Psychiatric Technician

Psychiatric Technician

Position Summary

The Psychiatric Technician works under the direction of the Registered Nurse and reports to the Behavioral Health Manager. This role provides direct patient care and helps maintain a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for adult patients on the Behavioral Health Unit.

Brown University Health employees are expected to demonstrate the organization's core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, while embracing the core Success Factors of:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus
• Collaborate Effectively with Others

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care and Treatment Support

• Assist the nursing team in implementing individualized treatment plans.
• Observe and document patient behaviors, progress, and significant interactions.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including hygiene, grooming, and mobility.
• Communicate patient concerns and behavioral changes to nursing staff and the treatment team.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and provide input regarding patient progress.

Therapeutic Engagement

• Develop therapeutic relationships with patients.
• Encourage participation in treatment groups, recreational activities, and therapeutic programming.
• Organize and facilitate recreational activities that support patients' psychosocial and emotional well-being.
• Model positive and therapeutic interactions with patients and families.

Safety and Crisis Intervention

• Conduct routine patient rounds and safety checks.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic unit environment.
• Recognize and respond to escalating behaviors using approved interventions.
• Assist with patient searches, room searches, and other safety procedures as needed.
• Assist with seclusion and restraint procedures in accordance with hospital policies.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and respect patient privacy at all times.

Professional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Follow all Hospital, Department, and Unit policies and procedures.
• Participate in required training and professional development activities.
• Seek and incorporate feedback to improve performance and patient care.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

One of the following is required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Human Services, Behavioral Health, or a related field; or
• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification with experience working with a behavioral health population.

Experience

• Previous healthcare or behavioral health experience preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of behavioral health and psychiatric disorders.
• Strong communication, observation, and documentation skills.
• Ability to effectively engage with patients in a therapeutic manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of patient safety, confidentiality, and crisis intervention practices.

Required Certifications

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Current Brown University Health Crisis Management Certification or successful enrollment in the required training program.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Hospital-based behavioral health setting.
• Ability to respond effectively during patient crises and emergencies.
• Frequent standing, walking, and patient observation rounds throughout the shift.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with occasional stressful situations.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None.

Brown University Health is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care while fostering a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment that supports patient recovery and well-being.