Mental Health Technician (MHT) PT Days

SUN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GROUP•Columbus, OH

4d•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, vital signs, intake and output, and safety checks; reporting changes or unusual occurrences to the RN; assisting with patient care and activities; and using de-escalation and safety techniques as directed. The technician also contributes to treatment team meetings, therapeutic educational groups, staff orientation, and hospital safety and quality initiatives.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CPR certification.
Certification in the hospital-selected de-escalation technique.
Previous experience in a healthcare setting.
Maintain education and development appropriate for the position.
Experience may be substituted for education.

Nice To Haves

Some college classes.
Certified Nursing Assistant certification.
One year of experience as a behavioral health technician.
Education may be substituted for experience.

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 require intervention and use limit-setting and other de-escalation techniques.
Escort patients to activities, meals, visitation, and scheduled tests when they leave the unit.
Conduct scheduled patient safety checks, including 15-minute observation rounds, and document them appropriately.
Assist with physical holds and placing patients in seclusion under the RN’s direction, using CPI techniques and following policies and procedures.
Answer telephone calls professionally, direct calls appropriately, and take messages.
Operate equipment safely and correctly.
Orient patients to the unit and take and record admission vital signs on the Nursing Assessment Form and/or in the EHR.
Participate in treatment team meetings and communicate clearly 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 who need additional care related to medical needs.
Monitor patients’ compliance with pre- and post-procedure instructions, including ECT instructions, under RN supervision.
Provide general nursing care, including transferring patients and assisting with activities of daily living and meals.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Help create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members; follow safety rules and promptly report near misses, errors, and accidents.
Correct minor safety hazards and communicate identified workplace hazards to peers and management.
Attend required safety programs and participate in assigned quality projects 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, and demonstrate listening and communication skills.
Follow Standards of Behavior, established policies and procedures, protocols, laws, and patient privacy requirements.
Apply SUN Behavioral Health’s mission and values, support fiscal responsibility, complete required training on time, and demonstrate professionalism, reliable attendance, and a positive attitude.
Ensure position activities are documented properly in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
Demonstrate accountability for quality patient care, willingness to help others, and understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity and differences.