A Mental Health or Psychiatric Technician cares for patients with mental illnesses. Works under the direction of a physician and works with specialists involved in mental health care, such as psychiatrists and therapists. Monitors patient symptoms and administers medications. Works in a mental health facility or in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
24 hours •weekend shift differential of $1 dollar more an hour ($21.17) Friday - Sunday 3pm - 11pm
Scope of Service:
Assists individuals with daily personal routines and includes providing prompts for daily living skills, skill-building activities, and participation in groups. Provides companionship to residents and establishes a trusting and professional relationship. Works with licensed or visiting nursing personnel to monitor medical concerns and observe interaction with medications, as indicated. Reports any concerns or medical issues. Ensures living spaces are safe, sanitary, and well-organized. Leads group activities and outings. Collaborates with nursing, management, and coworkers to ensure residents receive the best quality services. Performs other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Client Care:
Establishes rapport and positive working relationships with clients while maintaining professional ethics and boundaries. Enhances a client's independent living skills by engaging, assessing, and providing various modalities of teaching and assistance (e.g. modeling, prompting, hands-on assistance). Provides handson support and guidance for activities of daily living such as personal care/hygiene, housekeeping, laundry, food management/nutrition, budgeting, health and safety, leisure, and other activities which promote healthy living. Facilitates/cofacilitates psychoeducational groups as indicated. Engages with clients in community integration and social recreation activities. Provides transportation to and from appointments as identified. Educates and trains clients with travel planning and use of public and private transportation. Conducts regular apartment/room inspections and assists the clients in maintaining the cleanliness of their living spaces which may require hands-on assistance. Conducts ongoing rounds checks ensuring safety of each individuals and the program. Administers breathalyzer tests and urinalysis samples, as applicable. Documents shift logs in electronic record according to contract and agency policy. Develops and maintains working relationships with providers, families, and natural supports. Responds to crisis situations and provides appropriate interventions as outlined in the agency policy for Nonviolent Practices. Supervises, monitors and documents the selfadministration of client medications. Attends and participates in monthly staff meetings, clinical rounds, AllTreater meetings and supervision.
Environmental Responsibilities:
Maintains a clean, wellorganized work environment. Ensures all program egresses and walkways are clear to support workplace safety. Notifies supervisor of maintenance and/or safety issues and generates work orders as needed. Conducts and participates in fire and emergency evacuation drills, and reviews the emergency preparedness plan as outlined in agency policy. Participates in Food Bank activities as assigned. In order to maintain the security and safety of the clients and facility, staff is required to remain awake during all shifts.
Quality Assurance:
Adheres to policies and practices as outlined in the staff handbook and program operations manual. Consistently works in a respectful, constructive, and cooperative manner. Upholds all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and secures all necessary releases of information for outside communication. Models culturally competent behavior interacting with clients, providers, family, and fellow staff. Maintains accurate electronic records and case files as assigned and in accordance with programming, contractual, licensing, and accreditation requirements. Adheres to the standards of the Council on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Participates in agency committee work when available or as permitted. Completes all trainings as required per program contract and agency policy. Attends agency sponsored inservices, outside trainings, conferences and meetings to facilitate continued professional growth and ensure the quality of case management practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma or equivalent considered with a minimum of one (1) year experience in related healthcare field. Licensed CNA or other related healthcare certification accepted in lieu of experience. Prior experience working with people with severe and persistent mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and/or addiction. Knowledge of the community support system and resources preferred. Valid Connecticut Driver's license with clean driving record is required. Scattered site and non-24 hr. program positions require the employee to maintain reliable transportation and be willing to transport clients in personal vehicles. CPR/First Aid certification offered as part of orientation. Employee responsible to maintain ongoing certification. Proficient computer skills required, including Microsoft Office and electronic record keeping.
Company Benefits Include:
Competitive Wages 401(k) with company match up to 3.5% Medical, Dental and Vision FSA and Dependent Care Accounts Company Sponsored Employee Assistance Program Company Sponsored Life, AD&D and LTD Colonial Supplemental Insurance Vacation, PTO & Sick time for eligible
FT 40 & PT
(2039 hour) Employees Connecticut Paid Sick Time for all employees up to 40 hours a year 12 Company Holidays Paid at Double Time (hourly employees) About
CONTINUUM OF CARE INC
The Mission of Continuum of Care is to enable people who are challenged with mental illnesses, intellectual/developmental disabilities (including Autism), homelessness, and/or struggling with addiction to rebuild a meaningful life and thrive in the community. Since 1966, Continuum of Care, Inc. has been a leading nonprofit organization serving adults diagnosed with mental illness and developmental and intellectual. Continuum is renowned for its leadership, high quality standards, and innovative programs in its field. With more than 60 properties located throughout Connecticut (such as group homes, supported living arrangements, emergency housing, and crisis centers), Continuum is one of the largest community housing providers in the state for people diagnosed with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or substance disorders. We serve more than 2,500 individuals annually, and employ approximately 900 dedicated staff.
