Aaron Harris

Patient Care & Safety

• Monitored patient behavior, mood changes, and safety risks throughout each shift.
• Conducted 15-minute (or assigned) safety checks to ensure patient well-being and environmental safety.
• Assisted with ADLs (activities of daily living), including hygiene, meals, and basic care needs.
• Transported and escorted patients safely to groups, dining areas, and appointments within the facility.
• Intervened during crises using approved de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe therapeutic environment.
• Reported unsafe behaviors, self-harm concerns, or policy violations immediately to nursing and leadership.

Clinical Support

• Took and recorded vital signs following clinical protocols and relayed abnormal readings to nursing staff.
• Documented patient behavior, interventions, and progress notes accurately in the medical record.
• Observed medication lines and ensured patients complied with scheduled medication distribution.
• Supported treatment plans by reinforcing coping skills, boundaries, and therapeutic structure.
• Assisted nurses and therapists during assessments, admissions, and discharges.

Group & Milieu Management

• Facilitated or co-facilitated therapeutic groups, recreational activities, and educational sessions.
• Encouraged patient participation, engagement, and adherence to daily schedules.
• Maintained order and structure in the milieu by enforcing boundaries and safety rules.
• Redirected agitation, arguments, or escalating behaviors calmly and professionally.

Facility Operations

• Conducted room checks, contraband searches, and belongings inventories during admissions.
• Ensured cleanliness and organization of unit spaces, patient rooms, and common areas.
• Responded to codes, behavioral emergencies, and medical alerts promptly and according to policy.
• Communicated effectively with nurses, supervisors, and multi-disciplinary teams during shift huddles.

Professionalism & Compliance

• Protected patient confidentiality and followed HIPAA regulations at all times.
• Maintained accurate shift reports and handoffs to ensure continuity of care.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, compassion, and professionalism in all patient interactions.
• Followed facility policies, federal regulations, and safety protocols consistently.

• Patient Supervision & Safety
• Maintained constant supervision of patients in a secure forensic psychiatric setting to ensure safety for staff, patients, and the public.
• Conducted routine headcounts, area checks, and security rounds in compliance with OMH regulations.
• Observed and documented patient behaviors, mood changes, and risk factors, reporting concerns immediately to clinical staff.
• Safely escorted patients to medical appointments, treatment programs, court sessions, and secure areas within the facility.
• Monitored for contraband and conducted searches of patients, rooms, and unit spaces following OMH security protocols.

Crisis Intervention & Behavioral Management

• Utilized OMH-approved de-escalation techniques to prevent or reduce aggressive or disruptive behavior.
• Participated in crisis interventions and assisted clinical staff during psychiatric or behavioral emergencies.
• Applied physical intervention techniques only when authorized and necessary to maintain safety.
• Helped stabilize volatile situations by maintaining professional demeanor, clear communication, and firm boundaries.

Clinical & Therapeutic Support

• Assisted with patient ADLs including hygiene, meals, and personal care for individuals with psychiatric and developmental disabilities.
• Supported treatment plans by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing therapeutic goals.
• Participated in groups, skill-building activities, and structured programming to encourage patient socialization and progress.
• Ensured medication compliance by escorting patients to medication lines and monitoring adherence.

Documentation & Communication

• Completed incident reports, observation logs, and behavioral notes with accuracy and adherence to OMH standards.
• Communicated effectively with nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, and security staff to ensure coordinated care.
• Provided clear and detailed information during shift change briefings to support continuity of care.

Security & Facility Operations

• Assisted in maintaining a secure environment by ensuring doors, alarms, and observation areas were properly functioning.
• Responded to facility emergencies including codes (medical, behavioral, fire, escape risks).
• Ensured compliance with OMH, state, and federal regulations regarding patient rights, confidentiality, and safety.
• Supported intake and discharge procedures including patient orientation, escort, and belongings inventory.

Professional Conduct

• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and respect while working with forensic and high-risk psychiatric populations.
• Maintained strict confidentiality and complied with HIPAA and OMH policy at all times.
• Completed mandatory OMH training in crisis intervention, defensive tactics, first aid/CPR, and safety protocols.

Sanitation & Environmental Cleaning

• Performed daily cleaning and sanitizing of patient rooms, bathrooms, common areas, offices, and treatment spaces in accordance with OMH health and safety standards.
• Disinfected high-touch surfaces, including door handles, railings, desks, phones, and equipment to reduce infection risk.
• Swept, mopped, vacuumed, and polished floors following infection control protocols.
• Collected, sorted, and disposed of trash, biohazard materials, and contaminated waste using proper handling procedures.

Safety & Compliance

• Followed OSHA, OMH, and infection control guidelines when using cleaning chemicals, PPE, and sanitation equipment.
• Ensured cleaning materials were stored securely away from patients in locked storage areas.
• Maintained awareness of patient activity and surroundings to ensure personal safety in a forensic psychiatric environment.
• Reported maintenance issues, damaged equipment, and unsafe conditions to supervisors immediately.

Laundry & Linens

• Collected soiled linens, towels, and clothing from designated units.
• Sorted, washed, dried, folded, and distributed clean linens following OMH sanitation procedures.
• Ensured timely restocking of bedding, towels, gowns, and hygiene supplies on units.

Facility Support

• Assisted in preparing patient rooms for new admissions, including bed setup, comprehensive cleaning, and restocking of supplies.
• Supported emergency cleaning during incidents such as spills, biohazard events, or crisis-related unit disruptions.
• Helped maintain the cleanliness of secure corridors, visitation areas, and restricted zones under staff supervision.

Communication & Teamwork

• Coordinated with nurses, BHT/SHTA staff, and supervisors to ensure safe access to units during cleaning.
• Documented completed cleaning tasks and reported supply shortages to maintain smooth operations.
• Participated in required safety, infection control, and OMH policy training.

Professional Conduct

• Demonstrated respectful, professional behavior when working around forensic psychiatric patients.
• Maintained confidentiality of patient information at all times.
• Adapted cleaning routines based on unit needs, security protocols, and daily operational priorities.