Pediatric Behavioral Health Technician

Job Description:

The Pediatric Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), is an entry level position in Behavioral Health. Operating under the direction and supervision of the treatment team, the BHT provides direct patient care by developing rapport with patients, facilitating patient/caregiver safety, gathering critical data to inform the treatment team in the development of the treatment plan, and implementing interventions as recommended by the multi-disciplinary treatment team.

Scope:

The Pediatric Behavioral Health Technician provides care to patients in accordance with the established multi-disciplinary plan of care or treatment plan.  Provides containment and support to a behavioral health patient in either a behavioral health specific (Inpatient/Day Treatment) or hospital based (ED/Med-Surg) setting.

Job Essentials:

• Primary focus on maintaining patient safety.  Tasks include constant surveillance of assigned areas, visual safety rounds as ordered, room checks, check and inventory patient belongings, and 1 to 1 caregiver/patient observations as ordered.
• Maintain a safe, consistent and supportive environment by providing care in accordance with the multi-disciplinary treatment plan, following established interventions and treatment plans to meet patient care needs.
• Work collaboratively with the team to ensure patient safety, appropriate management of individual patient behavior, and overall milieu management, on behavioral health units.
• Has the ability to comfortably work with physically and mentally aggressive patients.  Able to maintain calm demeanor while sitting with patients actively exhibiting negative or maladaptive behaviors. 
• Provide direct observation of acutely unsafe patients in collaboration with the treatment team and charge nurse, including instances when assigned to act as a 1:1.
• Anticipates and diffuses patient behaviors that have the likelihood to lead to out of control behaviors.  Responds calmly and safety to escalating behaviors, asks for assistance as needed, and responds with a team-based approach.
• Strictly adheres to behavioral health policy standards regarding the use of seclusion and restraint.
• Comfortable communicating with and addressing patients, utilizing a team approach, that are displaying agitated and/or aggressive behaviors.
• Ability to work with patients with sensory deficits and/or developmental delays.
• Provide emotional support to patients and families, lead diversionary activities.
• Facilitate various group content including recreational activities, goal setting, relaxation, skill building and psycho educational as dictated by skill level.
• Utilizes and follows the patient plan of care as set forth by the multi-disciplinary treatment team.
• Performs and accurately documents patient care interventions, observations, and group/educational interactions.
• Communicates appropriate patient information to the treatment team regarding patient behaviors, interactions, participation in treatment and any changes in patient condition.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal relations and communication skills with co-workers, patients, and families.
• May act as an aide in a school setting (program dependent).
• May orient patients to the Behavioral Health unit or program.
• May transport patients to appropriate appointments, units or activities.
• May stock supplies and carry out general housekeeping tasks as assigned.  Ensures that assigned areas are clean, straight and in compliance with fire and safety hazards throughout each shift.
• Completes all mandatory and required education assignments in a timely manner.  Demonstrates proficient and competent ability to carry out the treatment plan interventions as recommended.  
• Participates in quality assurance activities as assigned (chart checks/audits, monitoring fridge temps, committees for improvement and other quality-oriented tasks).  Reports and addresses real or potential problems with quality of care by using the designated chain of command and/or event reports as appropriate.
• Treats patients and families with care and respect. Maintains standards regarding compliance and confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers

Preferred Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalency
• Post high school education in social work, psychology, sociology, family studies, or a health sciences field
• Experience working with behavioral health and/or chemically dependent patients
• Experience providing behavioral healthcare services to child/adolescent patient populations
• Valid Utah driver’s license (with no record of sus