Mental Health Technician Residency Program - January 2027 Cohort

UT Southwestern Medical Center•Dallas, TX

About The Position

Works under supervision to provide mental health care to patients. The Mental Health Technician Residency Program requires successful validation of required core competencies and training. The role supports patient care and the administrative and clinical operations of the assigned practice environment, following nursing direction and performing only tasks for which training or competency has been validated.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must achieve validation of required core competencies and training through the Mental Health Technician Residency Program.
Must obtain and maintain BLS certification within 14 days of hire as a condition of continued employment; certification must be through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
Must complete an approved organizational de-escalation program within 180 days.

Responsibilities

Collect patient data, including intake and output, weight, temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure; perform skin assessments and promptly report abnormal findings to the nurse, considering age-specific needs.
Perform sterile procedures in accordance with nursing and infection-control policies, including sterile-glove use, dressing changes, and in/out catheterization.
Assist in facilitating the treatment milieu and participate in codes to protect patients from harming themselves or others.
Report changes in patient condition or behavior promptly; seek guidance as needed to support safe, high-quality care.
Monitor patient sharps and valuables and label and handle them appropriately.
Conduct walking, exercise, and community groups.
Respond respectfully, positively, and promptly to patient requests; ask patients or family members whether anything else is needed before leaving the room.
Provide basic hygiene care under nursing policies; check the patient's skin during bathing and report abnormal findings to the nurse.
Make frequent patient rounds to provide comfort, positioning, toileting, and hygiene care; tell patients when to expect a return visit.
Document patient information accurately, in the appropriate location, and in a timely manner.
Transfer and transport patients safely according to nursing policies and age-specific considerations, ensuring patients are appropriately covered and wearing slippers.
Welcome patients and families, knock before entering, introduce oneself, wear a name tag, and promptly alert the nurse to unresolved dissatisfaction.
Assess, identify, and monitor environmental, patient, and family needs respectfully and promptly to support satisfaction.
Initiate service recovery and promptly escalate concerns from patients, families, visitors, or staff through the chain of command.
Prepare, update, and distribute reports at shift change and when changes in patient condition are noted.
Orient new staff and students to work areas and collaborate with nursing staff and hospital employees to support a work environment conducive to retaining qualified personnel.
Support administrative and clinical operations of the assigned practice environment.
Build trusting, sustainable relationships through open and interactive communication with the healthcare team.
Maintain compliance with annual education requirements, including modules, classes, and competencies.
Use downtime to assist others or provide additional support to patients and families.
Take accountability for workplace actions and promptly report errors.
Perform sitter duties as needed and document as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.