Behavioral Health Milieu Technician (BHMT), are mental health employees who provide hands-on care to individuals with varying degrees of mental health diagnoses and medical diagnoses. BHMT’s perform a vital, front-line function as they observe, treat and interact with patients and families. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse as part of an inpatient/hospital unit, performs 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.
- Under the supervision of a licensed clinical team member, assist or lead educational, recreational and therapeutic activities and group activities in the Milieu. Includes but is not limited to conflict resolution, stress management, and Recreational activities.
- Provides direct patient care (as defined by unit) that addresses the population-specific needs of the patients on the unit. Includes but is not limited to: Obtain vital signs, temperature, weight, height, or other patient data as required. Obtain and perform Point of Care testing on collected specimens (e.g. blood glucose, venipuncture, urine, pharyngeal swabs etc.).
- Take part in collecting data during intake/admission process for all admitted patients. This includes completing inventory and searching of personal belongings.
- Participates in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment. Communicates 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.
- Works to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while maintaining boundaries for patients, families and staff.
- Supports visitation guidelines and policies as established by unit and hospital.
- May be assigned to role of patient observation based on unit need.
- Identifies unit/patient needs, reports and resolves potential / actual escalations on the unit.
- Demonstrates appropriate critical incident follow up skills by timely verbal reporting to care team and documentation in Electronic Health Record as appropriate. Completes other documentation, i.e. Incident reports, seclusion and restraints as applicable.
- Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living. Activities may include any of the following: assist patient with feedings and personal care (e.g. hygiene, ambulating and activities of daily living, etc.);
- Transport patients; assist with patient admissions and discharges.
- Assist in procedural holds as directed by MD, Provider and/or primary nurse.
- Demonstrates 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.
- Helps in application and removal of physical restraints when directed by the attending medical provider and or primary nurse.
Education and/or Experience Required:
- 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 Mental Health related field.
License and/or Certification Required:
- 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:
- Understanding and follow Connecticut Children’s policies and procedures.
- Basic medical terminology, mathematics and measurements.
- Understanding of 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 infections control policies and procedures.
Skilled at:
- Excellent interpersonal skills and communications required.
- Important personal characteristics include a conscientious sense of self and a true motivation to help others.
- 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 an 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.
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.
