Psychiatric Technician (CNA) (Mental Health Center) (Full Time - 2nd & 3rd Shifts)

Waukesha County's Department of Health and Human Services is seeking talented and compassionate psychiatric technicians to serve community members working towards bettering their mental health. There are two opportunities available: (1) regular full-time position working second shift (PM) and (1) regular full-time position working a combination of second shift (PM) and third shift (Night). The Mental Health Center is certified to provide mental health and substance use inpatient treatment services, and maintains a close working relationship with Waukesha Memorial Hospital and other community agencies and partners.

2nd Shift (PM): 3:00pm to 11:30pm

3rd Shift (Night): 11:00pm to 7:30am

• A great place to begin or continue your career goals
• A secure job filled with challenge and endless opportunity that provides high satisfaction when making a difference in someone's life
• An opportunity to contribute to society and Waukesha County
• A high percentage of time with patients delivering specialized care
• Support of a large Health & Human Services department
• Work with experienced clinical leaders
• Opportunity to master new clinical skills
• An environment where innovation is encouraged
• Ongoing training for personal and professional development
• Work-Life balance
• Earn excellent pay and benefits which includes a well-funded, stellar retirement plan
  
  

Under supervision to assist in-patient psychiatric patients by providing basic care services and maintaining a safe and secure environment; and to perform other duties as required.

This work assignment will be responsible for:

1. Observing and monitoring patient behavior and activities at all times; monitoring patient physical and emotional well-being and responding to all patient needs and concerns.

2. Documenting observations regarding patient behavior, mental status, and care; reporting observations to the Registered Nurse; providing input for nursing care plans; and implementing portions of the nursing care plan according to level of expertise.

3. Monitoring and documenting patient safety every 15 minutes and informing the Registered Nurse of any changes in patient status.

4. Providing continuous one-on-one monitoring when necessary.

5. Providing input for comprehensive treatment plans for patients.

6. Under the guidance of licensed staff, assisting in restraining physically aggressive patients to protect them from harming themselves, other patients, or staff.

7. Assisting nursing staff with new admissions by taking vital signs, orienting patient to the unit, and checking patient belongings for contraband items.

8. Providing daily nursing assistance by monitoring and recording vitals, recording intake, output, and weight, and by assisting with activities of daily living.

9. Gathering patients for meals; Monitoring and recording dietary intake and assisting patients with feeding as necessary; Cleaning and disinfecting tables in dining area following meals/snack time.

10. Directing or assisting patients with personal hygiene care, including bathing, shaving, and hair care.

11. Providing clean linen for bed changes and assisting patient in keeping room clean.

12. Inspecting patient room for contraband daily to promote a safe environment.

13. Providing therapeutic one-on-one interaction with patients throughout shift.

14. Transporting patients to medical appointments as needed.

15. Planning and conducting daily patient educational groups and assisting with other group activities as assigned by charge nurse.

16. Planning and implementing recreational activities on the weekends and during evening hours.

17. Supervising visitation activities including checking in visitors, checking for contraband, and monitoring behavior during visits.

18. Ensuring a clean work area by keeping floors dry, storerooms tidy, corridors clear, disposing of waste properly, and washing equipment regularly.

19. Participating in in-service training programs to remain current in the mental health field.

20. Transporting and directing patients and visitors to safety in emergencies such as fire or severe weather conditions.

21. Assisting in restraining physically aggressive patients and de-escalating psychologically or emotionally agitated patients.

22. Performing other duties as required.

1. Working knowledge of the diversified physical and psychological needs of patients in an in-patient mental health facility.
2. Working knowledge of safe work practices and procedures in an in-patient mental health facility.
3. Working knowledge of general types of mental illnesses, treatments, and medications.
4. Working knowledge of confidentiality statutes and requirements including HIPAA.
5. Working knowledge of computers and departmental program software, internet access, and database spreadsheet and word processing programs.
6. Some knowledge of the effect and interaction of substance abuse on patients with mental illness.
7. Some knowledge of medical terminology to accurately reflect patient conditions in daily charting.
8. Ability to assess and respond by administering the appropriate care in response to the patient's physical and emotional needs in varied settings and situations.
9. Ability to analyze patient functioning and develop an understanding of patient problems and needs.
10. Ability to assume and carry out considerable responsibility within established guidelines and with limited supervision.
11. Ability to maintain accurate records of patient observations, interactions, and care administered.
12. Ability to restrain physically aggressive patients and to de-escalate psychologically or emotionally agitated patients.
13. Ability to maintain self-control and respond appropriately in a crisis situation.
14. Ability to act as a co-leader in planning, organizing, and implementing structured group activities and recreational activities.
15. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, families, staff, and medical, legal, and law enforcement personnel.
16. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
17. Ability to utilize electronic health record, word-processing, database and spreadsheet programs.

You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements:

1. High school graduation or GED equivalent
2. Two years of recognized post high school education with at least two courses in psychology, sociology, or social work
OR
Six months of patient care experience in a mental health setting or a residential treatment center for mentally ill or developmentally disabled or related area.
OR
Completions of two semesters of clinical education as a nursing student in a recognized nursing education program.
3. Possession of a valid State of Wisconsin CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification.
4. Valid driver's license from the State of Wisconsin.

About Us:
Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"

Location:
Located in the City of Waukesha, our campus offers an on-site cafe and fitness center, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Waukesha County offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living where one can enjoy the benefits of quiet rural lake communities or opt for nearby attractions that the greater Milwaukee area offers including vast beach and park systems, public markets, performing arts, music festivals, and sports including the Milwaukee Admirals, Brewers, Bucks, Wave, Marquette University Golden Eagles and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Basketball programs.

EEO/AA:
Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.