Psychiatric Tech, Adults, Part time nights

As a Psychiatric Tech at UMMC, your primary responsibilities include supporting licensed professionals in delivering medical and mental health care to patients. You'll work to maintain a therapeutic environment, engage patients in daily activities, observe and report on their behaviors, and ensure safety protocols are upheld. This role is vital in helping patients manage their conditions effectively.

To qualify for the Psychiatric Tech position at UMMC, candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with GNA or CNA certification and CPR certification. Experience with direct patient care or in a psychiatric facility is preferred, as it prepares you for the challenges of this rewarding role.

The work schedule for a Psychiatric Tech at UMMC involves part-time hours, specifically two night shifts from 7 PM to 7:30 AM, including a weekend and holiday rotation. This flexible schedule allows you to balance your personal life while making a meaningful impact during your shifts.

At UMMC, we believe in the professional growth of our Psychiatric Techs. You will have access to various learning opportunities, including ongoing training, mentorship from experienced staff, and resources to pursue further education in nursing or mental health fields. We're dedicated to fostering your career growth.

UMMC provides a variety of competitive benefits for part-time Psychiatric Techs, including flexible scheduling, potential for career advancement, and access to medical and wellness resources. You can review our comprehensive benefits package to understand how we support our team members in their professional and personal lives.

When answering this question, think about specific techniques you may use to manage stress, such as deep breathing or maintaining a calm demeanor. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully navigated stressful scenarios and how it contributed to positive patient outcomes.

Share an example of a situation where effective teamwork was crucial. Highlight your role within the team, your communication skills, and how collaborating with different professionals resulted in improved patient care or outcomes.

Discuss qualities such as empathy, patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these attributes in your previous roles and how they contribute to effective patient care.

Explain your approach to creating and sustaining a therapeutic milieu, such as building trusting relationships with patients, setting clear boundaries, and fostering a sense of safety and respect within the care facility.

Discuss any prior experience you have with tracking and reporting on patient behavior, noting what you look for, how you assess risk, and the procedures you follow when addressing concerning behaviors with the healthcare team.

It’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of de-escalation techniques. Offer a structured response that includes identifying triggers, using calming techniques, and collaborating with team members to ensure patient safety.

Share your passion for helping others, emphasizing how personal experiences or educational background may have inspired you. Highlight your commitment to improving the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.

Discuss the importance of confidentiality in psychiatric care and share the specific protocols you follow to ensure that patient information is protected, thereby respecting their privacy and building trust.

Highlight your interpersonal skills and any specific strategies you’ve employed in past roles, such as active listening, showing empathy, and providing consistent support to engage with patients on a meaningful level.

Explain your commitment to ongoing education through workshops, courses, or reading relevant literature. Mention any professional organizations you may belong to that support your knowledge and growth in psychiatric care.