Pediatric 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 deliver state-of-the-art, patient-centered care in a modern and healing environment. The 505,000-square-foot facility will house 292 beds—200 for adult patients and 92 for children and adolescents—featuring private patient rooms, abundant natural light, and thoughtfully designed recovery spaces. The hospital will also provide training for all behavioral health disciplines.

As an employee of UT Southwestern, you 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 immediately reports values outside normal parameters to the nurse.
• Demonstrates awareness of age-specific considerations in assessments (children, adolescents, adults, older adults).
• Performs sterile procedures such as dressing changes and 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 any changes in a patient's condition or behavior immediately to the nurse.
• Monitors patient sharps and valuables, labeling and handling them appropriately.
• Conducts walking/exercise and community groups.
• Responds to patient requests for assistance in a respectful, positive, and timely manner.
• Performs basic hygiene care, including frequent patient rounds for comfort, positioning, toileting, and hygiene.
• Documents patient information accurately and in a timely manner.
• Transfers and transports patients safely, ensuring age-specific considerations are met.
• Welcomes new patients and their families, ensuring a respectful and professional interaction.
• 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) is 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; frequently carrying up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to grasp, requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, full range of motion including restraining patients to protect them from harm to themselves or others.
• Ability to turn and assist patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 year of acute care inpatient hospital experience.
• Certified Nurses Aide certification with training from an accredited program.
• Training from an accredited Mental Health Technician program.
• 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 settings.
• May be exposed to body fluids and infectious diseases.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage (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 Benefit.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer.

Schedule

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

Location: Texas-Dallas-4855 Harry Hines Blvd.