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

Dayton Children's Hospital

About The Position

The Mental Health Technician (MHT), under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Mental Health Clinician, provides direct care to mental health patients according to 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 MHT provides supportive, trauma-informed care and helps maintain a safe, therapeutic milieu. Duties include routine safety checks and delegated constant attendance, supporting patient safety and adherence to treatment plans, assisting with activities of daily living, completing documentation, and collaborating with the treatment team. The role requires strong therapeutic communication, appropriate handling of confidential patient information, and reporting relevant patient information, including behavioral changes and mental status updates. 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 position includes following the safety management program, using de-escalation techniques, and helping maintain a secure, hazard-free environment. The MHT responds to changing census and customer needs while supporting the hospital’s mission and the mental health unit’s goals in a patient- and family-centered, trauma-informed setting.

Requirements

GED or high school diploma.
Strong therapeutic communication skills.
Ability to accept delegated tasks, ask pertinent questions, and report patient information as indicated.
Knowledge of and adherence to 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.
Maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu by completing routine safety checks and providing constant attendance as delegated.
Promote patient safety and adherence to treatment plans.
Use therapeutic communication and report patient information, behavioral changes, and mental status updates as indicated.
Handle sensitive patient information in accordance with confidentiality and privacy guidelines.
Assist patients with activities of daily living and complete appropriate documentation.
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, use de-escalation techniques, and help maintain a secure environment free of hazards.
Support the hospital’s mission and the mental health unit’s goals, responding to changing census and customer needs.