Mental Health Technician - Acute (Resilience)

Location: Newport News, Virginia. Facility: Newport News Behavioral Health Center. Job ID: 360890.

About the role

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is a 108‑bed intensive and highly structured residential treatment facility for psychiatric and behavioral health needs of adolescent males and females ages 7‑17. The center offers an on‑site certified school, therapists, and vocational programming. Located in Newport News, VA – a beautiful seaside city rich in maritime history and conveniently situated to DC and other major Northeastern cities. As a member of the acute team, the Mental Health Technician observes and reports physical and behavioral symptoms under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, participates in implementing physical care and therapeutic activities, assists in planning and implementing treatment programs, and implements functional behavioral assessment/behavior intervention plans.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a role model to staff and patients in dress and demeanor.
• Exercises appropriate interventions under the direction of the Physician, Director of Nursing, Acute Nurse Manager and/or Registered Nurse.
• Performs proper Handle with Care techniques, demonstrating knowledge of resident and staff safety.
• Exhibits excellent verbal de‑escalation skills.
• Provides appropriate crisis intervention strategies by anticipating and responding quickly to escalating behaviors, utilizing de‑escalation techniques to diffuse the situation, correctly prioritizing safety concerns, following proper restraint technique guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have one of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in an area of human services (e.g., psychology, sociology, political science, counseling, criminal justice, pastoral counseling, elementary/special education, or family therapy).
  • High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent.
• PLUS a minimum of 2 years of experience (paid or unpaid) in a human service field involving direct contact with the individual receiving services (e.g., coaching, teaching, case management, etc.).

Benefits

• Challenging and rewarding work environment
• Competitive Compensation
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its Subsidiaries

Pay

USD $18.00/Hr. – USD $19.00/Hr.

Schedule

Shift options: 7AM‑7PM or 7PM‑7AM (varied).