Summary :

A Behavioral Resource Technician ("BRT") is responsible for providing observation of the patient or patients they are assigned to. The BRT's role is to ensure that the patient does nothing to harm themselves or others. The BRT must maintain a safe environment and interact with the patient, family, and staff in a caring professional manner. As a member of the health care team, the BRT will provide care for the patient and may include bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning as assigned. The BRT is responsible for reporting any changes in the patient’s condition or behavior to the nurse immediately and documenting every 15 minutes during their shift. This description covers the essential functions of the position.

The incumbent is expected to perform other similar and related duties as assigned. Management has the right to change or add to the job responsibilities at any time. The preferred candidate has a minimum of 2 years of experience working with patients or clients with behavioral health diagnoses. 

Job Responsibilities:

1) Provides Age Appropriate Care To Patients

Demonstrates knowledge of developmental stages for the following age groups child through older adult: Children, Adolescents, Adult, Geriatric 

2) Develops And Maintains Good Human Relations Skills.

Introduces self by name to the patient, PCT, and RN, 100% of the time. Consistently displays a respectful, empathetic, and caring attitude toward patients and families 100% of the time. Interacts with other members of the health care team RN, PCT, MD, etc. professionally. Accepts changes in assignments to accommodate the patient’s needs.

Accepts constructive criticism as demonstrated by positive behavioral changes, if indicated.

3) Job Specific Responsibilities

Provides constant observation of the patient/s intervening as necessary to ensure patient safety. Documents patient status every 15 minutes. Independently communicates patient information and observations promptly to the RN. Actively listens to the patient and acts in a caring professional manner.

Provides care for the patient; bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning. Demonstrates knowledge and skill in assisting patients with activities of daily living. Follows directions from the RN regarding limitations and privileges the patient has at all times. Possesses the ability to redirect the patient to a different activity. Possesses the ability to de-escalate a patient and maintain a therapeutic environment. Observe and report any significant occurrences in the patient’s condition and behavior to the RN. 

4) Receives reports from the RN and off-going BRT when reporting for duty.

Reports off to the RN and on coming to BRT 100% of the time. Provides immediate care to maintain the patient's safety.     

5) Maintains A Safe Environment For The Patient

Remains with the patient at all times if assigned to one-to-one observation unless relieved by a member of the staff.

Must remain awake and alert and have the ability to provide safety observation as defined in the Care of the Suicidal Patient policy, even when the patient is sleeping.

Demonstrates knowledge and skill in maintaining a safe environment and can identify ligature and safety risks in any environment of care. Accompanies the patient off the unit as directed by the nurse and remains with the patient at all times in these areas.

Transports patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers to procedures. Reports any safety hazards to the RN.     

6) Understands the care for specific diagnoses such as suicidal, eating disordered, drug or alcohol withdrawal, PICA, Alzheimer’s, anoxic brain injury, etc.

7) Communicates to patients that they are a high priority even during busy times. Treats patient information as confidential. Displays sensitivity to patients through non-verbal communication. Utilizes body language such as eye contact, smiling, etc., to demonstrate an interest in the patient.     

8) Participates in Competency Validations, Educational Activities, and Staff Meetings. Completes all mandatory in-services and web strategies 100% of the time. Attends and participates in staff meetings. Attends annual mandatory validations. Attends all additional programs as required. Continually seeks to improve skill level and knowledge base.     

9) Demonstrates competency for one-to-one observation of patients based on the care of the suicidal patient policy this includes maintaining constant observation of the patient at all times. Staff providing constant observation must remain awake and alert at all times.  

Required Experience:

1 year of relevant patient care experience.

This experience could include but is not limited to working with behavioral health patients, direct patient care, patients in a group home setting, experience as a paraprofessional, or successfully working in a BRT Apprentice Role for 1 year.

Preferred Experience:

2 years of experience working with behavioral health patients.   

Skills and Competencies:

1) Demonstrates competency in reading comprehension, writing and following instructions

You Belong At Baystate

At Baystate Health we know that treating one another with dignity and equity is what elevates respect for our patients and staff. It makes us not just an organization, but also a community where you belong. It is how we advance the care and enhance the lives of all people.

DIVERSE TEAMS. DIVERSE PATIENTS. DIVERSE LOCATIONS.

Education:

GED or HiSET (Required)

Certifications:

Basic Life Support - American Heart AssociationAmerican Heart Association, Certified Crisis Prevention (within 60 days of hire) - Crisis Prevention InstituteCrisis Prevention Institute

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.