CNA/MENTAL HEALTH TECH (FT DAYS, 7 AM - 7:30 PM)

Riverside Healthcare • Kankakee, IL

4h • Onsite

About The Position

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Mental Health Technician for its Inpatient Senior Behavioral Health Unit in Kankakee, Illinois. The role combines Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) responsibilities with specialized Mental Health Technician duties, supporting senior patients experiencing mental health challenges and helping maintain a safe, therapeutic environment that promotes dignity and well-being. The position may require flexibility with assignments within the employee’s professional scope, duties, and licensure.

The employee provides assistance with daily living activities, monitors and documents patient behavior and progress, offers emotional support, helps implement individualized treatment plans, and works with the healthcare team. The role also includes responding to patient needs and emergencies, facilitating activities, taking routine vital signs, and maintaining a safe care environment.

The stated shift is variable for 24-hour coverage, and the job title specifies days, 7:00 AM–7:30 PM. Average hours per week are listed as 6–40. The pay range is USD $20.55–$25.35 per hour.

The work involves frequent contact with patients and potential exposure to blood and body fluids, airborne pathogens, chemicals, and other listed hazards. Protective equipment is required as appropriate. Physical activities include standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, and occasional pushing or pulling. Assistive lifting equipment is used to move patients who cannot move independently.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Secure certification upon hire, maintained annually.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build rapport with patients and families.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and maintain professionalism in challenging situations.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in a mental health setting, particularly with senior populations.
• Basic understanding of mental health conditions and treatment modalities.
• College-level courses in psychology or a related field.
• Associate’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing, and other daily living activities in accordance with CNA protocols.
• Monitor and document patient behavior, moods, and progress, and promptly report changes to nursing staff and the treatment team.
• Facilitate group therapy sessions and activities to promote patient engagement and social interaction.
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment by following safety protocols and properly handling behavioral crises.
• Provide emotional support and companionship, foster trust, and encourage open communication with patients.
• Support individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Participate in staff meetings and contribute observations about patient progress and care strategies.
• Respond promptly to patient needs and emergencies, using de-escalation techniques when needed.
• Perform routine vital signs and report findings to nursing staff.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, and patient record maintenance as needed.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support comprehensive patient care.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs for 0.5 to 1.0 FTE employees.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits for 0.5 to 1.0 FTE employees.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Paid Leave Hours accrued as worked for 0.001 to 0.49 FTE employees.
• Premium pay such as shift differential and on-call pay.
• Opportunity for annual performance-based increases.
• Employee well-being programs and career development programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED