Mental Health Tech I - Mental Health Unit - Full time - Days

Dayton Children's Hospital

About The Position

The Mental Health Technician (MHT), working under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Mental Health Clinician, provides direct care to mental health patients in accordance with established standards and licensure guidelines. The MHT models Dayton Children’s values through effective interactions with patients, families, and treatment team members while providing excellent care. The role provides supportive, trauma-informed care to patients and families. It helps maintain a safe, therapeutic milieu; completes routine safety checks and ordered constant attendance; and supports patient safety and adherence to treatment plans. The MHT uses therapeutic communication, accepts delegated tasks, asks pertinent questions, and reports relevant patient information, including behavioral changes and mental status updates. The position also requires appropriate handling of sensitive patient information and adherence to confidentiality and privacy guidelines. Responsibilities include assisting with activities of daily living, documenting care, and collaborating with the treatment team. The MHT may also function as a unit clerk and/or support coordinator, assisting the team lead with clerical duties and daily unit operations. The role follows the safety management program to maintain a secure, therapeutic environment, reduce hazards and injury risk, and use de-escalation techniques. The MHT responds to the hospital’s mission and the mental health unit’s goals, promotes a patient- and family-centered, trauma-informed environment, and adapts to changing census and customer needs. This position serves the inpatient mental health unit at the Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness.

Requirements

Work under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Mental Health Clinician.
Demonstrate strong therapeutic communication skills.
Accept delegated tasks and ask pertinent questions as needed.
Report patient information, including behavioral changes and mental status updates.
Uphold patient confidentiality and privacy guidelines.

Responsibilities

Provide direct care to mental health patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Mental Health Clinician.
Provide supportive, trauma-informed care to patients and families.
Help maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu.
Complete routine safety checks and provide constant attendance on patients as ordered.
Support patient safety and adherence to treatment plans.
Use therapeutic communication and report relevant patient information, including behavioral changes and mental status updates.
Handle sensitive patient information appropriately and uphold confidentiality and privacy guidelines.
Assist patients with activities of daily living.
Document care appropriately and collaborate with the treatment team.
Function as a unit clerk and/or support coordinator when needed, supporting the team lead with clerical duties and daily unit operations.
Follow the safety management program, reduce hazards and injury risk, and use de-escalation techniques.
Promote a patient- and family-centered, trauma-informed environment and respond to changing unit census and customer needs.