Mental Health Technician Jobs in Connecticut

INTRODUCTION

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Lead Behavioral Health Technician (LBHT) is a mental health employee that provides hands-on care to individuals with varying degrees of mental illnesses and/or developmental disabilities. LBHTs perform a vital, front-line function as they observe, treat, and interact with patients and families. This position serves as the eyes, ears, and hands of the diagnosing professional. Assist with performing personal grooming and other activities of daily living. The LBHT may also assist in educational, recreational, and therapeutic activities when deemed appropriate. LBHT is responsible for oversight of all behavioral health technicians and plans for patients who are considered high-risk.

• Function as a shift leader supporting teams in patient escalations, evaluating plans of care and managing unit milieu as applicable.
• Take part in collecting data during intake/admission process for all admitted patients. This includes completing inventory and searching of personal belongings.
• Participate in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment. Communicates to the team observations of the environment and patient indicators that a patient is escalating or at increased risk for agitation/aggression or harm to self or others.
• Work with resource nurses around developing plans for patients identified as at risk for crisis intervention.
• Work to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while maintaining boundaries for patients, families, and staff.
• Support visitation guidelines and policies as established by unit and hospital.
• Identify, report and resolve potential/actual problems in the unit.
• Demonstrate appropriate critical incident follow-up skills by timely verbal reporting to care team and documentation in Electronic Health Record as appropriate. Complete other documentation, e.g., incident reports, seclusion, and restraints as applicable.
• Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living, obtain vital signs and weights.
• Obtain and perform Point of Care testing on collected specimens (e.g., blood glucose, venipuncture, urine, pharyngeal swabs, etc.).
• Help in application and removal of physical restraints when directed by the attending medical provider and/or primary nurse.
• Perform audits on violent restraints to ensure the correct documentation is being completed.
• Conduct restraint debriefs in redcap following restraint episodes in the hospital.
• Respond to all Crisis Intervention Response Teams Codes throughout the hospital and be the point person during the escalation.
• Chart audits for ASQ compliance on Medical Surgical Floors, Pediatric ICU, Integrated Care Unit, and the Emergency Department.
• Participate in related committees or groups.

Supervisory Duties (if applicable)

• In collaboration with department managers, oversee, educate, and guide Behavioral Health technicians and other support staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate Degree required along with six months of direct patient or client care; or a High School diploma required along with 3 years of experience in Mental Health related field.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required upon hire. Certification in the current de-escalation program within three months of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:
- Understanding and follow Connecticut Children’s policies and procedures.
- Basic medical terminology, mathematics, and measurements.
- Understanding of reasons for and techniques for managing aggressive behavior.
- Basic understanding of organization environment of care and infection control policies and procedures.

Skilled at:
- Excellent interpersonal skills and communications required.
- Stress Management/Composure.
- Blocking and redirecting patient movements against the patient’s weight.
- Physical interventions in response to aggressive and self-injurious behavior.
- Ability to move quickly and confidently to intervene in situations when protective holds and/or movements are deemed necessary.

Ability to:
- Maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
- Learn and follow established protocols to respond in emergency situations.
- Learn and demonstrate competency in basic data entry, use of collaborative care and safety plans, and documentation in the medical record.
- Work across all levels of the organization.