Behavioral Tech III (Shift 1) - Inpatient Nursing 056

LifeStream is a behavioral health and social services organization that provides high-quality treatment, education, care management, rehabilitation, child welfare, primary care and homeless services to children, adolescents, and adults. Located in Central Florida, LifeStream primarily serves the residents of Lake, Citrus and Sumter Counties, with additional programs located in Orange, Marion, Hernando and Hillsborough Counties.

BEHAVIORAL TECH III (Shift 1) Inpatient Nursing 056

JOB SUMMARY: The Behavioral Tech III position is integral to the efficient functioning of the Inpatient Units. They will, by virtue of their role, have primary patient contact and, in that role, will have influence on patient treatment and progress.  As such, Behavioral Techs are professional staff members with responsibility for maintenance of a secure therapeutic milieu in cooperation with a variety of disciplines, most importantly the nursing staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Help with the admission of consumers, including taking vital signs, bath and shampoo, if necessary, body check, checking for hazardous objects, listing valuables and personal possessions, and orienting the consumer to the unit. 
• Assist in individual needs assessment, treatment plan formulation and implementation, if necessary, for your unit
• Attends treatment team meetings and provides information relative to child’s adjustment in the home, if necessary, for your unit
• Learn and apply to the daily routine, as soon as possible, the principles of mental health nursing. 
• Observe all consumers closely, at all times, never leaving consumers unattended. 
• Report all pertinent observations, changes in physical signs or symptoms, changes in emotional behavior and consumer’s eating habits to the Charge/Unit Nurse.
•  Observe and report consumer’s reactions to visitors or telephone calls. 
• Report feelings and ideas expressed verbally by consumers. 
• Encourage consumers to interact with other consumers and staff, and to participate in the social life of the unit, including recreational and occupational therapy. 
• Assist in the organization and execution of consumer group/recreational activities. 
• Take vital signs routinely, and as indicated by the Charge/Unit Nurse, and report any significant changes or elevations. 
• Encourage consumers to respect the rules and regulations of the unit and give physical and emotional support as it is needed. 
• Encourage consumers to meet their own physical needs such as showering, shaving, oral hygiene, grooming care of hair and manner of dress.  
• Encourage maintenance of cleanliness and neatness in all living and recreational areas, and make sure all consumer areas are clean, neat and uncluttered at the end of each shift. 
• Carry out assigned duties in caring for consumers who require more than routine observation and care. 
• Make checks at least every 15 minutes on consumers confined to bed or in seclusion or restraints. 
• Assist in the management of impulsive, violent or uncooperative consumers. 
• Check any unusual sounds, report suspicious behavior of consumers or visitors, report difficulties with visitors, check consumer’s rooms for hidden hazardous objects or medications, and search and record items brought into consumers. 
• Assist Unit Secretary and nursing personnel with discharge procedures, such as getting consumer ready, gathering consumers’ belongings and stripping consumer’s beds. 
• Escort consumers to areas outside the unit, as necessary. 
• Monitor/Prepare meals and ensure compliance with prescribed diet
• Educate individuals in the preparation of meals according to DCF guidelines, if necessary, for assigned program
• Never leave the unit without permission of the Charge/Unit Nurse, and then only if the Charge/Unit Nurse is not alone, there must be two personnel on the unit at all times. (Hospital only)
• Conduct waitlist for potential consumers, entering medication into TIER and on MARS sheet as prescribed by Physician or as changes occur (Access Center only)
• Administering U/A’s (Access Center only)
• If required, ensure proper documentation is completed in TIER system
• Monitor the self-administration of medication for assigned programs
• Monitor consumers for undesirable side-effects to medication and informs supervisor when necessary
• Monitor supply needs and notify staff when supplies are low, put away supplies when they arrive 
• Run errands and do other jobs as requested by leadership.
• Participate consistently in all in-service training programs.
• Ability to successfully complete initial and annual Techniques for Effective Aggression Management (TEAM) physical restraint training and verbal de-escalation training.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

•  High school diploma or equivalent required
• CNA preferred
• Minimum of Two (2) years’ experience in substance abuse and mental health setting is required
• Desirable to have experience working with psychiatric or co-occurring consumers of all ages
• Level II Background Clearance

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT: Completes all requirements according to Individual Training Plan within the first six months of hire and annually.  Other training and/or professional development may be assigned due to evolution of programs. 

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT BENEFITS!  

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance  
• Short Term Disability  
• Pension Plan  
• 403(b)  
• PTO (Over 4 weeks your 1st year!)  
• Paid holidays   
• Flexible Work Schedules  
• Shift and Weekend Differentials   
• Employee Discount perks and more!   
• And More!  

Quick Apply or through LifeStream's Website: https://secure3.entertimeonline.com/ta/6030993.careers?CareersSearch      

LifeStream is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant based on age, citizenship, color, covered veteran status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.