Mental Health Tech/Asst

At Houston Methodist, the Mental Health Technician/Assistant (MHT/Asst) demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively and carry out delegated tasks for population-specific patients. This position functions under the guidance and supervision of the registered nurse in meeting the physiological and psychosocial needs of the patient.

Responsibilities

• Records data and performs treatments and procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Reports observations and patient problems to the nurse and utilizes therapeutic communication techniques.
• Oversees multiple priorities and performs duties of a Unit Administrative Assistant and/or Patient Care Assistant.
• May involve travel to conduct home visits.
• Serves as a mentor to MHTs, utilizing skills and knowledge to train and orient others.

People Essential Functions

• Interacts with peers, staff, and visitors in a supportive and respectful manner, encouraging open communication.
• Collaborates with the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information.
• Demonstrates teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance.
• Serves as a preceptor for new hires or float staff.

Service Essential Functions

• Performs and assists with patient care activities of daily living (ADLs) under the direction of a registered nurse.
• Performs and records diagnostic measurements as determined by skills training and validation.
• Assists with group facilitation and performs treatments and procedures in accordance with policies.
• Responds to phone and call light systems, contacting nursing personnel as appropriate.
• Assists with transporting patients and records care administered.
• Performs clerical duties, including maintaining and processing unit and patient records.
• Organizes workflow, problem-solves, and manages multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Contributes to improving patient satisfaction scores.

Quality/Safety Essential Functions

• Performs treatments and procedures in accordance with established policies and reports observations to the licensed nurse.
• Recognizes physical and mental deviations in a patient’s condition and reports findings to the registered nurse.
• Contributes to corrective action and improvement activities for quality and safety targets.
• Assists with maintaining and cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Ensures patient care equipment is in safe working order and reports malfunctions.

Finance Essential Functions

• Coordinates scheduling of appointments to achieve cost-effective and positive patient outcomes.
• Maintains and accurately processes records.
• Uses resources efficiently and manages time effectively to prioritize tasks.
• Contributes to department financial targets through timely documentation and efficiency.

Growth/Innovation Essential Functions

• Contributes to the development of department schedules or assigned projects and shared governance activities.
• Participates in in-services programs and continuing education for growth and development.
• Engages in critical thinking scenarios.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education).
• Must meet one of the following experience criteria:
  • If certified as a CNA or CMA: minimum two (2) years of acute care hospital experience.
  • If not certified: minimum three (3) years of Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant experience, or two years of secretarial/office or college/vocational training.
  • Three (3) years of experience as a Mental Health Technician in a psychiatric/substance abuse setting with specialized training in crisis intervention and prevention in a hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English for patient and employee safety.
• Effectively communicates with patients, physicians, family members, and coworkers in a customer service-focused manner.
• Demonstrates knowledge/skill in group facilitation and court processes for detaining patients.
• Displays strong time management skills and ability to access hospital system information.
• Possesses basic computer knowledge, including electronic health records (e.g., Epic) and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Licenses and Certifications

• Required:
  • BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA - American Heart Association).
  • NVCRISIS - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI - Crisis Prevention Institute).
• Preferred:
  • CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant (State Licensure).
  • CMA - National Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA, NAHP, NCCT, or NHA).

Schedule

• Non-exempt (hourly) position.
• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area and occasionally outside it.
• May require on-call duty during emergencies (e.g., disasters, severe weather events).

Work Attire

• Scrubs: Yes.
• Business professional: No.
• Other (department-approved): No.