Mental Health Tech/Patient Care Tech (27370)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Patient Care & Assistance

• Assist patients with hygiene, dressing, and toileting to ensure maximum comfort.
• Change bed linens and maintain cleanliness in patient rooms.
• Assist patients with mobility, including turning and repositioning as directed by nurses.
• Take and record vital signs, food and fluid intake, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature in the EMR system.
• Collect specimens and perform Accu-Check glucose testing, reporting results promptly to nursing staff.
• Provide safe and effective transportation of patients within the facility.

Environmental & Safety Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean and organized patient environment, ensuring access to essential items (call light, water, glasses, etc.).
• Monitor and assist in the dining area during mealtimes.
• Ensure proper patient identification and documentation before procedures or transfers.
• Follow all safety guidelines and infection control protocols, including PPE use and proper disposal of hazardous materials.

Compliance & Team Collaboration

• Complete required training, education, and competency assessments by assigned deadlines.
• Attend staff meetings, maintain punctual attendance, and adhere to hospital policies.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, or patient care issues to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, OSHA, TJC, CMS, and other regulatory requirements.
• Provide excellent customer service and foster a culture of teamwork and respect.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Required: Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Preferred: Previous experience in patient care, emergency, or psychiatric settings.

Certifications

• Required: BLS (CPR) Certification.
• Preferred: Additional training in emergency or psychiatric care.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow medical procedures.
• Compassion, empathy, and patience in working with geriatric psychiatric patients.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods (61-100% of shift).
• Frequent bending, squatting, reaching, lifting, and carrying (up to 50 lbs).
• Occasional pushing, pulling, and maneuvering equipment or patients (over 100 lbs).
• Use of hands for precise and gross motor functions.

Work Environment

• Primarily works indoors in a climate-controlled setting.
• Potential exposure to biological hazards, bloodborne pathogens, and disinfectants.
• Requires adherence to safety protocols and proper PPE use.