Inpatient Med Psych

About the Role

Behavioral Health Milieu Technicians (BHMT) are mental health employees who provide hands-on care to individuals with varying degrees of mental health and medical diagnoses. BHMTs perform a vital, front-line function by observing, treating, and interacting with patients and families. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse on an inpatient/hospital unit, they perform a variety of routine direct patient care, environmental, and administrative support activities to promote the health, safety, and comfort of patients and families. The BHMT will also assist in educational, recreational, and therapeutic activities when deemed appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of a licensed clinical team member, assist or lead educational, recreational, and therapeutic activities and group activities in the Milieu, including conflict resolution, stress management, and recreational activities.
• Provide direct patient care (as defined by unit) that addresses the population-specific needs of the patients on the unit. This includes obtaining vital signs, temperature, weight, height, or other patient data as required, and obtaining/performing Point of Care testing on collected specimens (e.g., blood glucose, venipuncture, urine, pharyngeal swabs).
• Participate in collecting data during the intake/admission process for all admitted patients, including completing inventory and searching personal belongings.
• Participate in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment. Communicate to the team observations of the environment and patient indicators that a patient is escalating or at increased risk for agitation/aggression or harm to self or others.
• Work to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while maintaining boundaries for patients, families, and staff.
• Support visitation guidelines and policies as established by the unit and hospital.
• May be assigned to patient observation based on unit need.
• Identify unit/patient needs, report, and resolve potential/actual escalations on the unit.
• Demonstrate appropriate critical incident follow-up skills by timely verbal reporting to the care team and documentation in the Electronic Health Record as appropriate. Complete other documentation, i.e., Incident reports, seclusion and restraints as applicable.
• Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living, which may include assisting with feedings and personal care (e.g., hygiene, ambulating, and activities of daily living).
• Transport patients; assist with patient admissions and discharges.
• Assist in procedural holds as directed by MD, Provider, and/or primary nurse.
• Demonstrate an awareness of safety needs and a basic knowledge of medical terminology, infection control, risk management, and environment of care policies in all interactions with patients/families.
• Assist in the application and removal of physical restraints when directed by the attending medical provider and/or primary nurse.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Associate degree required with a minimum of six months direct patient or client care.
• OR High School diploma, GED equivalent, or a higher level of education that would require a High School diploma and 3 years of experience in a Mental Health related field.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required upon hire.
• Crisis Intervention training certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained current at all times.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
• Connecticut Children’s policies and procedures.
• Basic medical terminology, mathematics, and measurements.
• Reasons for and techniques for managing aggressive and self-harming behavior.
• Basic understanding of trauma informed care.
• Basic understanding of organization environment of care and infection control policies and procedures.
• Skilled at:
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communications.
• Stress Management/Composure.
• Blocking and redirecting patient movements against the patient’s weight.
• Physical interventions in response to aggressive and self-injurious behavior.
• Ability to move quickly and confidently to intervene in situations when protective holds and/or movements are deemed necessary.
• Ability to:
• Maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
• Learn and follow established protocols to respond in emergency situations.
• Learn and demonstrate competency in basic data entry, use of collaborative care and safety plans, and documentation in the medical record.
• Work across all levels of the organization.

About Connecticut Children's

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families, and team members. At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team. Connecticut Children’s offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package for eligible team members, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, hospital-paid life and disability coverage, paid time off and leave programs, education and training assistance, a retirement savings plan with hospital match, and an employment assistance program. Eligibility for certain benefits is based on scheduled hours worked. All team members are eligible to participate in the retirement savings plan, regardless of scheduled hours worked.