Job Description

Mental Health Technician (MHT) / Patient Care Assistant (PCA)

Location: Nexus Children’s Hospital – Shenandoah, TX

Schedule: Full-Time (Day & Night Shifts Available)

About Us

Nexus Children’s Hospital – Shenandoah is a 50-bed specialty hospital in north Houston providing inpatient care for both children and adults. We serve higher-acuity patients with complex medical and behavioral diagnoses, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, chronic illnesses, and adolescents with co-occurring conditions.

At Nexus Health Systems, we’re bridging medical and behavioral care so no person falls through the cracks. Our programs provide holistic, specialty care that helps individuals navigate physical, behavioral, and mental health needs—setting them up for greater success at discharge and beyond.

The Mental Health Technician (MHT), also known as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA), provides direct patient care, behavioral support, and supervision for individuals with medical and psychiatric conditions. MHTs play a vital role in creating a safe, therapeutic environment, supporting treatment goals, and helping patients develop skills that foster recovery and stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide care to patients in a manner that promotes safety, dignity, and therapeutic engagement.
• Supervise and monitor patients to ensure structure, consistency, and safety within the unit.
• Observe, document, and report changes in patient behavior, emotional state, or physical condition.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility.
• Support daily schedules, group activities, and structured treatment programs.
• Implement and reinforce Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
• Manage and de-escalate crisis situations using approved de-escalation techniques to ensure safety.
• Collaborate with nurses, physicians, and therapists to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
• Participate in community meetings, goal-setting sessions, and therapeutic groups.
• Maintain documentation, confidentiality, and adherence to safety and infection control standards.
• Serve as a positive role model for behavior, communication, and emotional regulation.

Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
• AA/BA/BS in Psychology, Education, Behavioral Health, or related field (preferred)

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a psychiatric, neurobehavioral, or medical hospital setting (preferred)
• Experience supporting patients with behavioral health or dual diagnoses strongly preferred

Licensure / Certification:

• BLS/CPR certification required upon hire
• Completion of de-escalation training (required or obtained within 30 days of hire)
• Current TB test within 14 days of hire and annually thereafter

Nexus Core Values (GOPTIC)

• Genuine – Operate with integrity and build trust among patients, families, and colleagues.
• Ownership – Take personal responsibility for actions and outcomes.
• Positivity – Approach challenges with optimism and compassion.
• Teamwork – Collaborate to achieve our mission and support one another.
• Innovation – Seek better, more effective ways to help patients and families.
• Compassion – Always put our patients first; our mission begins and ends with them.

Before Applying

• Do you have experience supporting patients with behavioral health or psychiatric needs?
• Can you remain calm and professional in crisis or de-escalation situations?
• Are you passionate about helping patients return to meaningful, productive lives?
• Are you ready to work as part of a team bridging medical and behavioral care?
• Are you GOPTIC?

If you answered YES — apply today and help us continue to bridge the gap between medical and behavioral care at Nexus Children’s Hospital – Shenandoah.