Mental Health Technician

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on providing professional and nonprofessional nursing care services in accordance with physician orders. It includes nursing support duties: providing basic care services to patients, but without an RN or LPN license. Roles in nursing support work under the direction of physicians, mid-level practitioners, and may work under the direction of registered nurses depending on the unit. This is a clinical technologist role with specialized knowledge or skills gained through vocational education, training, and experience.

The role is commonly applied to patient care and/or scientific or laboratory jobs. It is an experienced level role requiring basic knowledge of job procedures and tools obtained through work experience and vocational or technical education. Works under moderate supervision, handles routine problems, and may require interpretation or deviation from standard procedures while communicating information that may require some explanation.

The position operates according to the policies, procedures, philosophy, and objectives of the department and hospital. It works cooperatively within the department and the contracted behavioral health services with other services to create a system of quality health care. Under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, this position provides physical and emotional care to patients on an assigned unit as a member of the patient care team.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of applicable experience in mental health services, addiction recovery.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Behavioral Sciences.
• Three (3) years of applicable experience working with psychiatric patients.

The duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature of work and are not an all-inclusive list. Other duties may be assigned.

• Monitors the patient’s condition through general observations, taking vital signs, neurological signs, and determining weights and heights. Administers physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriate.
• Establishes a therapeutic relationship with assigned patients and helps with daily living activities such as daily hygiene, showering, and clothing. Responds promptly and appropriately to patient needs and requests.
• Facilitates effective patient reports. Receives a report at the start of each shift and communicates pertinent observations to the nurse throughout the shift and after.
• Assists the nurse or physician during exams and procedures. Completes specimen collection and test measurements. Observes the patient’s condition during and after procedures as directed by the RN.
• Assists in the pre-admission and discharge process as requested, including recording vital signs, checking , orienting patients to the unit, and escorting patients and families to the exit.
• Assists with administrative duties such as documenting observations and activity of patients. Keeps detailed records and reports changes in patients' behavior to the clinical care team.
• Transports patients, equipment, and specimens to designated areas.
• Maintains the patient environment and the nursing unit in a clean, neat, and safe manner.
• Assists in managing meal times, ensures patients receive proper meal trays, and observes nutritional intake. Assists in setting up trays and feeding patients when appropriate.
• Provides assistance during Code 99 events by calling the page operator, obtaining equipment, transporting specimens, and observing and assisting other patients on the unit.
• Assists in monitoring the safety of the unit.
• Participates in the implementation of the treatment plan and milieu activities and groups, observing and reporting patient interactions.
• Intervenes in crisis situations in collaboration with nurses and other mental health team members to maintain safety and promote therapeutic outcomes.
• When assigned and following protocol, remains with patients who are suicidal or have behavioral problems as directed.

• Prolonged…