Mental Health Tech - PT

UHS•Ocala, FL

About The Position

The Mental Health Technician PT functions as an active part of the treatment team, providing continuous patient care, supervision, interaction, and role modeling to patients ranging in age from preschool through geriatrics depending on which unit worked. The Mental Health Technician work under the direction of the Registered Nurse.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required. Associates or Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field preferred.
Direct patient care experience, CNA, or previous acute care/behavioral related experience preferred. Associate’s degree and/or Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field may be used in lieu of related experience. Nursing students who have completed all pre-requisites can use education in lieu of related experience.
Previous experience in a mental health hospital setting is preferred.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for effective patient interaction.
Strong collaborative skills and ability to work effectively with others.
Ability to exhibit empathy, respect and compassion that involve understanding and care for patients.

Responsibilities

Listen to patients' concerns, observe their behavior, and record their condition
Report changes in patient health or behavior to medical staff
Lead patients in therapeutic and recreational activities
Provide medications and other treatments to patients, following instructions from doctors and other medical professionals
Help with patient intake and discharge
Monitor patients’ vital signs, such as their blood pressure and body temperature
Help patients with daily living activities, including eating and bathing
Restrain patients who may become physically volatile
Provides appropriate crisis intervention as necessary by anticipating and responding quickly to escalating behaviors, utilizing de-escalation techniques to diffuse the situation, correctly prioritizing safety concerns.