ED Psychiatric Tech

Job Description

Stamford Health is seeking a Psychiatric Technician to support our Emergency Department!

The ED psychiatric tech will function as a critical member of Stamford Hospital's new EmPATH unit, a specialized, calm, and therapeutic setting for patients in acute mental health crises.

The Psychiatric Technician is responsible for providing a safe and supportive environment for psychiatric patients, and to assist with the provision of basic patient care needs. In cooperation with other health team members, the Psychiatric Technician participates in implementing a care plan designed to meet the specific therapeutic goals of the patient. Some physical labor is involved related to assisting patients with bathing, various ADLs, stocking supplies, belongings or during acute situations e.g., physical holds/restraints.

This is a Full-time position, 3 shifts per week. Available hours: Day Shift (7am - 8pm) or Night Shift (7pm - 8am)

Major Responsibilities:

1. Assists with maintaining a safe and hazard-free environment by reporting unsafe conditions or concerns to nursing personnel.

2. Demonstrates the ability to respond timely, efficiently, calmly, and take appropriate action during a crisis and any emergency situations.

3. Understands and demonstrates therapeutic boundaries while developing an appropriate and supportive rapport with patients and their family or loved ones.

4. Demonstrates the ability to perform patient and environmental rounds while reporting clinical or customer service-related issues or questions to supervising staff in a timely fashion.

5. Observes and documents patient behaviors.

6. Collaborates with nursing to formulate a plan and assists peers, to meet the basic care needs of patients and participates in activities of daily living performance.

7. Aids nursing with admission of new patients and facilitating a safe transition.

8. Aids nursing with facilitating a safe discharge of patients.

9. Assists in the formulation of behavioral care plans and ensures that the behavioral care plans are followed.

10. Provides psychoeducational group support, contributes to, and supports the therapeutic milieu, and ensures the safety and well-being of the patient population.

11. Demonstrates the ability and competency to monitor acute patients;1:1, CO, restraints, phlebotomy, EKG, point of care testing, vital signs, redirection, while upholding appropriate boundaries yet delivering therapeutic communication.

12. Upholds policies and role-modeling safe practices for peers

13. Actively participates in monthly tech councils, staff meetings, and initiatives surrounding practice development.

14. Promotes and facilitates unit-based strategic action plans and goals

15. Complies and maintains professional means of communication i.e., checking emails during their shifts; attending staff meetings, safety huddles, IDT, and actively seeks out clarification if needed.

16. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested to maintain a high level of service.

17. Completes required continuous training and education, including department-specific requirements.

18. Demonstrates professional work behavior by following Service Standards and Success factors.

19. Complies with departmental and organizational policies and procedures and adheres to external agency requirements.

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in related field or at least one year of work experience in a related job required. Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.
• BLS Certification required.
• At least one year of experience in the realm of healthcare and psychiatry/behavioral health preferred.
• Ability to extract and interpret information and/or perform arithmetic functions.
• De-escalation training (MOAB or CPI) obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Understanding of electronic documentation, basic medical terminology.

Patient Population Served:

• All ages, primarily adolescents.

As a Certified Great Place to Work organization, Stamford Health understands what it takes to attract talent to improve our workforce and support our mission, to that end we offer:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive, low-cost health insurance plans available day one
• Wellness programs
• Paid Time Off accruals
• Tax deferred annuity and (403b) pension plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free on-site parking and train station shuttle
• Childcare partnership with Children's Learning Center

At Stamford Health, we believe that every patient deserves compassionate, personalized, person-centered care. This commitment guides how we care for patients, support their care partners, and promote the wellbeing of our staff. In alignment with our Planetree philosophy, the individual in this role will foster a respectful, collaborative environment that honors the needs, values, and preferences of every person we serve and the colleagues with which we partner.

About Us

About Stamford Health

Stamford Health is a non-profit independent health care system with more than 3,800 employees committed to caring for the community through a wide range of high-quality health and wellness services. Patients and their families receive expert, compassionate care through the system's 305-bed Stamford Hospital; Stamford Health Medical Group, with more than 40 offices in lower Fairfield County offering primary and specialty care; a growing number of ambulatory locations across the region; and support through the Stamford Hospital Foundation.

Stamford Health is known for its expert, person-centered care through its many recognitions and partnerships. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Stamford Hospital as a High-Performing Hospital. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rated Stamford Hospital as a five-star hospital for Overall Quality and The Leapfrog Group awarded Stamford Hospital an "A" for patient safety. The American Nurses Credentialing Center has granted Stamford Hospital Magnet Status, which recognizes superior patient care with the highest level of safety, quality, and patient satisfaction. Stamford Health is Planetree Gold-Certified for Excellence in Person-Centered Care and is a Certified Great Place to Work.

Stamford Health is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and has recently expanded its relationship with Columbia to offer treatment and expertise from Columbia University Irving Medical Center's nationally recognized heart surgeons. Stamford Health and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have created a premier center for specialty orthopedic care right in Stamford, Connecticut. Additionally, in 2020 Stamford Health's Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center entered into an expanded collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

Dedicated to being the community's most trusted health care partner, Stamford Health puts patients first to build long-lasting relationships. For more information, visit . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About the Team

Why work for Stamford Health?

Stamford Health offers an extremely competitive salary with generous shift differentials where appropriate.

Our Total Rewards Program is ranked as one of the highest satisfiers based on our employee engagement surveys.

With over 100 transfers and promotions each year for the past 5 years, Stamford Health is a place for you to grow and develop your career. Many departments from Nursing to Information Systems and Rehabilitation have Career Ladder programs that foster career development.

Whether employees choose to live in the greater Stamford, CT area or commute from New York or Fairfield, we offer free convenient parking and free transportation from the Stamford train stations.

Our collaborative with Hospital for Special Surgery, and the Dana Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Care Collaborative, connect us directly with world class expertise, research, resources and technology to put us at the forefront of patient care.

We have a robust Professional Development and Organization Development program that provides both clinical and non-clinical staff with the opportunity to develop and grow professionally.

For organizational leaders, we offer a comprehensive New Manager Orientation four times per year. Our program designed specifically for Stamford Health will help prepare today's and tomorrow's leaders for success with an innovative curriculum based on best practices. It will also enhance the skills of our leaders that bring their fresh leadership perspective from other organizations.