Title: Behavioural Science Tech - Mental Health

Department: Child & Youth Services - Burr 4

Hours of Work: Casual Position; Rotating Shifts

Wage Range: $33.23-$36.49

Union: OPSEU4106 Non-Central

Location: Kingston General Hospital Site

DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Program Manager – Mental Health Services, the Behavioural Science Technologist provides individual and group treatment to patients, assists in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the treatment programs.

Within this role, the employee is accountable for contributing to the delivery of the Kingston General Hospital strategy. As an employee, one must demonstrate an awareness of and be responsible for actively promoting and supporting patient and family centered engagement and care in all we do.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Behavioural Science Technologists participate within the BST scope of practice, in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of individual client treatment plans and care environment as assigned by an RN:

• Utilizes highly structured treatment programs which are developed for a patient’s specific need

• Employs principles of behaviour analysis to generate interventions that will help patients improve social, language and academic skills while helping to reduce interfering behaviours, which may include aggressive behaviour.

• Prepares behavioural programs that identify interventions to address problematic behaviours and acknowledge appropriate behaviours.

• Reinforce positive behaviours and intervene should patients display undesirable behaviours.

• Provides direct services to patients, including but not limited to, clinical and functional and life skills groups, conflict resolution and/or anger management skills, patient education within scope of practice.

• Continually evaluates the effectiveness of the treatment program and make necessary adjustments to help patients learn new skills and behaviours more effectively.

• Keeps RN(s) informed about the patient condition and alerts to changes; monitors; observes, records and reports behaviours to other health care professional.

• Participates and collaborates with ongoing risk management, quality improvement initiatives and utilization reviews of the clinical services.

• Attends staff meetings and change of shift meetings, to obtain progress reports, case specific instructions.

• Assists the patient with completing activities related to daily living while maintaining a therapeutic, safe and secure environment, including monitoring access to secure areas.

• Assists nursing staff with new admissions by orienting patients and their support systems to the unit, and checking the client belongings for contraband and potential weapons, assisting with other admission procedures and required.

• Prepares patients for means, checks meals for correctness, monitors nutritional intake as necessary, weighing patients and recording intake and output as required.

• Participates in case consultation with family members, referring and aftercare providers and as assigned by the RN, may serve as liaison between an academic institution, the family and identified community resource(s) when therapeutic, academic, and/or social services are provided.

• Observes, monitors and reports client behaviours, participates in and supervises client activities, teaches daily living skills.

• Documents including but not limited to, checklists and rating scales, as per guidelines, care provided, interventions and other relevant information regarding the patients mental and functional status.

• Keeps RN(s) informed about the patient’s condition and alerts to changes; monitors, observes, records and reports patients behaviours, mental status.

• Intervenes under the supervision of the RN(s) prevents and participates in the management of behavioural emergencies, consistent with the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training program.

• Responds in the event of a medical emergency, under the supervision the Rn(s) and as assigned initiates first aid, rescue breathing, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation until regulated staff able to take over.

• Transports and directs patients and visitors to safety in emergencies including both internal and external emergencies.

• Escorts medically stable patients to and from various internal and external activities, including but not limited to: accompanies patients off unit and/or campus to medical and other specialists appointments, recreational activities etc.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Adheres to worker responsibilities as set out in the Occupational Health & Safety Act, hospital safety policies, and dept./unit established procedures at all times.

• Takes corrective action to address a hazard where possible, otherwise reports the unresolved hazard, dangerous circumstance, unsafe situation to self, other co-workers or the community, to their supervisor.

• Advises the Manager or Administrative Coordinator if they incur a workplace injury or illness; actively participate in identifying and resolving the underlying cause(s) and participates in early and safe return to work as per Workplace Safety & Insurance Act.

• Understands and is familiar with all pertinent KGH policies and procedures including those relating to workplace conduct. Complies with the KGH Commitment to uphold the Workplace Conduct and Reporting of Inappropriate Conduct policy and behaves in a manner that is consistent with the guiding principles and expectations.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful completion of a 4 year Applied degree in Behavioural Psychology or a University degree and a Behavioural Science Technology – Advanced Diploma.

• Minimum 1-year experience in the role of Behavioural Science Technologist or equivalent preferred, preferably within a mental healthcare setting.

• Current First Aid/CPR Level “C”.

• Capable of establishing and maintaining effective therapeutic relationships with acutely and serious mentally ill patients, maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity to the needs of clients and their support network.

• Familiarity with community based and regional mental health resources.

• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health medical terminology, effective communication and documentation skills.

• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, including working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Proven ability to organize and establish priorities in a self-directed manner.

• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions accurately.

• Available to rotate on day shifts and evening shifts required.

• Proven good attendance record.

• Capable of coping with a physically demanding workload, responding to medical and behavioural emergencies, ability to lift using appropriate lifting techniques and bend, push and pull using good body mechanics.

• Demonstrated computer competence and familiarly with Microsoft Office software.

• Demonstrated commitment to the vision and values of the organization.

• Proven ability to attend work regularly.

• Satisfactory criminal reference check and vulnerable sector search required.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training.

• Demonstrated experience with assessment, treatment planning and care management of acutely ill psychiatric patients.

• Knowledge of Ontario Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act, Powers of Attorney Act, Substitute Decisions Act and other relevant legislation.

• Knowledge of DSM-IV TR diagnostic criteria for major psychiatric disorders and typical psychopharmacological treatments.

• Knowledge of principles and goals of mental health reform within Ontario.

• Demonstrated experience providing guidance, supportive counselling, education and health promotion to patients with serious mental illness and their families, including available resources and other related topics.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience planning, implementing and evaluating behavioural management approaches/activities, organizing and leading therapy and skill development groups for patients with serious mental illness.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent will be required to meet the physical demands as described for the area of work.

KHSC is located on the ancestral lands and waters of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee and serves a wider geographical area that encompasses many Indigenous communities including Tyendinaga, Katarokwi, as well as communities within the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. As we partner in care, discovery, and learning to achieve better health outcomes for our communities, KHSC is committed to actively advocating for and acting upon the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action on Health.

Unless specifically stated, all job postings are for existing positions at KHSC. KHSC is committed to recruitment practices that support and contribute to building a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace in compliance with legislation such as the Employment Standards Act and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We welcome all applications from women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, persons in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and members of other equity deserving groups.

Kingston Health Sciences Centre may use artificial intelligence systems to assess and screen applicants. All hiring decisions are made in accordance with KHSC policies and applicable employment legislation.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for next steps will be contacted. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Recruitment Team.