What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Technician - Per Diem - Variable Shift position at Adventist Health?
For more than 30 years, Adventist Health Vallejo has been helping people of all ages reach their fullest potential. We are comprised of a freestanding 61-bed facility with short-term psychiatric care for children, adolescents and adults. We also provide partial hospitalization programs for adults. Our extensive range of treatment programs are designed to foster empowerment, connection and a meaningful life. Vallejo offers one of the most versatile locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Vallejo's proximity to San Francisco and Oakland's vibrant art, food and sports entertainment venues is unparalleled. Vallejo's historic downtown, waterfront and ease of access to the world-class Napa Valley provide many local opportunities for exploring.
Job Summary:
Provides direct and indirect care, under the direction of the registered nurse (RN), for a patient or an assigned group of patients. Meets patient care needs through the use of the nursing process. Cares for patients of different age groups by using age related interventions as assigned by the RN.
Job Requirements:
Education and Work Experience:
- High School Education/GED or equivalent: Preferred
- Associate’s/Technical Degree or equivalent combination of education/related experience: Preferred
- Two years' experience in a behavioral healthcare setting: Preferred
Licenses/Certifications:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification: Preferred
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) certification: Preferred
- Management of Assaultive Behavior certification: Preferred
Facility Specific License/Certifications:
- Basic Life Support (BLS OR HS-BLS OR RQI BLS) certification: Required
Department Specific License/Certifications:
- Techniques for Effective Aggression Management (TEAM) or Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI): Required
Essential Functions:
- Implements psychosocial interventions, helps with basic activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, ambulating, transferring, elimination needs and therapeutic program participation. Assists in maintaining program function including meal supervision and patient safety checks. Assists in structured therapeutic activities and supportive interactions with patients. Utilizes seclusion and restraint interventions, as needed.
- Conducts therapeutic interventions with patients exhibiting significant disturbances in emotional, cognitive and physical behaviors. Facilitates or co-facilitates therapeutic group process. Facilitates a variety of therapeutic groups including verbal process, patient education and those encouraging nonverbal means of expression and communication. Interprets patient’s behavior or physical symptoms so that abnormal behaviors are recognized and reported to the RN so that interventions may be implemented.
- Performs data collection and physical examinations for patients and participates with the RN in the planning of care and implementation of interventions. Participates with other team members in developing plans for meeting the daily care needs of patients, as determined by the care plan. Conducts required patient monitoring according to policy. Documents individual patient care information.
- Supports patient and family through empathetic interaction/education within scope of practice. Identifies and reinforces patient/family teaching plans. Fosters patient participation in the program environment and offers support to patients in coping with an immediate situation.
- Assists nursing staff in clerical duties. Prepares new charts on admission, fills out routine forms and answers telephones.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Organizational Requirements:
Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations, including, but not limited to, measles, mumps, flu (based on the seasonal availability of the flu vaccine typically during October-March each year), COVID-19 vaccine (required in CA, HI and OR) etc., as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.
