Eating Disorder Technician, Residential (Part time, weekends)

As an Eating Disorder Technician at Discovery Behavioral Health, your key responsibilities will include assisting and supporting patients throughout their treatment journey, ensuring their safety, providing milieu interventions, and leading psychoeducational groups. You will play an essential role in helping patients with daily activities, documenting progress, and communicating with families, making the position both rewarding and impactful.

To apply for the Eating Disorder Technician position at Discovery Behavioral Health, you typically need a Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or two years of experience in the mental health field. A valid driver's license is also required. However, if you don’t meet all the qualifications, we encourage you to apply, as DBH values diverse experiences and perspectives.

A typical day for an Eating Disorder Technician at Discovery Behavioral Health involves supporting patients during their admission processes, facilitating their daily activities, leading psychoeducational groups, and engaging in check-ins to encourage coping skills. Throughout the day, you will also manage the treatment milieu and document patient progress, providing a structured and supportive environment for healing.

Discovery Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive benefits package to Eating Disorder Technicians, which includes 401(k), healthcare benefits, vacation and sick days, and employee discounts. Additionally, you will have access to training in best practices for telehealth and opportunities for continuing education, supporting your professional development.

Yes! At Discovery Behavioral Health, there are ample opportunities for career advancement. By demonstrating your skills and commitment to our mission, you can explore various pathways within the organization, gain experience in different areas, and enhance your career in the behavioral health field.

When supporting a patient with an eating disorder, it’s essential to create a safe space for open communication. Start by actively listening to their concerns, validating their feelings, and providing reassurance. Using empathy while incorporating coping strategies can also facilitate their journey through treatment.

In challenging situations with patients, I would use de-escalation techniques while remaining calm and composed. It's crucial to understand the patient's emotional triggers, redirect negative behaviors, and engage them in therapeutic conversations. Collaboration with the treatment team ensures a consistent approach.

Effective documentation of patient progress should be objective, concise, and focused on specific behaviors and achievements. I would use standardized measurements where applicable and highlight significant changes or concerns to share with the treatment team during evaluations.

Psychoeducational groups are integral in treatment as they provide a structured environment for patients to learn critical skills, share their experiences, and build a support network. They facilitate discussions about coping strategies and recovery processes, empowering patients to take charge of their healing.

I believe in maintaining transparent and professional communication with families. It’s vital to engage them by providing updates on their loved one’s progress and addressing any concerns they might have, balancing confidentiality with the need for family involvement in the treatment process.

My experience working with patients with mental health issues involves utilizing trauma-informed care approaches, focusing on building trust, and understanding each patient's unique challenges. I've engaged with patients through various interventions and therapies, fostering a collaborative and respectful environment.

Certainly! In previous roles, I effectively contributed to a multidisciplinary team by actively sharing my observations and insights during patient care meetings. This collaboration allowed us to create comprehensive treatment plans that catered to the complex needs of our patients.

Prioritizing patient safety involves being vigilant about environmental risks, understanding individual patient needs, and being proactive in addressing any potential hazards. I would ensure all safety protocols are strictly followed and communicate promptly with team members if concerns arise.

Coping skills such as mindfulness, journaling, and utilizing grounding techniques can be incredibly beneficial for patients. Teaching these skills in psychoeducational settings can empower patients to manage their emotions and reduce anxiety during therapy.

I am passionate about working in behavioral health because it allows me to make a tangible impact on people's lives. Understanding that many individuals face significant struggles, being part of their journey to recovery and seeing them regain their confidence and independence is profoundly fulfilling.