Mental Health Technician (MHT) 7A-3P

SUN Behavioral Delaware•Georgetown, DE

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Technician provides direct and indirect patient care under the direction of an RN or LPN/LVN. The role supports the personal care and comfort of psychiatric patients and helps maintain a safe, clean, and healing environment. The technician participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities. The position includes monitoring and documenting patients’ vital signs, intake and output, behavior, mental status, activities, and safety checks; reporting changes or unusual occurrences to the RN; assisting with patient care and activities of daily living; and supporting de-escalation, restraint, and seclusion procedures under RN direction and in accordance with policy. The technician also supports patient orientation, treatment team meetings, therapeutic educational groups, one-on-one observation, and care related to medical needs and procedures. The Mental Health Technician is expected to contribute to safety, teamwork, integrity, and compassionate care; maintain confidentiality and proper documentation; follow hospital policies and safety requirements; and complete required training. This is a full-time, day-shift position at SUN Behavioral Delaware in Georgetown, Delaware, with no travel required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CPR certification.
Certification in a hospital-selected de-escalation technique.
Previous experience in a healthcare setting.
Maintain education and development appropriate for the position.
May substitute experience for education.
May substitute education for experience.

Nice To Haves

Some college classes.
Certified Nursing Assistant certification.
One year of experience as a behavioral health technician.

Responsibilities

Perform and record patient vital signs, intake, and output, and notify the RN of changes.
Continuously observe patients’ behavior, mental status, and activities; notify the RN of changes or unusual occurrences and identify behaviors requiring intervention.
Escort patients off the unit for activities, meals, visitation, and scheduled tests.
Perform and document patient safety checks at scheduled times, including 15-minute observation rounds and one-on-one or constant visual observation for high-risk patients.
Assist with physical holds and placing patients in seclusion under RN direction, using CPI techniques and following policy and procedure.
Set limits for patients and use de-escalation techniques.
Maintain documentation in accordance with current standards and policies.
Answer and direct telephone calls professionally and take messages.
Operate equipment safely and correctly.
Orient patients to the unit and take and record admission vital signs on the Nursing Assessment Form and/or in the EHR.
Participate in treatment team meetings and communicate appropriately with the Nurse Manager, RNs, therapists, and physicians.
Assist with orientation of new staff members.
Assist with therapeutic educational groups under the direction of the RN or Director of Clinical Services.
Assist patients who need additional care related to medical needs.
Monitor patient compliance with pre- and post-procedure instructions, including ECT instructions, under RN supervision.
Provide general nursing care, including transferring patients and assisting with activities of daily living and meals.
Help create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members; follow safety rules, report near misses and errors promptly, correct minor hazards, and communicate identified hazards.
Attend required safety programs, participate in assigned quality projects, and support quality and safety initiatives.
Work cooperatively with colleagues and build collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
Communicate and present information verbally and in writing, demonstrate listening skills, and adhere to the Standards of Behavior.
Follow established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, laws, and SUN Behavioral Health’s mission and values.
Use supplies and facility resources responsibly and complete required training within defined time periods.
Maintain good attendance and a positive, professional attitude; protect confidential patient and staff information; and ensure proper documentation.
Demonstrate accountability for high-quality patient care, willingness to help others, initiative, and acceptance of cultural diversity and differences.
Perform other duties as assigned.