Mental Health Technician/CNA

Family & Children's Services•Tulsa, OK

About The Position

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) welcomes and admits consumers to the program and participates in their physical and therapeutic care, observation and monitoring, restraint when required, and discharge planning. The role involves maintaining therapeutic relationships, advocating for consumers, supporting activities of daily living, recording vital signs and other observations, facilitating groups and activities, and helping maintain a safe, clean environment that promotes recovery. The technician works alongside professional staff and follows agency and program guidelines and procedures. This is a direct-service position requiring candidates to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. No experience is necessary, though one year of experience in mental health or health care is preferred. A valid driver license and satisfactory driving record are required for travel to locations beyond the primary office. The employee must be able to pass Therapeutic Options training and CPR. Scheduled work may include nights, weekends, and holidays because consumers need care around the clock. The work involves spending most of the time on one's feet, potentially restraining violent patients, lifting or maneuvering at least 50 pounds, frequent repetitive movements, and standing or walking for at least eight hours per shift. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school graduate or equivalent.
Valid driver license and satisfactory driving record for travel to locations beyond the primary office using an agency or personal automobile.
Must be able to pass Therapeutic Options training and CPR.
Ability to establish supportive, trusting relationships with people with severe and persistent mental illnesses, while respecting client rights and personal treatment preferences.
Knowledge of co-occurring disorders and appropriate interventions.
Ability to lift and/or maneuver at least 50 pounds.
Ability to perform frequent repetitive movements, including bending, stooping, twisting, squatting, reaching, pulling, pushing, and maintaining balance.
Ability to stand and/or walk for at least eight hours at a time during each shift.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in a mental health or health care field.

Responsibilities

Welcome and orient consumers to the program or unit, complete initial admission forms when needed, search consumers and their belongings according to policy, and secure and catalog their belongings.
Maintain therapeutic relationships with consumers, advocate for them, and work alongside professional staff.
Assist consumers with personal hygiene and activities of daily living, including providing shower supplies and keeping beds, clothing, and living areas clean.
Measure and record physical-condition information, including vital signs and intake and output, and assist with care procedures as assigned and monitored by an RN.
Help maintain a neat and clean environment, prepare and serve meals, and perform unit tasks such as answering phones, assembling charts, and filing.
Ensure vital signs are completed as directed and that unit educational groups or activity sessions take place.
Facilitate educational groups and activity sessions, follow the daily unit milieu schedule, engage with patients, and promote their personal growth and ability to cope with stress.
Help maintain an environment that promotes safety and recovery.
Observe and monitor consumers every 15 minutes for behavior patterns and physical and emotional wellbeing; document observations and seek medical staff consultation or intervention when needed.
Intervene verbally or physically to restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients as required.
Document services and client activity according to established procedures.
Participate in discharge planning with the Charge RN; collect unit clothing, ensure consumers obtain their medications from the nurse and stored personal property, and complete required discharge documentation.