Psychiatric Activity Technician

As a member of the multidisciplinary team, the Psychiatric Activity Technician assists with ensuring the safety of adults and children with mental illness on acute psychiatric hospital unit. Responsibilities include leading goals/wrap up groups. Actively participates with all unit activities providing support as indicated. Functions as a team member reporting appropriate observation and information while maintaining a safe therapeutic milieu.

The job duties of the Psychiatric Activity Technician include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Assists with observing the patients and reporting any unusual circumstances to licensed nurse.
• Is a patient advocate, protector of patient's rights and provider of psychological/social/cultural support. Treats patients with respect and dignity. Calls patient by name, provides privacy, etc. Uses system resources to meet patient's cultural and disability needs.
• Provides patients and their families with appropriate information and care in a timely manner.
• Leads activity groups including group games.
• Organizes and leads daily goals/wrap up groups. Reports to Adjunctive Therapy team and licensed nurse any issues or concerns by patients verbalized or written in groups.

12 hours Shifts, some weekends

Education: High school graduate or GED required.

Experience: Psychiatry related or nursing assistant experience preferred. Must possess ability to appropriately handle/restrain patients who may be disruptive and/or physically violent. Must be willing and able to learn medical terminology and clinical procedures. Experience/skills may be gained through on-the-job training and in-services as indicated.

Licensure, certification, and/or registration: De-escalation training must be successfully completed within four months of hire and then maintained going forward. Must be able to obtain AHA BLS-HCP. Valid Virginia State Driver's license required in the NRV to transport patients.

Other Minimum Qualifications:Requires experience with or the ability for managing patients with explosive potential and/or escalating situations. Requires ability to function with minimum supervision, recognizing the need for direction and assistance in situations beyond his/her scope of capabilities. Requires ability to learn and participate as a team member. Requires clinical skills to work with child, adolescent and adult population understanding their growth and development

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