Mental Health Technician, MHU

Heywood Hospital•Gardner, MA

About The Position

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) provides direct, supportive care to patients receiving inpatient behavioral health services. As an integral member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the MHT supports a safe, therapeutic, and structured environment. The role includes monitoring patient behavior and safety, implementing individualized treatment interventions, facilitating therapeutic and recreational activities, supporting activities of daily living, and maintaining a clean and therapeutic milieu. The MHT is expected to demonstrate professionalism, compassion, sound judgment, effective communication, and appropriate therapeutic boundaries when working with patients experiencing acute behavioral health symptoms. This is a per diem position with hours that vary based on unit needs.

Requirements

Mental health or behavioral health experience required.
AHA BLS CPR certification required or must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
DMH-approved hands-on de-escalation training required within 30 days of hire for DMH-certified units and within 60 days for other locations.
Limited hands-on care required.

Nice To Haves

High school graduation or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct, compassionate, and respectful care in accordance with policies, procedures, and individualized treatment plans.
Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and professional boundaries with patients.
Support patients in developing and practicing appropriate coping, communication, and behavioral skills.
Promote patient independence while providing appropriate support and supervision.
Maintain awareness of patients and the unit environment to promote safety.
Follow procedures related to contraband, patient belongings, searches, elopement precautions, suicide and self-harm precautions, and other identified safety risks.
Conduct assigned environmental and safety checks and remain aware of patient legal status, precautions, restrictions, and individualized safety needs.
Communicate effectively with nurses, providers, social workers, therapists, case managers, and other interdisciplinary team members.
Assist with documenting patient belongings from admission through discharge.
Know patient orders for restricted items and work with MHU staff to ensure restricted items are signed in and out as applicable.
Provide supportive listening and emotional support while maintaining professional and therapeutic boundaries.
Work effectively with patients experiencing psychiatric, emotional, cognitive, or behavioral difficulties.
Redirect inappropriate behaviors using approved de-escalation and behavioral management techniques and promptly notify the unit manager or charge nurse.
Assist with patient fresh air breaks in accordance with current policy and maintain knowledge of current fresh air requirements.
Respond to patient needs, including nutritional replenishment, telephone charging, retrieving shower toiletries, and assisting with patient laundering.
Ensure nursing inspects items visitors bring in for patients.
Perform other duties as assigned.