Health Technician (PT)

Performs health care services to county jail patients/inmates under the immediate supervision of facility nurses.  The health care services performed are not limited and include assisting patients/inmates with self-administration of medications, diabetic testing and other direct patient care tasks which can include bedside care and activities of daily living (ADL). The Health Technician functions as an integral member of the jail medical clinic team and demonstrates accuracy, reliability and safety in caring for patients especially regarding assistance with medication self-administration. The work performed by the Health Technician directly impacts the quality of care for the patients/inmates. 

These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.

• Provides care under the direction of medical clinic staff, which may include vitals, simple dressing/treatments, reporting information to nurse on-call, assisting with sick call of the patients/inmates. 
• Performs routine non-credentialed tasks in support of medical clinic’s services. This includes tasks involving minor personal services for patients/inmates in correctional facilities such as urine drug screens, urinalysis, pregnancy tests, and EKG’s. These non-technical tasks involve routine care of patients/inmates that are not required to be performed by a RN.
• Assists with ADLs when needed including dressing, grooming, bathing, ambulation, foot care, nail care, and transfers. Documents cares that were given on appropriate forms.
• Ensures all medications, sharps, tools, glucometers, emergency kits, and other items are counted, calibrated, and checked as scheduled.
• Alerts nursing staff of any abnormalities indicated on patient/inmate flow sheets (i.e. blood pressure, weight, etc.)
• Responsible for medication passes for self-administration of medications by jail patients/inmates.
• Accurately follows the Six Rights of Medication Administration.  Documents after medications are administered.
• Completes assigned tasks as educated and instructed by the Lead Health Technician and RNs.  Along with tasks that are in line with duties of the position. Examples of tasks include: blood glucose monitors, oxygen monitoring, skin care, medication administration, taking vital signs, and other tasks as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned or become apparent.

ACCOUNTABILITIES SHARED BY ALL EMPLOYEES:

• Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County’s vision, mission and values.
• Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
• Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Informs immediate supervisor of all important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
• Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
• Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing County business.
• Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.
• Demonstrates reliable attendance and punctuality.

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Two or more years of work experience.
• Intermediate proficiency with software applications including Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support certification.
• Valid, unrestricted, Medical Assistant, Trained Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, or License Practical Nurse license/certification.
• Nursing Assistant or similar classes.
• Six months of Health Care experience in a similar or related field.
• Knowledge of County and departmental policies, rules and regulations.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology.
• Willingness to acquire additional training for medication management.
• Ability to provide direct and indirect leadership to the other Health Technicians.
• Ability to learn the security features needed to work safely in this setting, which includes but not limited to: secured doors and radio communications.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.