Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Mental Health Technicians provide patient care in a manner that promotes safety, comfort, and a therapeutic environment. Mental Health Technicians assist patients with Activities of Daily Living, attend to patient behavioral issues, and observe patients to determine changes in condition and precautions. Shift available: 7pm-7am

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Facilitates groups and activities. Plans and implements both specialty groups and health teaching groups. Documents on patients progress in regard to group activities during otherwise un-programmed time, especially weekend time. Assists Activity Therapists, Social Workers and Nurses as directed.
• Appropriate boundaries are maintained with patients and an understanding of the difference between therapeutic relationships and friendships is demonstrated. Assists other staff in understanding and maintaining these boundaries and reports to supervisor if boundaries are violated by others.
• Maintains documentation in accordance with departmental/facility standards and requirements of regulatory bodies. Writes legibly, uses approved abbreviation and correct spelling as documented in the clinical record. Demonstrates skill in the area of documentation and is able and willing to help others achieve same level of skill.
• Understands the importance of maintaining the dignity of the psychiatric patient. Communicates with non-judgmental statements regarding patient behavior, as observed by supervisor and as documented in chart. Follows philosophy of unconditional positive regard toward patients.
• Under supervision, observes, records, and reports activities of patients requiring special precautions. Completes appropriate observation logs.
• Interventions and limits are direct, timely, non-threatening, and effective in de-escalating patient or altering behavior.
• Is able to lead a crisis team within the milieu, giving direction to others in proper policy for resolution.
• Is able to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations including proper use of time outs, locked seclusion or restraints.
• Uses good judgment in reporting verbally and in writing all clinically pertinent observations of patients or situations requiring nursing expertise or technical follow up to the charge nurse or other supervisor.
• As directed by a licensed nurse, performs technical nursing care assignments such as collecting, labeling and storing specimens, weighing patients and taking and recording vital signs.
• Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment by reporting equipment that is out of order, reporting other problems to management, cleaning equipment as assigned and receiving linen and supply stock for the unit.
• Assists in and, as necessary, accompanies patient in admission, transfer, and discharge procedures.
• Initiates and conducts search of patient and patients’ belongings within the guidelines established by policy and procedure. Carefully monitors for contraband on the Unit and strives to maintain a safe environment.
• Facilitates patient’s visiting with their families in an orderly and therapeutic manner.
• Attends and contributes feedback in staff meetings. May initiate and lead staff meetings when a need is recognized. Takes personal responsibility for increasing staff morale and positive attitude on unit.
• Assists Charge Nurse when requested in assigning staff to groups and assigning duties of other staff.
• Acts as a preceptor to new MHT’s during their orientation.
• Performs additional job-related duties as required and necessary within scope of job responsibilities including taking the initiative to complete tasks that are unassigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Qualification Requirements:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent is preferred but not required.
• Associate's Degree or Training in Psychology or related field is preferred but not required.
• Current BLS Certification. (Must obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Current CPI Certification. (Must obtain within 90 days of hire).

Experience

• Previous experience as a Mental Health Technician in a long-term care facility is preferred but not required.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.

EOE STATEMENT

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.