This occupation is part of the Healthcare Practitioner and Technical cluster
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About the Job
Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.
It is also Called
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Child and Family Therapist
- Direct Care Worker (DCW)
- Health Care Technician
- Human Service Technician
- Human Services Support Specialist (HSSS)
- Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT)
- Medical Technician
- Mental Health Assistant (MHA)
What They Do
- Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
- Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded patients.
- Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.
- Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.
- Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
- Collaborate with or assist doctors, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or developmentally disabled patients to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.
- Develop or teach strategies to promote client wellness and independence.
- Aid patients in performing tasks, such as bathing or keeping beds, clothing, or living areas clean.
- Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.
- Lead prescribed individual or group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic procedures.
Interests
People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: SRE.
This means people who work in this occupation generally have Social interests, but also prefer Realistic and Enterprising environments.
Work Values
People who work in this occupation generally prize Relationships, but also value Support and Working Conditions in their jobs.
Things They Need to Know
- Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
- Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
Things They Need to Be Able to Do
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Additional Resources
- California Occupational Guide - A detailed guide to this occupation provided by the California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Education Required
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Wages
In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $49,930.00 with most people making between $32,330.00 and $62,640.00
Outlook
During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 8,900 people in California. It is projected that there will be 10,800 employed in 2020.
This occupation will have about 190 openings due to growth and about 150 replacement openings for approximately 340 total annual openings.
Similar Occupations
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Recreational Therapists
- Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
- Respiratory Therapy Technicians
- Psychiatric Aides
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Dental Assistants
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
- Patient Representatives
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