Mental Health Tech - Texas Behavioral Health Center

About the Role

Join our team at the Texas Behavioral Health Center, a newly completed state-funded psychiatric hospital opening in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District. This facility is owned by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and operated by UT Southwestern Medical Center. As DFW’s first state-funded behavioral health hospital, it will house 292 beds (200 for adults and 92 for children and adolescents) and deliver state-of-the-art, patient-centered care in a modern and healing environment. The center provides comprehensive behavioral health treatment, features private patient rooms, abundant natural light, and thoughtfully designed spaces that promote recovery. Employees will join a world-class academic medical center committed to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing patients for successful reintegration into their families and communities.

Responsibilities

• Collects data including intake and output, weight, temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure.
• Performs skin assessments and recognizes/reports values outside normal parameters to the nurse.
• Demonstrates awareness of age-specific considerations (children, adolescents, adults, older adults) in assessments.
• Performs sterile procedures (e.g., sterile gloves, dressing changes, in/out catheterization) in accordance with nursing and infection control policies.
• Assists in facilitating the treatment milieu and participates in codes to protect patients from harming themselves or others.
• Reports changes in a patient’s condition or behavior immediately to the nurse and seeks guidance as needed.
• Monitors patient sharps and valuables, labeling and handling them appropriately.
• Conducts walking/exercise and community groups.
• Responds to patient requests for assistance respectfully and timely, ensuring patient comfort and satisfaction.
• Performs basic hygiene care, checks skin during baths, and reports abnormalities to the nurse.
• Makes frequent patient rounds for comfort, positioning, toileting, and hygiene care.
• Documents patient information accurately and in a timely manner.
• Transfers and transports patients safely, considering age-specific needs and ensuring patient dignity.
• Welcomes new patients and families, introduces self, and ensures a positive experience.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) certification accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) (required).
• CRISIS PREVENTION INSTITUTE (CPI) certification (must be completed within 30 days of hire).
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Extended walking and standing daily; ability to lift up to 40 lbs., grasp, and restrain patients as needed.
• Full range of motion, corrected vision and hearing to normal range, and ability to assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 year of acute care inpatient hospital experience, or
• Certified Nurses Aide certification with training from an accredited program, or
• Training from an accredited Mental Health Technician program, or
• Completed first semester of Nursing Clinicals from an accredited program.

Skills

• Communication
• Managing Work
• Stress Tolerance
• Quality Orientation
• Technical/Professional Skills and Knowledge

Physical Demands

• Bending/Leaning Over
• Carrying (up to 40 lbs.)
• Climbing, Crawling, Crouching/Kneeling/Stooping
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination
• Feeling, Grasping, Handling
• Hearing, Kneeling, Lifting, Pulling, Pushing
• Reaching, Repetitive Motions, Standing, Stooping
• Talking, Walking

Working Conditions

• Clinical and hospital setting.
• May be exposed to body fluids and infectious diseases.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan with no-cost full-time employee-only coverage (available day one).
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare (no copay).
• Paid Time Off (available day one).
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer.

Schedule

Full-time, 3 x 12-hour shifts (Day or Night Shift).

Location: 4855 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas.