Mental Health Technician (RTC)

UHS•Newport News, VA

29d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) is a member of the program team at Newport News Behavioral Health Center, a 108-bed residential treatment facility serving adolescent males and females ages 11–18 with psychiatric and behavioral health needs. The center offers an on-site certified school, therapy, and vocational programming. The position is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Under the supervision of the Program Coordinator and with direction from teachers in the school setting, the MHT observes and reports physical and behavioral symptoms and participates in residents’ physical care, therapeutic activities, and academic programming. The MHT assists with planning and implementing treatment programs, functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans, and individualized academic or behavioral goals, accommodations, and services defined in IIPs, IEPs, and 504 Plans.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must have either a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a human services area, or a high school diploma/GED plus at least two years of paid or unpaid human-services experience involving direct contact with people receiving services.
Examples of qualifying degree fields include psychology, sociology, political science, counseling, criminal justice, pastoral counseling, elementary or special education, and family therapy.
Must demonstrate verbal de-escalation skills and knowledge of appropriate safety and restraint techniques.

Responsibilities

Serve as a role model to staff and residents in dress and conduct.
Review residents’ charts to learn their history and Initial Treatment Plan, and direct questions to the Program Coordinator, Program Manager, or nurse on duty.
Use proper Handle with Care techniques and demonstrate knowledge of resident and staff safety.
Demonstrate verbal de-escalation skills.
Use appropriate interventions under the direction of the Program Coordinator, Program Manager, and/or nurse.
Anticipate and respond to escalating behaviors using crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, prioritize safety concerns, and follow restraint guidelines.
Participate in residents’ physical care, therapeutic activities, and academic programming.
Assist with planning and implementing treatment programs, functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans, and individualized academic or behavioral goals, accommodations, and services.
Observe and report physical and behavioral symptoms.
Perform other duties as assigned.