Inpatient Technician - Night Shift at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority – CHEROKEE, North Carolina

Job Summary

The Inpatient Technician provides critical support to individuals receiving behavioral health and substance use treatment within the Analenisgi Inpatient Unit. This role ensures a safe, supportive, and recovery-focused environment through daily engagement, observation, and collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. The technician serves as a consistent presence on the unit, helping patients meet treatment goals, while upholding policies that prioritize patient dignity, cultural sensitivity, and clinical safety

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care, Observation, and Supervision

• Maintains a consistent presence on the unit to monitor safety, facility conditions, and patient behavior.
• Accurately accounts for patient whereabouts per policy and conducts frequent checks.
• Supports patients in therapeutic, recreational, and daily activities including mealtimes, visitation, and scheduled groups.
• Orients new patients to the unit and models respectful, trauma-informed interactions.
• Provides direct support to patients in accordance with individualized care plans and unit protocols.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, toileting, dressing, and other basic care needs, while promoting dignity and independence.
• Observes patient behavior and reports changes in mental, emotional, or physical condition to nursing staff.

Safety and Crisis Response

• Intervenes when necessary to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.
• Conducts searches for contraband according to policy, documents findings, and follows chain-of-custody procedures.
• Responds appropriately to emergencies and communicates urgent situations to management and nursing staff.

Collaboration and Communication

• Communicates effectively with the care team to support patient treatment goals.
• Facilitates or co-facilitates therapeutic groups as assigned.
• Maintains telephone and radio communication in a professional and timely manner.
• Promotes positive communication between clinical, supervisory, and support staff.

Documentation and Compliance

• Documents significant events, safety checks, and interactions per policy.
• Complies with all medication procedures, including inventory, logging, and reporting discrepancies.
• Participates in quality improvement efforts, patient satisfaction initiatives, and Joint Commission compliance.
• Protects patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and CIHA policy.

Operational Support

• Transports patients as needed in accordance with agency standards and safe driving practices.
• Monitors agency vehicle use and reports maintenance concerns.
• Attends required training, meetings, and obtains continuing education hours annually.
• Staff may be required to float to other departments to assist with operational or patient care needs, based on organizational priorities and staffing demands.

Other Duties

• Maintains professional boundaries and adheres the best standards of practice and ethical behavior that will only reflect positively on themselves and their place of work.
• Represents the department at community and organizational functions as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Current BLS Certification preferred, (must be obtained within six months of hire ).
• Current CPI certification preferred (must be obtained within six months of hire).

• Demonstrated ability to communicate in verbal and written formats to meet position requirements required.
• Ability to learn and use Electronic Medical Records, and other software programs as needed.
• Ability to work independently with flexible hours required.
• Experience working with Native Americans preferred.
• Previous experience working in a behavioral Health setting preferred.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist preferred.
• Certified Nursing Assistant preferred.
• Associates Degree in Human Services preferred.

Complexity of Duties

This position requires sound judgment, flexibility, and a strong understanding of safety procedures in a behavioral health setting. Duties are often performed in high-stress environments where the technician must assess and respond to emotional or behavioral crises. Decisions may impact the health and safety of patients and the reputation of the organization. Technicians must apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-time to promote recovery and uphold therapeutic safety.

Supervision Received

The Inpatient Technician works under the guidance of the Analenisgi Inpatient Nurse Supervisor and Analenisgi Inpatient Management. Assignments and expectations are clearly outlined, but the role requires the ability to work independently within established guidelines. Creativity, initiative, and discretion are encouraged to meet patient and unit needs.

Responsibility for Accuracy

Accurate observation, communication, and documentation are essential to patient care and regulatory compliance. Errors in judgment or recordkeeping can lead to clinical risks, delays in care, or liability. The technician is responsible for upholding CIHA standards and ensuring the quality and safety of all assigned duties.

Contact with Others

Regular interaction with patients, staff, families, and community partners is a key part of this role. Professionalism, empathy, and respectful communication are expected at all times. The technician represents the organization in both internal and public settings and is expected to uphold CIHA’s values of compassionate care and cultural respect.

Confidential Data

Technicians have access to highly sensitive patient information and must uphold strict confidentiality in all interactions. All work must align with CIHA, HIPAA, EBCI, IHS, and Joint Commission standards. Breaches of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action.

Mental/Visual/Physical Environment

The work can be emotionally and mentally demanding due to the nature of the patient population and responsibilities. The role requires alertness, physical mobility, and the ability to lift up to 30 lbs. Technicians must be able to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods, with the stamina to respond quickly to emergencies or behavioral escalations.

Work Environment

Work primarily occurs in a behavioral health inpatient unit. There may be occasional exposure to infectious disease or disruptive patient behavior. OSHA standards and agency safety protocols must be strictly followed. Occasional travel for training or patient transport may be required.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.