Psychiatric Technician (Relief)

About the role

Join our Stepdown Hospital Transit team at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD as a Mental Wellness Advocate and Care Specialist, revolutionizing the role of a Psychiatric Technician Relief/PRN. Collaborating with licensed nursing personnel and clinical treatment teams, you will provide direct care services to individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities, creating a safe and supportive environment. Your passion for mental health advocacy and strong interpersonal skills will empower patients on their journey towards recovery and well‑being.

Responsibilities

• Promote a physically and emotionally safe environment, including regular rounds and patient/property searches.
• Assist with basic patient care such as eating, bathing, dressing, and teaching basic hygiene and daily living skills while observing progress.
• Provide behavioral emergency assistance, including patient restraint using approved curriculum and basic first aid; recognize and report homicidal or suicidal behaviors.
• Monitor and document behavior of patients in seclusion or on precautions.
• Perform delegated duties such as vital signs and specimen collection.
• Utilize Standard Precautions to prevent infection spread.
• Respect the rights, dignity, privacy, and trauma‑informed needs of patients.
• Assist with development of Psychiatric Technician I work schedules, daily assignments, hiring, and training.
• Facilitate communication between staff regarding patient needs.
• Perform housekeeping duties when required or in the absence of housekeeping staff.
• Model a positive, professional work ethic and serve as a role model to residents.
• Comply with agency policies, regulatory requirements, and contract documentation.
• Contribute to suicide care and prevention using a trauma‑informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma.
• At least 1 year of direct care experience in a psychiatric or behavioral health setting (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Understanding of Standard Precautions and Infection Control Procedures.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply Handle with Care Crisis Intervention Techniques (HWC III).
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coordinate patient care with the treatment team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Robust retirement plan with generous company matching.
• Accelerated Paid Time Off accrual through prior service credit.
• Cell phone discounts.
• Entertainment deals via Tickets at Work.
• Free Headspace subscription for mental wellness.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Eligibility for various student loan forgiveness programs.

Schedule

Relief staff must provide a minimum of four days per month, with total hours not to exceed 100 hours per month.

About The Harris Center

The Harris Center is the state‑designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority serving Harris County, Texas. It is the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, serving over 90,000 people with an annual budget exceeding $300 million. The organization provides a full continuum of services at 80 sites across the county, in more than 40 languages and sign language, employing over 2,500 staff to meet the behavioral health and IDD needs of the community.