide, homicide, or elopement.

·         Exhibit a basic knowledge of psychotropic medications including actions, side effects and common dosages.  Follow command policies and procedures for the administration and documentation of scheduled and PRN medications.  Inform the mental health provider in charge of any errors, discrepancies, or adverse patient reactions.

·         Coordinate with other base agencies and Military Treatment Facilities regarding specialized care, treatment, and administrative functions.  Contact military or community agencies to obtain collateral information.

·         Provide care for patients utilizing proper infection control and safety techniques as planned and/or ordered.

·         Perform department administrative activities as directed.

Requirements:

·         Possess a current certification as a Psychiatric Technician by the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, OR possess a certification received from military training as a Psychiatric Technician, OR possess experience in the performance of neuropsychological testing and test scoring, OR possess a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Sociology, or in a behavioral science related field OR LPN with Psychiatric or Mental Health experience.  

·         Have a minimum of 12 months full time experience within the preceding 24 months as a Psychiatric Technician.