Mental Health Technician (MHT) 11P-7A

SUN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GROUP•Georgetown, DE

7d•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, helps maintain a safe and clean environment, and participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities. The position is full-time on the night shift at SUN Behavioral Delaware in Georgetown, Delaware. The technician monitors patients, performs and documents vital signs and safety observations, assists with activities of daily living and medical needs, and supports therapeutic activities under clinical direction. The role also contributes to patient safety, teamwork, documentation, confidentiality, quality initiatives, and a compassionate, professional care environment.

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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform and record patient vital signs, intake, and output, and notify the RN of changes.
Observe patients’ behavior, mental status, and activities; report changes or unusual occurrences to the RN and identify behaviors requiring intervention.
Escort patients off the unit for activities, meals, visitation, and scheduled tests.
Perform scheduled patient safety checks, including 15-minute observation rounds, and document them appropriately.
Assist with physical holds and 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, policies, and applicable guidelines.
Answer and direct telephone calls professionally and take messages.
Operate equipment safely and correctly.
Orient patients to the unit; 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.
Provide one-on-one and constant visual observation for high-risk patients.
Assist patients who need additional care related to medical needs, including transferring patients, assisting with activities of daily living, and helping with meals.
Monitor patient compliance with pre- and post-procedure instructions, including ECT instructions, under RN supervision.
Help create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members; follow safety rules, report near misses and incidents, correct minor hazards, and communicate identified hazards.
Attend required safety programs, participate in assigned quality projects, and support safety and quality initiatives.
Work cooperatively with colleagues and build collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
Retrieve, communicate, and present information verbally and in writing; demonstrate listening and communication skills and follow Standards of Behavior.
Follow established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, laws, and SUN Behavioral Health’s mission and values.
Use supplies and facility resources responsibly, complete required training on time, maintain professional attendance and attitude, and protect confidential information in accordance with HIPAA and other privacy laws.
Demonstrate accountability for quality patient care, acceptance of people in need, willingness to help others, and respect for cultural diversity and differences.
Perform other duties as assigned.