Entry Level Psychiatric Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crisis Technician

Definition

This position offers an entry-level opportunity in the realm of human services, aimed at furnishing essential support to individuals with disabilities within a residential context, fostering their pursuit of optimal levels of independent living within their community. The role operates on an hourly basis and falls under the category of non-exempt employment.

As a Crisis Technician, the incumbent delivers assistance to individuals coping with intellectual and developmental disabilities, alongside psychiatric or behavioral diagnoses, as well as autism spectrum disorders or related tendencies. These individuals commonly exhibit challenges in social interaction, communication, impulse control, decision-making, and may display verbal or physical aggression. Daily duties encompass behavioral observation and assessment, coupled with crisis intervention and prevention strategies.

Responsibilities extend to providing guidance and aid in activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, household upkeep, and laundry. Moreover, the position entails assisting with grocery shopping, offering instruction in meal preparation, administering medications, and aiding in the management of personal finances. The incumbent actively contributes to the execution of personalized care plans, fosters a therapeutic milieu, and cultivates effective interpersonal connections with each individual served, their caregivers, and other members of the support network.

The role also entails the vigilant observation and documentation of the physical, mental, and behavioral status of those under care, along with the maintenance of accurate records and reports to chronicle these observations. Oversight and guidance are provided by the Program Supervisor and other designated personnel, who monitor performance through regular reports and direct observations.

Essential Job Functions

Domain

Description

Mission and Core Values

Serves as an ambassador of the mission, purpose, and Core Values of The Arc of the Ozarks

Program Oversight, Design and Development

Delivers person-centered services in accordance with DMH-DD, the Arc, and CARF standards

Assist Program Supervisor and Crisis Technician Supervisor (CTS) in maintaining annual paperwork on Individuals per Arc and DMH guidelines

Participates as an active member of the Support team through attendance at meetings by providing input and information to assist in the formulation and implementation of the Individual Support Plan of the Individual served.

Assist Program Supervisor and CTS in identifying outcomes with the individual served, identify implementation strategies, assist staff in implementing the outcomes.

Ensures that the Individual(s) food and house supply needs are met by working with the Individual and CTS to grocery shop, create and implement menu plans, household chores, etc.

Responsible for monitoring any home issues or concerns that arise and report as applicable to CTS and Program Supervisor. Assist Program Supervisor and CTS in completing work orders as necessary

Implements outcomes and strategies of individual personal plans under the supervision of the CTS and Program Supervisor. Provides supports as identified in the personal plans. Attends review meetings when assigned.

Monitor and ensure that home is clean.

Assess and assure that individual personal property inventory is being completed and maintained per Arc guidelines.

Assists CTS and individuals in Personal Spending, earnings, EBT, cashing checks, and budgeting.

Responsible for scheduling routine medication and scheduling medical appointments and labs.

Completes and assures that medication checklists, shift change checklists and medication management is being completed weekly. Attend monthly nurse visits and address any issues or concerns.

Attend ER or Urgent Care visits and Dr. appointments as available and ensure that staff are trained on how to complete those visits including follow up communication with the team and nurse.

Responsible for completing and recording monthly vital statistics on Individuals, and completing behavior trackers and/or recommended doctor orders as applicable.

Responsible for ensuring that Dr. appointment notes are entered into the data documentation system and that annual appointments with results and required documentation is up to date.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

Assumes overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining Arc policies and procedures in the home.

Ensures proper documentation of each person served is completed in accordance with Arc policy and procedures

Ensures the program site environment is person-centered, clean, free of any health and safety concerns, and meets Arc quality assurance standards.

Ensures that Health and Safety Drills are completed for the home per Arc Policy and Procedure

Complete and gather end of month paperwork as required per policy.

Maintain and ensure emergency supplies and 1st aid kits are stocked and functional.

Assist Program Supervisor and CTS in completing any action plan follow up as requested.

Monitor and Check food supply for expiration dates.

Check and monitor Medical Administration Record and Physician orders for transcription accuracy and relay medication changes to staff.

Ensure Medications are ordered in a timely manner.

Responsible for Individual books are maintained and contain current documentation per Arc and DMH policy.

Assist Service Coordinator or other Quality Management personnel with on-site visits to the home and address any concerns as identified

Communicates necessary information to all subordinates in accordance with policy and procedures

Program Operations

Completes monthly attendance on Individuals and submits per agency guidelines.

Maintain Individual spending receipts and ensure the Personal Spending Ledger and Individual mileage is accurate and up to date per agency policy.

Serves in a professional and responsible capacity as a representative of The Arc when communicating with neighbors, landlord, EMS, police or fire, physicians, and the general public.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.

Ability to work with and respect persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with co-occurring mental health diagnoses.

Ability to work varied and flexible schedules and to accept and adapt to changes in

assignments, methods, policies, etc.

Proficiency in applied behavior analysis, autism, developmental disabilities, and related disciplines pertinent to the assessment, treatment, and support of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities, coupled with a capacity for continual learning in these areas.

Ability to plan, coordinate, and adapt a variety of habilitation program activities

to meet the specialized needs, abilities, and conditions of each program participant.

Ability to administer medications to individuals served in accordance with agency policies and procedures upon certification by the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

Ability to evaluate the progress of residents and the quality of a variety of habilitation programs.

Ability to accurately report, record observations, and supervise these activities.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

Must be a licensed and insured driver with a vehicle available for work with ability to obtain and maintain a class E drivers license if operating an Arc vehicle.

Ability to establish and maintain professional, effective working relationships with program participants, subordinates, guardians, and other stakeholders.

Ability to work as a direct contact staff with individuals served, and to demonstrate mentorship and guidance to Direct Support Staff.

Ability to organize and efficiently organize and run a household and to complete all listed duties in a timely manner.

Ability to stand, stoop, lift, push and pull up to 50 lbs.

Minimum Experience and Training Qualifications

Diploma from an accredited high school or equivalent required.

At least three months’ experience providing direct assistance in the care, treatment and habilitation to individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred.

Prior management experience recommended.

Traits and Characteristics Desired

The Crisis Tech will be a person who is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities. A person in this position should have outstanding and effective critical thinking skills and effective communication qualities as demonstrated by success in prior experience in a human service position.

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