Mental Health Technician

Job Title: Mental Health Technician

Location: Clara Maass Medical Center

Department Name: Psychiatry

Req #: 0000220993

Status: Hourly

Shift: Evening

Pay Range: $21.00 - $24.50 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Job Overview:

The Mental Health Technician is a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team. The Mental Health Tech works under the direct supervision of the registered nurse to provide care to patients with diverse psychiatric illness. All methods of practice and/or work performance shall conform to written established hospital policies and procedures and be carried to the highest achievable level of competence in a manner demonstrating concern and consideration.

Qualification

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• One (1) year of Nurse Aide/Assistant experience or satisfactory completion of an Aide training program.
• Preferred at least one (1) year experience as a phlebotomist or EKG Technician with health care background.
• Current enrollment in health care training program preferred.
• One (1) year experience working with geriatric patients preferred; must possess excellent communication,
• interpersonal and time management skills; and competent in facilitating therapeutic groups under supervision of RN.
• Maintains required BLS Heart Saver/ Health Care Provider course completion and status

Scheduling Requirements (non-exempt positions):

• Per Diem
• Evenings

Essential Functions:

• Checks assignment sheet before starting assignment. Understands information pertinent to assigned patients. Follows direction for specific patients (example related to dietary requirements/need) and completes assignments.

• Collects specimens as required using appropriate collection technique and specimen labeling. Always uses 2 patient identifiers.

• Coordinates laboratory procedures as assigned with patient care.

• Correctly identifies patient by name for any direct care procedures and treatments or diet. Checks patient's name band for correct identification. Assures proper name and that band is secure on patient's wrist.

• Demonstrates competence in performing treatment procedures such as enemas, applications of heat and cold, sitz baths, and special skin care.

• Lifts, moves, turns and transports patients out of bed, chair, stretcher, wheelchair, portable mechanical lift, etc, maintaining proper body mechanics.

• Makes rounds of all assigned patients before beginning care.

• Observes and reports changes in the physical,mental, emotional, behavioral and social status to the Registered Nurse.

• Performs laboratory procedures as noted: EKG's, venipuncture, capillary sampling, glucose monitoring and other laboratory procedures as directed by the RN.

• Performs perineal care.

• Plans patient care delivery around own assigned meals and breaks.

• Positions patients to relieve pressure and preserve skin integrity.

• Provides assistance to meet personal hygiene and grooming needs.

• Provides assistance with the nutritional needs of the patients, including feeding, mealtime assistance/set-up, supplying fluids, refilling water pitchers and delivering supplemental/bedtimesnacks.

• Recognizes patients who may be experiencing pain reports to the RN.

• Regularly makes rounds to assigned patients every hour.

• Reports all care rendered to RN.

• Reports patient complaints, problems, and any untoward signs, symptoms or unusual occurrences immediately to the RN.

• Reviews and follows patient's care plan to ascertain patient goal.

• Seeks direction when any aspect of assignment is new and/or unfamiliar.

• Takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, B/P, height/weight and intake/output measurements accurately. Reports findings outside of normal range to RN.

• Accurately collects, labels and handles specimens.

• Accurately takes and records vital signs (T,P.R, B/P) and weights. Reports vital signs out of normal range to RN.

• Assists in patient/family teaching/reinforcement regarding illness, medication, treatments and coping techniques under the supervision of the RN.

• Assists patients with personal hygiene and ADL activities.

• Assists the RN with admission, discharge, and transfer responsibilities as assigned.

• Correctly complies with all national patient safety goals and risk reduction procedures and associated policies as applicable to scope of practice.

Benefits and Perks:

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to supports our employees' physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.

RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey-whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Equal Opportunity Employer