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 for patients. 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. The role requires limited hands-on care. Physical demands include exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects; frequent reaching, handling, and feeling; and occasional stooping and kneeling.

Requirements

Mental Health/Behavioral Health experience required.
AHA BLS CPR required or to 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 graduate or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct, compassionate, and respectful patient 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 for contraband, patient belongings, searches, elopement precautions, suicide and self-harm precautions, and other identified safety risks.
Conduct environmental and safety checks as assigned.
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.
Help redirect inappropriate behaviors using approved de-escalation and behavioral management techniques.
Promptly notify the unit manager or charge nurse as needed.
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 laundry.
Ensure nursing staff inspect items visitors bring in for patients.
Perform other duties as assigned.