Mental Health Technician

Mosaic Life Care•Saint Joseph, MO

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician works under the supervision of the Director - Behavioral Health and, under the direction of a registered nurse or other designated authority, supports patients with activities of daily living, measures and records their general physical condition, and leads educational discussions. The technician observes and reports patient behavior and intervenes verbally or physically when required. The role also helps maintain a therapeutic milieu that supports quality patient care. The position requires travel between system facilities and off-site locations as needed. The technician must be able to communicate effectively, use basic office and telephone equipment, lead groups, observe patients, and apply crisis intervention techniques. Physical demands include moving between patient locations, occasionally turning and ambulating patients, and walking, kneeling, crouching, stooping, reaching, standing, pushing, pulling, and lifting. The work may involve exposure to aggressive patients, blood and body fluids, and animals associated with pet therapy.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Meet one of the specified UAP education pathways: recent UAP training program; fundamentals of nursing course; CNA program with certification; recent graduate of a professional or practical nursing program who did not pass the state licensure examination; or graduate of a professional or practical nursing program outside the United States awaiting U.S. licensure.
Alternatively, documented experience within the past three years as a nurse assistant, emergency medical technician, or surgical technician may substitute for the specified UAP education pathways.
Ability to communicate clearly in person and by phone, write, and use fine motor skills to assist people with disabilities.
Ability to use computers, printers, and telephone equipment.
Ability to teach, provide accurate and concise information, answer questions, maintain positive relationships with multiple customers, motivate, and persuade.
Communication, group-leading, mental health observation, and crisis intervention skills.
Critical thinking, problem-solving, and negotiating abilities; ability to interpret patient information and rules, regulations, and procedures; communicate clearly to small groups; and assess and interpret information about patient abilities.
Ability to travel between system facilities and off-site locations as needed.
Ability to meet the listed physical requirements, including assisting with patient movement and using good body mechanics.
Appropriate functional vision, hearing acuity, and sense of smell.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days.
CPI: Nonviolent Crisis Intervention required within 90 days.
Any other training required by the organization must be completed within 90 days.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a nurse assistant in an inpatient setting.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and communication with patients while preserving dignity, respecting values, following ethical standards, and meeting organizational standards.
Conduct and accurately record patient observation rounds according to organizational standards.
Communicate patient needs and changes in condition to appropriate caregivers.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including monitoring bathing and providing assistance as needed.
Assist with patients’ personal laundry when necessary.
Perform patient care tasks, including taking and recording vital signs, collecting specimens, monitoring and documenting food and fluid intake, and accompanying patients to medical testing as assigned.
Intervene when patients disregard, violate, or ignore unit safety rules.
Assist with placing patients in seclusion or restraints according to organizational standards.
Check and document luggage and personal belongings upon admission and maintain a property list.
Provide educational groups and Community & Goals groups as assigned.
Monitor the environment for safety, including participating in unit and room searches.
Perform other duties as assigned.