Mental Health Technician Assistant, Nights

About the Role

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. The MHT/Asst records data, performs treatments and procedures in accordance with established policies, and reports observations and patient problems to the nurse using therapeutic communication techniques. This role oversees multiple priorities and may perform duties of a Unit Administrative Assistant and/or Patient Care Assistant. Additional responsibilities include serving as a mentor to other MHTs, training and orienting new staff, and conducting home visits.

Responsibilities

People

• 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 and facilitating problem resolution.
• Serves as a preceptor for new hires or float staff.

Service

• Performs and assists with patient care activities of daily living (ADLs) under the direction of a registered nurse.
• Performs and records diagnostic measurements, treatments, and procedures as determined by skills training.
• Assists with group facilitation and responds to phone and call light systems, contacting nursing personnel as needed.
• Transports patients and records care administered according to established procedures.
• Performs clerical duties, including maintaining and processing unit and patient records (e.g., transcription of physician orders, discharge codes, data entry).
• Organizes workflow, manages multiple priorities, and contributes to improving patient satisfaction scores.

Quality/Safety

• Performs treatments and procedures in accordance with established policies and reports observations and patient problems 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 to meet department and hospital quality and safety targets.
• Maintains and cleans equipment, ensuring all patient care equipment is in safe working order.
• Reports malfunctions and practices preventive maintenance procedures.

Finance

• Coordinates scheduling of appointments to achieve cost-effective and positive patient outcomes.
• Uses resources efficiently and minimizes incidental overtime.
• Contributes to department financial targets through timely documentation and optimized efficiency.

Growth/Innovation

• Contributes to the development of department schedules, projects, and shared governance activities.
• Participates in in-services, continuing education, and critical thinking scenarios.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education).
• One of the following experience requirements:
  • 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.
• Required certifications:
  • BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA) or Instructor.
  • NVCRISIS - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) or Instructor (within 30 days of hire).
• Preferred certifications:
  • CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant (State Licensure).
  • CMA - National Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA, NAHP, NCCT, or NHA).

Skills

• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English to perform essential job functions safely.
• Effective communication with patients, physicians, family members, and coworkers in a customer-service-focused manner.
• Knowledge and skill in group facilitation and court processes for detaining patients.
• Strong time management and ability to access and use hospital databases and electronic health records (e.g., Epic).
• Basic computer knowledge, including Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Schedule

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area and occasionally outside it.
• On-call during emergencies (e.g., disasters, severe weather events) may be required.

Work Attire

• Scrubs: Yes.
• Business professional: No.
• Other department-approved attire may apply.