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.
The Mental Health Technician/Unit Secretary is a member of the interdisciplinary team on Inpatient Psychiatry whose duties include maintaining a safe therapeutic environment, observation of patients, documentation, managing emergency situations, and the secretarial aspects of the nursing unit. Duties are performed in accordance with hospital policies and procedures under the direction and supervision of the nurse manager/nursing staff working in the charge role. They act as a support person to the nursing staff and other members of the healthcare team for direct and indirect aspects of patient care. This position functions as a pivotal communication link between the health care team, other departments, and patients and families. This position also supports the constant observation needs for mental health patients throughout the hospital on an as needed basis.
EDUCATION
High school diploma or GED required. AS or BS degree in mental health or human services related field preferred.
EXPERIENCE
Previous employment in a health care environment preferred. This is a bargaining union position. The University of Vermont Medical Center is committed to being a national model for the delivery of high-quality academic health care for a rural region. The University of Vermont Medical Center will continue to ensure that individuals are employed, and that employees are treated during candidacy and employment, without regard to their sex, gender identity or expression, ancestry, place of birth, HIV status, marital status, age, language, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status or obligation for service in the armed forces, or any other characteristic protected by law in all employment practices as follows: Employment decisions at The University of Vermont Medical Center are based on legitimate job-related criteria. All personnel actions or programs that affect qualified individuals, such as employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment, advertising, termination, rate of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training, are made without discrimination based upon the individual's sex, gender identity or expression, ancestry, place of birth, HIV status, marital status, age, language, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status or obligation for service in the armed forces, or any other characteristic protected by law. UVMHealth.org/MedCenter The UVM Medical Center Blog EEO is the law.
