Mental Health Technician (MHT) FT Nights

SUN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GROUP•Columbus, OH

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 and helps maintain a safe, clean environment. The technician participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities. The position includes observing and documenting patients’ behavior, mental status, activities, and safety checks; assisting with personal care and medical needs; supporting de-escalation and patient safety procedures under nursing direction; and communicating changes or unusual occurrences to the RN. The technician also supports treatment activities, patient orientation, documentation, teamwork, safety, and quality initiatives.

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.

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; report changes or unusual occurrences to the RN.
Identify behaviors that may require intervention and use limit-setting and de-escalation techniques.
Escort patients to activities, meals, visitation, and scheduled tests.
Perform and document scheduled patient safety checks, including 15-minute observation rounds.
Assist with physical holds and patient seclusion under the direction of the RN, using CPI techniques and following policy and procedure.
Orient patients to the unit and take and record admission vital signs on the Nursing Assessment Form and/or EHR.
Participate in treatment team meetings and communicate with the Nurse Manager, RNs, therapists, and physicians.
Assist with the 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 with additional medical needs and provide general nursing care, including transfers, activities of daily living, and meals.
Monitor patients’ compliance with pre- and post-procedure instructions, including ECT instructions, under RN supervision.
Answer telephone calls professionally, direct calls appropriately, and take messages.
Operate equipment safely and correctly and maintain documentation that meets current standards and policies.
Follow safety rules, promptly report near misses, errors, and accidents, correct minor safety hazards, and communicate identified hazards.
Attend required safety programs and participate in assigned quality projects and 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, HIPAA, and other privacy requirements; maintain confidentiality and proper documentation.
Apply SUN Behavioral Health’s Mission and Values, support responsible use of facility resources, complete required training, and demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and compassion.
Perform other duties as assigned.