Psychiatric Tech

Job Description

Psychiatric Tech

Job Code: BH1021

About Us

We are welcoming a new era in healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper, we believe in caring for the whole person by getting to know – and making connections with – our patients. By combining the talent and expertise of our people, the breadth of capabilities across our system, and our commitment to helping our communities get better and stay healthy, we are improving the patient experience.

As a UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper team member, you will have a voice in patient care decisions, support the most advanced medical technologies and feel a strong sense of satisfaction from making a difference in people’s lives every day.

JOB TYPE

Classification: Nonexempt

Supervises Positions: No

Job Summary

The Psychiatric Tech is responsible for assisting with care of psychiatric patients from young adults 18 years of age through geriatrics under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse. Provides and documents patient care under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Nurse Manager/Nurse Manager.

Human Experience: Provides guidance to team members as they navigate patient concerns through teaching, good communication, and trust building behaviors.

• Utilizes relationship building skills through rounding to provide training and coaching to team members on how to effectively connect with patients.
• Uses patient feedback to create innovative ideas to meet patient needs.
• Ensures team members have pertinent information to educate patients on procedures and processes.
  
  

Teamwork: Develops and maintains positive relationships with team members, leadership, and community providers.

• Demonstrates a willingness to adjust activities to accommodate the needs of team members.
• Develops team members through mentoring, precepting, orientation, and timely feedback.
• Collaborates with leaders and other team members for positive experiences for patients.
  
  

Behavioral Health Expertise: Has a deep knowledge of psychiatric medications, psychiatric diagnosis, mental health concepts, and evidence based therapeutic interventions and treatments.

• Implements treatment plan using best practice modalities and interventions to obtain optimal patient outcomes.
• Establishes and maintains control of violent patients, defends self and others against violent assaults, and reacts appropriately during a psychiatric crisis.
• Continues professional development and assumes responsibility as a self-directed professional for continuing education.
  
  

Communication: Consistently utilizes professional communication within the interdisciplinary team and when handing off patient care.

• Communicates individualized plan of care and patient’s progress toward goals to all members of the care team including the patient and his/her chosen support system/legal guardian.
• Complies with required standards for medical/legal reporting and documentation situations.
• Accepts responsibility for actions and responds positively to feedback.
  
  

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED required - NAI; Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or high school diploma with a minimum of 6 months Psychiatric Tech experience. 4 Year/Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience: Refer to the Life Support Training Policy for additional details.

Licensure: CPI within three months of hire required.

Additional Skills/Requirements Required: N/A

Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: Ability to perform all CPI physical holds. Ability to care for Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse age specific patients within facility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Demand Code: 18A, Mental Health Associate

Work Function/Activity: Medium to Heavy Physical Demand

The job requires constant sitting, standing, walking, and bending/stooping. Frequent repetitive body movements. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull up to 100 lbs. occasionally. For any weight over 35 lbs. use Safe Handling Equipment. This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. It may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper.

Other

• May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes
• On call responsibilities as directed: No
• Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: No