Eating Disorder Technician, Residential - job 2 of 2

The Eating Disorder Technician at Discovery Behavioral Health plays an essential role in patient care, supporting them from admission to discharge. Responsibilities include providing daily support in personal routines, facilitating psychoeducational groups, ensuring patient safety, and engaging in meaningful interactions with patients to promote effective coping skills. The technician also documents patient progress accurately to assist in their treatment planning.

To qualify for the Eating Disorder Technician role at Discovery Behavioral Health, candidates typically need a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or two years of relevant experience in the mental health field. A valid driver’s license is also required, and DBH encourages applicants who may not meet every single qualification to still submit their applications, emphasizing a commitment to diversity.

Discovery Behavioral Health offers a strong benefits package for Eating Disorder Technicians, including healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan, paid vacation and sick days, an employee referral program, and discounts to various businesses. Additionally, opportunities for continuing education and professional development are provided to help staff grow in their careers.

The Eating Disorder Technician position at Discovery Behavioral Health is part-time, specifically working Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. This schedule allows for focused, consistent support of patients during their treatment experience while also accommodating time for personal endeavors during the week.

At Discovery Behavioral Health, the safety and wellbeing of patients are paramount. Eating Disorder Technicians play a critical role in providing milieu management throughout the treatment process. This includes monitoring patients, facilitating interventions, and ensuring that each individual feels secure and supported within the therapeutic environment, thereby helping them on their recovery journey.

Share your passion for helping others and how your values align with the mission of Discovery Behavioral Health. Discuss relevant experiences or personal motivations that drive you to contribute to the mental health field, emphasizing your commitment to making a positive impact in patients' lives.

Provide detailed examples of any previous experiences leading group sessions or educational activities relevant to mental health or wellness. Emphasize your communication, leadership skills and any specific techniques you employed to engage participants and facilitate meaningful discussions.

Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding in these situations. Highlight techniques you would use to build rapport and trust with the patient, such as active listening and providing support without judgment, while also working closely with the treatment team for effective strategies.

Describe specific, calm strategies to de-escalate a situation, such as validation of feelings, creating a safe space, and using grounding techniques. Emphasize your commitment to consistent communication with the treatment team to ensure the patient receives comprehensive care during a crisis.

Talk about the significance of accurate and objective documentation in a healthcare setting. Describe your method for recording patient interactions and progress, emphasizing attention to detail and the necessity of thorough, timely reports to inform the treatment planning process.

Share relevant work, internship, or volunteer experiences that provided insight into behavioral healthcare practices. Highlight specific roles you have played, the environments you have worked in, and the skills you developed that are directly related to the Eating Disorder Technician position.

Explain your understanding of diversity in mental health, how it impacts patient care, and provide examples of how you have championed inclusive practices or supported diverse populations in previous roles. Emphasize your commitment to creating an accepting and nurturing environment for all individuals.

Discuss the collaborative nature of mental health care and how good teamwork fosters better patient outcomes. Illustrate how effective communication with other team members improves service delivery and enhances the quality of care patients receive.

Reflect on personal experiences where you utilized coping strategies during stressful times. Share specific techniques you found beneficial and connect these experiences with the importance of imparting such skills to patients in a therapeutic setting.

Acknowledge the emotional demands of the role while highlighting your resilience. Discuss strategies for self-care you’ve implemented to remain balanced and effective in a demanding environment, demonstrating your understanding of the importance of self-care in mental health work.