Behavioral Health Technician
Connecticut Children's Medical Center
Hartford, CT
evenings
Sign-On Bonus

Behavioral Health Technician - Emergency Department Behavioral Health - 40hr

The Behavioral Health Technician promotes the safety, health and comfort of patients, families and staff in Zone C (Emergency Department) as related to the care of behavioral health/ psychiatry patients in the Emergency department. The Behavioral Health Technician's primary assignment is Zone C of the Emergency Department. Patient Care: * Assists the Registered Nurse in collecting data of the patient during the intake/ admission process for behavioral/ psychiatric patients. * Completes an inventory of personal items and appropriate wanding of patient/ belongings upon arrival. Acts as part of the care team conducting supervised clothing change. Secures as per department standard and returns personal items at the completion of the visit. * Communicates to the team observations of the environment and patient indicators that a patient is escalating or at increased risk for agitation/ aggression or harm to self. * Works to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while maintaining boundaries for patients, families and staff. * Supports visitation guidelines and policies as established by department and hospital. * May be assigned to the role of intermittent/ roving patient care partner as determined by the primary RN assigned to care area and the shift charge RN * Assists patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (bathing, dietary, escorting patient off unit, etc) * Completes patient documentation as appropriate * Obtains vital signs/ weights as delegated by Registered Nurse. In the event there are no patients in Zone C may support the main ED triage function as assigned by the charge nurse * Helps in application and removal of physical restraints when directed to apply by the attending medical provider or primary nurse. * Collaborates as a member of the care team to: * Contribute to the safe level of observations, * Contributes to the development and implementation of an individualized care plan as part of the care team. Does not independently develop or act on a care plan that is not vetted by the licensed team. Holds patients accountable for limits and boundaries as developed by the team. * Effectively utilizes knowledge and application of de-escalation techniques. * Assists with procedural holds as directed by MD, Provider and/or RN. * Obtain and test specimens (e.g. blood glucose, urine, pharyngeal swabs, etc.; 1 and 2 step point of care tests). * Perform EKGs. Operations & Environment: * Rounds continuously to observe for and early intervention of escalating situations. * Ensures department has minimal hallway clutter and obstructions. * Maintains the environment of care. * Completes daily safety checks and restocking function (equipment, restraints, supplies) * Participates in post restraint huddle. Customer Service: * Establishes effective relationships with patients, families, staff and external customers/ consultants to the team. Quality: * Is accountable for departmental and hospital quality and safety initiatives and goals. * Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families. * Values cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce. * Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Children's standards. * Performs other related responsibilities as assigned. Education and/or Experience Required: * Education Required: High School diploma or GED required. * Experience Required: Minimum of one year (1) experience in pediatric emergency department or psychiatric/ behavioral health unit. License and/or Certification Required: * BLS CPR for Healthcare provider, required upon hire and maintained current at all times * Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained current at all times (use this same language in the patient care partner JD)