Mental Health Technician

Make a Difference Where It Counts! At our 22-bed Behavioral Health Hospital, every role plays a vital part in changing lives, strengthening our community, and delivering care that truly matters. Come be part of an amazing team where your impact is seen and felt every single day! Position Details Job Title: Mental Health Technician Department: Nursing Reports To: Director of Nursing Supervises: None FLSA Status: Non-Exempt LOF Support: LOF 4 Skill Checkoff Appraisals: See Attached Mentoring Checklist Form: Non-Licensed Position Summary The Mental Health Technician (MHT) functions as an essential member of the nursing staff, supporting quality patient care and ensuring patients’ daily needs are met. The MHT supports licensed nursing staff by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of training and experience. Responsibilities include providing direct patient care to assigned patients and ensuring their activities of daily living are met. MHTs are primarily responsible for the day-to-day custodial care of patients and assist in maintaining a therapeutic milieu through assigned group activities and supportive interventions. The MHT utilizes basic psychiatric nursing knowledge to observe and communicate emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric manifestations of patients’ conditions to licensed nursing staff. As a visible and accessible presence on the unit, the MHT remains readily available to address patient needs while helping maintain a safe environment through diligent observation of both patient status and the physical environment. Additional Responsibilities Include Communicating patient observations effectively to licensed nursing staffAssisting licensed staff with clerical duties as neededMaintaining professional patient care standards according to facility mission, policies, procedures, and all regulatory requirementsServing as a communication bridge between patients, families, and licensed staffAssisting with patients’ nutritional needs in collaboration with licensed nursing staffSupporting therapeutic interventions using effective communication and de-escalation techniquesManaging the therapeutic environment with professionalism and compassion Working Conditions Work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. While performing job duties, employees may occasionally be exposed to: Fumes or airborne particlesCleaning chemicalsDust, mist, and steam generated during housekeeping tasksModerate to high noise levels This is a smoke-free workplace. Work is performed primarily indoors (75% or more of the shift) in an environment protected from weather but not necessarily temperature changes. Employees must provide documentation of a tuberculosis test during orientation and annually thereafter. Physical Requirements The Employee Must Be Able To Stand for extended periods (60–80% of shift)Sit for extended periods (up to 4 hours)Walk frequently throughout the shiftLift and carry more than 10 pounds Additional Physical Requirements Include Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any directionHandling: Grasping, holding, turning, and working with handsFingering: Picking, pinching, and manipulating small objectsFeeling: Detecting texture, shape, size, and temperatureTalking: Clearly expressing ideas verballyHearing: Perceiving alarms, phones, and spoken communicationSeeing: Visual acuity (near/far), depth perception, peripheral vision, accommodation, and color vision The role may involve repetitive tasks and frequent interruptions. Stress is considered a job hazard due to the fast-paced psychiatric environment and the acuity level of patients in crisis. Exposure Category Category II (Tasks involve potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or tissues.) Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Experience Education High school diploma or equivalent requiredCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification preferred but not required License None required Experience Previous experience working with: Psychiatric patientsGeriatric patientsChemical dependency clients Required Skills Effective verbal communication skillsStrong organizational skillsEffective interpersonal skillsAnalytical problem-solving abilityAbility to read and comprehend written instructionsAbility to follow verbal instructionsBasic computer proficiencyBasic understanding of DSM-5 diagnostic criteriaBasic understanding of medical and psychiatric diagnoses and conditions Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations Required Valid Photo IDSocial Security Card and/or Driver’s LicensePrimary source verification of educationClinical license copy (if applicable)CPR CertificationBehavioral Management Training Benefits Full-Time Employees Health InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceSupplemental Insurance Options401(k) with Company Match PRN Employees 401(k) with Company Match Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Leesville provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.