Inpatient Technician - Analenisgi - PTI

Job Title: Inpatient Technician
Job Code: INPTECH
Department: Analenisgi Inpatient
Division: Nursing
Salary Level: NE4
Reports to: Inpatient Technician Supervisor
Last Revised: September 2021

Job Summary
The Inpatient Technician in the Analenisgi Inpatient Unit provides daily supervision, support, and interaction with patients in a behavioral health and substance use treatment setting. Maintains a therapeutic inpatient environment and collaborates with staff to ensure adherence to treatment goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with all patients in clinical settings.
• Maintain regular attendance, including nights and weekends as required.
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures, staying informed of updates.
• Track and document patient whereabouts per policy, ensuring safety and accountability.
• Conduct frequent rounds, checking for unsafe conditions and cleanliness, and addressing any issues.
• Supervise daily patient activities, including medication, therapeutic activities, and meals.
• Intervene per policy to protect patients and staff when necessary.
• Communicate emergencies promptly to co-workers and management, documenting details accurately.
• Monitor and manage patient visitation, including adherence to program rules.
• Ensure visitors sign necessary documents and verify identification for accountability.
• Conduct contraband searches per agency policy, following documentation and custody procedures.
• Adhere to medication policies, accurately logging and reporting any discrepancies.
• Assist in finding shift coverage as needed.
• Remain alert and responsive to patient and unit needs.
• Transport clients as directed, following safety standards and regulations.
• Monitor agency vehicle use, reporting issues to appropriate staff.
• Maintain professional boundaries, as outlined in the agency's Code of Ethics.
• Exhibit empathy toward patient situations appropriately.
• Provide courteous telephone coverage, directing calls and taking messages as needed.
• Interact professionally with employees, visitors, and law enforcement personnel.
• Facilitate group sessions as assigned.
• Attend annual training to meet required hours.
• Participate in staff meetings and required training.
• Comply with agency security standards and use of electronic equipment.
• Share essential information with staff and encourage open communication within the unit.
• Ensure compliance with Joint Commission Behavioral Health standards.
• Orient new patients to the unit, ensuring follow-through on patient care plans.
• Conduct patient satisfaction surveys, providing feedback to management.
• Represent Cherokee Indian Hospital Behavioral Health Services at community events.
• Collaborate with staff to implement activities that target patient interests and recovery goals.
• Document all treatments and clinically significant events per CIHA policies.
• Follow privacy and confidentiality policies, including EBCI, CIHA, HIPAA, and JCAHO guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Current BLS Certification preferred, required within six months of hire.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office; experience with Electronic Medical Records preferred.
• Ability to work independently with a flexible schedule.
• Experience in behavioral health or with Native Americans preferred.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist and/or Certified Nursing Assistant preferred.
• Associate’s Degree in Human Services preferred.

Job Knowledge

• Ability to use electronic medical records and relevant software.
• Knowledge of social work principles, recovery practices, and substance use treatments.
• Familiarity with laws, regulations, and policies governing behavioral health services.
• Understanding of medical terminology and the impact of mental illness on treatment.
• Skilled in rapport-building and effective communication with patients and families.

Complexity of Duties
Responsible for maximizing resources to meet community needs, with a focus on policy interpretation and clinical judgment. Duties may involve critical, life-impacting decisions, particularly when working with distressed or agitated individuals.

Supervision Received
Works independently under Inpatient Management guidance, with defined goals and procedures, and the discretion to make decisions in alignment with department objectives.

Responsibility for Accuracy
Errors can impact patient treatment, community relations, and resource allocation. Adherence to policy is essential, with responsibility for data accuracy in treatment documentation.

Contact with Others
Interacts frequently with coworkers, hospital staff, and external professionals to exchange information and provide assistance. Professional conduct, tact, and confidentiality are required, especially with sensitive patient information.

Confidential Data
Access to sensitive patient information requires strict confidentiality per HIPAA, EBCI, and CIHA policies. Violations may result in disciplinary action.

Mental/Visual/Physical Environment
Mentally and emotionally demanding, requiring attention to detail and resilience. Physical requirements include mobility, standing, bending, and lifting up to 30 lbs., with extended periods of sitting and training delivery.

Work Environment
Primarily within a clinical setting, with potential exposure to infectious materials, radiation, and chemicals. Adheres to OSHA guidelines for sterile conditions. Some travel and occasional overnight stays for training may be required.

Customer Service
Exemplifies CIHA’s guiding principles and core values, consistently seeking to provide superior service to patients and families, and fostering a supportive, healing environment.