Independence Health System·Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Deliver direct and indirect patient care, performing crisis assessments and interventions within the Emergency Department and behavioral health units. Coordinate with treatment teams and regulatory agencies to ensure safe, person-centered care and compliance with hospital standards.
Essential Job Functions
Delivers direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care.
Collects, documents, and reports ongoing patient care data as directed.
Interact with assigned patients, make pertinent observations of patients' behaviors, reports and records in a timely manner.
Demonstrates good interview techniques with phone contacts/patient/family/significant others and documents accordingly.
Demonstrates leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the role of Behavioral Health Assessment Team Clinician
Demonstrates an ability to solve problems utilizing critical thinking skills and seek assistance from immediate supervisors when appropriate.
Demonstrates knowledge of chain of command; refers patient questions/requests information to appropriate supervisor.
Effectively functions as a resource person.
Acts as patient advocate.
Assists in the department's compliance with state, JCAHO, OSHA, and other regulatory agencies.
Assists in preparation for inspection and surveys.
Adheres to the infection control process, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
Assists the department's compliance with state JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.
Participates in preparation for inspections, surveys and audits.
Participates in ongoing unit performance improvement activities.
Communicate effectively with patients/peers/families/treatment team.
Returns patient/family phone calls and documents.
Use computer as required for E-mail, scheduling, authorizations, insurance tracking, etc.
Provides and participates in educational activities.
Provides and documents patient/family education.
Participates in staff education, both as participant and presenter.
Making recommendations for staff development.
Serves on hospital committees and participates in other related projects as directed.
Works collaboratively with the Emergency Room Department and Behavioral Health treatment team to affect an effective comprehensive crisis solution.
Communicates pertinent information on actual/potential problems to the professional staff.
Communicates pertinent information at shift reports and during internal and external transfers.
Contacts other treatment facilities regarding transfer of psychiatric patients (if transfer is necessary).
Will perform crisis assessments in the Emergency Department to determine the most appropriate level of care.
Will complete voluntary/involuntary commitments when applicable out of the Emergency Department or on the medical units.
Obtains insurance authorization as appropriate for psychiatric treatment.
Performs effectively in the role of preceptor to new hires.
Assumes appropriate team role during code situations or mock codes.
Responds effectively during emergency situations, including internal and external disasters.
Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment for guests, families and staff.
Understands and utilizes principles of non-violent crisis intervention.
Attends yearly crisis intervention class.
Interact with and observe guests for any signs of increased anxiety and/or agitation and consult with peer and professional staff regarding early intervention strategies.
Assists, as needed, in interventions to address the needs of troubled or agitated guests, using a strength-based, least restrictive approach in all interactions.
Knows how to use panic button and how to call Security for assistance as needed.
Understands and utilizes the Principles of Recovery as they apply to crisis/emergent episodes of care
Recognizes that recovery is a person-centered/person-driven process. Recognizes that self-determination and/or self-direction are the foundation of person-centered care. Supports the empowerment of all individuals to make informed decisions regarding their care and exhibits a strength-based approach to crisis intervention.
Exhibits respectful, culturally sensitive behavior and attitude toward all guests and their families
Works collaboratively with community agencies involved in the service delivery plan.
Serve on hospital committees and participate in other related projects.
Creativity in treatment in various settings including inpatient, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics; ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings; flexibility in scheduling.
Proficient oral and written communication skills
Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)
Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments
Other duties as assigned.
Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]
Required Qualifications/Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or related field.
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability within the behavioral health area.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
Travel may be expected locally between System locations.
Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Extreme Heat: x
Extreme Cold: x
Heights: x
Confined Spaces: x
Extreme Noise(>85dB)
x
Mechanical Hazards: x
Use of Vibrating Tools
x
Operates Vehicle (company)
x
Operates Heavy Equipment: x
Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices
x
x
Rotates All Shifts: x
x
8 Hours Shifts
x
x
10-12 Hours Shifts
x
x
On-Call: x
Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk)
x
x
Travel Between Sites: x
Direct Patient Care: x
x
Respirator Protective Equipment: x
x
Eye Protection: x
x
Head Protection (hard hat)
x
Hearing Protection: x
Hand Protection: x
x
Feet, Toe Protection
x
Body Protection: x
x
Latex Exposure: x
x
Solvent Exposure: x
Paint (direct use) Exposure
x
Dust (sanding) Exposure
x
Ethylene Oxide Exposure: x
Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure
x
Blood/Body Fluid Exposure: x
x
Chemicals (direct use) Exposure
x
x
Mist Exposure: x
Wax Stripper (direct use)
x
Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure: x
Ionizing Radiation Exposure: x
x
Laser Exposure: x
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Never: Bending (Stooping)
x
x
Sitting: x
x
Walking: x
x
Climbing Stairs: x
x
Climbing Ladders: x
Standing: x
x
Kneeling: x
x
Squatting (Crouching)
x
x
Twisting/Turning: x
x
Keyboard/Computer Operation: x
x
Gross Grasp: x
x
Fine Finger Manipulation: x
x
Hand/Arm Coordination: x
x
Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)
x
10#
20#
50#
50#
Carry: x
10#
10#
Transfer/Push/Pull Patients: x
x
Seeing Near w/Acuity
x
x
Feeling (Sensation)
x
x
Color Vision: x
x
Hearing Clearly: x
x
Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead: x
x
Reaching Above Shoulder Level: x
x
Reaching Forward: x
x
Lifting Floor to Knuckle
###
10#
Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle: ###
50#
50#
Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder
###
10#
20#
Lifting Shoulder to Overhead
###
10#
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field and current BLS certification. Preferred experience includes one year in an acute psychiatric inpatient setting or mental health crisis response service.
Market context
In Pennsylvania, Behavioral Health Technician roles are commonly sought in schools, clinics, and community mental health settings, where employers look for dependable support staff with direct client experience. Competition often centers on meeting certification and training requirements, including CPR/First Aid, BHT, and CPI, plus showing comfort with behavioral support and de-escalation. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare expectations, then confirm your experience with mental health clients and your readiness to complete required training.