DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address:  501 N. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ 85008

Salary: $20.7787

Grade: 17

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This Behavioral Health Technician Pool will work under the direction and general supervision of a registered nurse while assisting patients according to individual treatment plans and unit policy. This role ensures a therapeutic team approach in the care and treatment of psychiatric patients, and serves as a liaison between nursing and clinical services in carrying out prescribed patient treatment plans. This position may be required to work any day of the week to meet the needs of the hospital and patients. 

• 8 hour shift: May work a maximum of 16 hours a week / maximum of 32 per pay period
• 12 hour shift:  maximum of 32 per pay period

We offer shift and weekend differentials.
Shift times are:  6:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Day Shift
                           6:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m. Night Shift

− Leading, organizing and participating in therapeutic activities, exercise, and recreation

− Supervising patient activities of daily living, social skills and money management

− Communicating with patients in various situations, small groups, activity groups and as directed by supervisor

− Observing, reporting, and documenting patient psychiatric and medical problems

− Charting on new admissions, patients who are on special observation, unusual incidents

− Charting vital signs and implements assigned treatment plan interventions under general supervision and reports all unusual incidents as required

− Maintaining a safe work and patient environment, maintains an environment that supports patient rights, and provides safe transportation to and from off-unit assignments

− Serving as group leader in psychiatric emergencies such as seclusions, management of aggressive patients, code arrests, etc. in the absence of Lead Tech or Psychiatric Nurse

− Promoting quality service within a compassionate environment by treating patients, staff and coworkers with respect and dignity

− Orients new BHT staff as well as float staff to the unit

− Attending shift report, unit and committee meetings, mandatory education and training requirements

− Coordinating with supervisor to complete required clinical oversight, per policy actions, if necessary

− Knowledge of therapeutic techniques used to treat psychiatric patients, common mental

− Knowledge of therapeutic techniques used to treat psychiatric patients, common mental illnesses and symptoms; civil and legal rights; methods, procedures, and techniques used in developing individual treatment plans; body mechanics to be used in restraint; and visible side effects of prescribed medications

− Skills in applying patient behavior modification and motivational techniques; recognizing patient disorientation, aggressiveness and combative behavior; teaching activities of daily living, i.e., personal hygiene, social skills, communication skills, coping skills, and community resources as part of discharge planning; paraprofessional nursing care as directed; providing therapeutic interactions and activities; and use of approved NVCI techniques, including using the least restrictive interventions appropriate for the situation

− Ability to identify and report patient behavioral changes and all abnormal findings to the psychiatric nurse or provider; respond to medical and psychiatric emergencies; understand and follow detailed verbal and written instructions; assist with organizing and participate in therapeutic groups and recreational and social activities; document progress notes and incident reports; promote quality service within a compassionate environment by treating patients, staff, and coworkers with respect and dignity; and maintain an environment that supports patient rights

− Supporting a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of ADHS, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination

– The preferred candidate will have experience with psychiatric patients

− Three (3) years of experience in the care and treatment of the mentally ill, developmentally disabled or physically ill and/or incapacitated patients

- A State Hospital employee must be able to obtain a valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card pursuant to A.R.S. 41-1758.07.

- Driving is required for State Business.

- Employees who drive on state business require possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training (See Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11).

- If employee does not work 30 hours in a pay period the employee will have the options to pay both the employee and employer portion of any benefit premiums for that pay period should they elect benefits.
- In accordance with State Personnel Rules (R2-5A-307), a pool employee may not work more than 1,500 hours in a calendar year.
- Employee will not accrue paid time off (annual or sick leave) while working pool.

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Employees who work less than 20 hours per week for more than 20 weeks do not meet the eligibility requirement to contribute to the Arizona State retirement System (ASRS)

Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 220-6462. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.