Psychiatric Technician – Guidelink Center, Position Opening Announcement

Position Overview: This position provides initial mental health and basic medical screening for clients at the GuideLink Center, and determines the appropriate level of crisis stabilization services based on client presentation.

Roles and Responsibilities: The Psychiatric Technician is responsible for welcoming and engaging with clients entering the GuideLink Center, completing a brief history of the presenting crisis, assisting with crisis de-escalation, and performing screenings to include a suicide risk screening, a brief mental health screening, a brief physical health screening and recording of vital signs. The Psychiatric Technician will connect clients with the appropriate level of care based on initial screening.

Requirements:

• One of the following education and/or training qualifications must be met:

1. A mental health professional as defined in Iowa Code section 228.1
2. A bachelor’s degree with 30 semester hours or equivalent in a human services field (including, but not limited to, psychology, social work, nursing, education) and a minimum of one year of experience in behavioral or mental health services
3. A law enforcement officer with a minimum of two years of experience in the law enforcement officer’s field
4. An emergency medical technician (EMT) with a minimum of two years of experience in the EMT’s field
5. A peer support specialist with a minimum of one year of experience in behavioral or mental health services
6. A family support peer specialist with a minimum of one year of experience in behavioral or mental health services
7. A registered nurse with a minimum of one year of experience in behavioral or mental health services
8. A bachelor’s degree in a non-human services-related field, associate’s degree, or high school diploma (or equivalency) with a minimum of two years of experience in behavioral or mental health services.

• Prior experience obtaining basic medical vitals.
• Must complete 30-60 hours of department approved training or show proof of prior training within 6 months of hire.
• Pass criminal records/dependent adult/child abuse checks.
• Ability to report to the GuideLink Center on time for all scheduled shifts.

Required Aptitudes: 

• Work in an environment with conflicting demands and/or priorities and rushed and/or urgent timelines.
• Manage multiple assignments and provide quick reaction and immediate response to emergencies.
• Maintain attention to detail over extended period of time and continually be aware of variations in changing situations.
• Strong communication skills and a tolerance for an active work environment with potential for negative behavior.
• Maintain professionalism during times of heightened stress.
• Work well with all levels and types of people.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Previous patient care experience in a mental health setting and/or being a certified nursing assistant is highly desired.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Experience assisting people experiencing relationship difficulties, depression, stress, extreme poverty, mental illness, parenting struggles, etc.
• Previous experience working with victims of crime.
• Ability to provide services with trauma-informed practices.
• Ability to work under pressure and cope with stressful situations.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work independently.
• Ability to write clear case notes and other reports. 
• Fluent in Spanish, Arabic, French or Swahili. 
• Ability to demonstrate commitment to working with a team of professionals.
• Personal attributes such as professionalism, commitment to self-improvement and development, friendliness, tact, enthusiasm, creativity, sensitivity, sense of humor, and honesty.
• Ability to operate a computer and use basic word processing software and email.
• Ability to operate a multi-line telephone, copier and fax machine.
• Ability to use basic math skills:  add, subtract, divide, multiply and figure percentages.

Full-time and part-time day, evening, and overnight positions available.
Salary: $15.42 – $17.36 per hour depending on experience
Excellent benefit package available to qualified employees.