Mental Health Technician PRN Days

About the Role

Oceans Behavioral Hospital Pasadena is passionate about helping adults and seniors manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Utilizing proven, innovative, and progressive therapies, our qualified professionals strive to promote long-term wellness through a range of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment options.

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) supports the nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of the MHT's training and experience. The MHT will maintain a safe and professional standard for patient care in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures, and performance improvement standards.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to professional standards, follow policies and procedures, and abide by federal, state, and local requirements, as well as Joint Commission standards.
• Effectively apply supportive behavior when assisting in the control of patients who exhibit unacceptable behavior; employ de-escalation and therapeutic interventions as needed.
• Inventory patient belongings accurately and secure contraband as needed; complete unit safety checks.
• Comply with standard/universal precautions and infection control policies; attend required in-services to stay informed.
• Implement patient care activities under the direction and supervision of licensed nursing personnel, including vital signs, weights, ADL, intake and output documentation, and nutritional monitoring; communicate findings to the nurse.
• Ensure patients receive appropriate diet by reviewing dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences.
• Assist patients with laundry, meals, bathroom functions, and maintaining belongings; assist at-risk and/or physically challenged patients with mobility needs.
• Individualize patient care activities to meet age-specific, disability, and cultural sensitivity needs.
• Communicate and document patient observations and data effectively in the patient record, including departures from the unit, significant occurrences, observed behavior, vital signs, nutrition intake, and other findings as requested by the registered nurse.
• Communicate outcomes of assigned tasks to nursing staff in a timely manner; ensure continuity of care by relaying follow-up on patient care responsibilities and ongoing activities.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent with CNA certification or at least 6 months of prior bedside, direct patient care experience in a healthcare setting.
• Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations and utilize age, disability, and cultural-specific knowledge in working with specialized populations.
• Good physical and mental health, demonstrated by a warm, empathetic attitude, respect for dignity, worth, and potential of clients, and a high sense of personal integrity.
• Ability to work under close supervision and handle interruptions, occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries, and a high-paced, potentially stressful environment.
• Must successfully complete CPR certification and an Oceans-approved behavioral de-escalation program.
• Ability to cope with disagreeable odors, sights, and unpredictable patient behavior.
• Work requires spending approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building.