Job Summary:

The Psychiatric Technician will care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians and other health practitioners. The Psychiatric Technician will monitor patients physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff and may participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Train or instruct new employees on procedures to follow with psychiatric patients.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Takes and records measures of patients physical condition using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges. Monitors patients physical and emotional well-being and reports unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
• Provides nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded patients. Observes and influences patients behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, and befriending them.
• Collaborates with or assists doctors, psychologists, and rehabilitation therapists in working with the mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or developmentally disabled patients to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.
• Encourages patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, and other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills and develop social relationships.
• Restrains violent, potentially violent, and suicidal patients by verbal and physical means.
• Develops or teaches strategies to promote client wellness and independence.
• Administers oral medications or hypodermic injections, following physicians prescriptions and hospital procedures.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively and in a manner that de-escalates tense situations.

Education and Experience:

• Postsecondary certificate or Associates degree in psychiatric or mental health technology with courses in psychology required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and moving.
• May require the ability to physically restrain individuals.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.