COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN-BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

The work involves providing direct nursing care to psychiatric patients in the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) and in-patient behavioral health unit at the Erie County Medical Center Corporation. The incumbent provides routine care to patients in accordance with the policies and regulations of local, state and federal authorities, as well as accepted standards of practice. The work is performed under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. Supervision is not a function of this position. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Provides personal hygiene including, but not limited to showers, bed baths, shaving, nail care, hair care, oral care and denture care;

Cares for personal need items such as eyeglasses, hearing aide, canes, wheelchairs and other adaptive devices;

Assists patients in meeting nutritional needs including passing and collecting diet trays and nourishments, setting up trays and adaptive feeding equipment and feeding or assisting as necessary;

Monitors, documents and reports intake and output (I&O);

Performs specimen collection, 12 Lead ECG and glucose level testing utilizing a glucometer;

Obtains vital signs and notifies supervisor of changes;

Leads patient activity group under the direct supervision of a RN;

Transfers and transports patients utilizing appropriate equipment;

Performs range of motion (ROM) for both upper and lower extremities; assists with ambulation;

Identifies changes in condition of skin, cognitive functioning or behavior and notifies supervisor;

Responds appropriately to life threatening emergencies;

Monitors stock supplies and notifies supervisor to order replacements;

Maintains a clean unit environment.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of current methods of mental health care; good knowledge of standard of care techniques including Level III Observation Standard of Care; good knowledge of human relations; working knowledge of patient rights under mental hygiene laws and criminal procedure law; ability to identify changes in patient condition; ability to maintain a safe, calm and therapeutic environment; ability to locate, operate and maintain various hospital equipment; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to get along well with others; initiative; emotional maturity; flexibility; physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of experience in in-patient or outpatient behavioral health care.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Incumbent must complete Preventing and Managing Crisis Situations (PMCS) yearly.

NOTE: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.

Location: Erie County Medical Center · 4 South
Schedule: Full Time - FT, Night Shift, 11p-7am