Job Description

The Virtual Safety Specialist will closely collaborate with Registered Nurses and Patient Care Technicians in a hospital setting. Responsible for continuously monitoring patient activities through advanced surveillance technology while promoting a culture of relationship-based care. Closely monitors patients who may be at risk for harming themselves or other individuals. This role is vital in maintaining high-quality patient care and safety while promoting a calm, caring environment for the patient, staff, and visitors

Responsibilities

Responsible for always keeping the patient in their line of vision and working with others in the healthcare team to assure prompt intervention to prevent physical harm to patients.
Utilizes the technology required for virtual patient observation and interventions for safe patient care.
Maintains uninterrupted visual observation of multiple patients simultaneously, ensuring coverage during breaks or other absences.
Ensures alarm systems are functional, appropriately set, and audible to alert staff of any issues promptly.
Actively re-directs patients as needed to maintain safety and intervenes or escalates situations when patients pose a threat to themselves or others.
Accurately and timely documents patient observations and interventions in the electronic health record.
Troubleshoots any issues with monitoring equipment and communicates software problems.
Processes patient admissions and discharges efficiently, preparing monitoring software promptly upon receiving orders.
Accepts and effectively executes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Familiar with basic Microsoft Windows operations and skilled in simple data entry
Strong communication skills, competent in using digital tools to engage with patients and team members.
Proficiency in navigating computer technology and patient monitoring platforms.
Ability to remain focused and alert during shifts.
Keen attention to detail to monitor multiple patients effectively and recognize subtle changes in behavior or condition that may indicate risk.
Ability to use communication technology efficiently (e.g., microphones, messaging software).
Knowledge of emergency response systems and steps to escalate care when patient safety is threatened.
Skill in managing multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising the quality of patient observation.

Experience:

Minimum of one (1) year in a patient care setting (Acute Care preferred) and in the following roles:

Patient Care Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, or equivalent

Virtual Sitter/Virtual Safety Specialist/Video Monitor Technician or other role involving the remote video monitoring and safety surveillance of patients.

Education:

High School Diploma / GED Equivalent

License/Certification:

Basic Life Support within 7 days of hire

About Us

Benefits Overview

UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.

Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists.

Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.

Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits. Life Employees receive $40,000 of group term life insurance and $40,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.

Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.

Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:

• Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
• Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
• Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.

FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.

Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.

EEO Statement

UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.