Psychiatric Social Health Technician

Duties & Responsibilities: Observes patient's physical condition, mental state and social behavior and reports to team leader or Nurse-in-charge and provides individual nursing care for patients who are acutely ill, either physically or emotionally. Participates in planning and implementing an orientation program for new patients. Participates in planning and implementing daily living activities on the ward for patients and contributes to the development of a therapeutic ward environment. Assists in planning and implementing therapeutic activities with groups of hospitalized psychiatric patients and encourages client involvement in various individual and group activities as part of planned treatment programs. Assists with the physical care and personal hygiene of selected patients, consisting of, but not limited to: bathing, turning and positioning, skin care, passive and active range of motion, mouth care, foot care, nail care, applying hot and cold packs, etc. Assists patients with meal selection and feeds patients if necessary, delivers/removes trays, distributes water, nourishment, ice, etc. With successful completion of NYC Health + Hospitals program, assists behavioral health team in the application and removal of restraints and the implementation of restraints/seclusion, when deemed necessary by appropriate personnel, ensuring the physical and emotional health and safety of the patient when using such methods. On the direction of a registered nurse or other professional staff member, either individually or as part of behavioral health team may escort patient to required location(s), within and outside of the health care setting. Takes patient vital signs, when directed to do so by clinical staff, and enters patient vital sign data into the electronic medical record performs finger stick tests. Changes linen and makes beds. Keeps ward and/or unit, linen, utility, treatment, storage rooms and recreational areas in a neat and orderly fashion. Disinfects personal items with appropriate disinfectant products, when required. May perform functions and activities of the basic Nurse's Aide in support of the above tasks, and other related work, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or its educational equivalent, approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization; Successful completion of NYC Health + Hospitals training program in the application and use of restraints and seclusion must be completed prior to an individual performing such work; Successful completion of NYC Health + Hospitals training in the performance of vital signs and grooming within ninety (90) calendar days of appointment to the title; Holds or obtains a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) within sixty (60) calendar days of appointment to the title.

Benefits: NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes: Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week Retirement Savings and Pension Plans Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities College Savings Program Union Benefits for eligible titles Multiple employee discounts programs Commuter Benefits Programs