Mental Health Technician

The Mental Health Technician is responsible for direct and indirect patient care.  Assists the Registered Nurse (RN) and / or

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with direct and indirect patient care activities.  Assists in the delivery of care to psychiatric

patients who have acute behavioral disorder or an exacerbation of a chronic psychiatric illness. The Mental Health Technician

will work with patients who may be experiencing both medical and psychiatric problems. The Mental Health Technician has

the responsibility to report any alleged, suspected, or witnessed abuse or neglect to a direct supervisor immediately.

Education :  High school diploma or equivalent.

Work experience : Prefer a minimum 1-year recent experience on a medical surgical, skilled nursing, or psychiatric unit.

Participation in appropriate continuing education, annual education requirements and to accept personal responsibility for

other educational activities to enhance job related skills and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :  Ability to work independently in a team environment and the ability to prioritize and multi

task.

Interpersonal Skills :  Strong verbal and written communication skills, time management skills, and maintain patient

confidentiality.

Travel Requirements :  none

Assists in maintaining a safe and therapeutic milieu by monitoring compliance with program rules,

providing assistance with security and supportive man-power by assisting in control of patients.

Constantly monitors patients in the facility and completes patient observation sheets on assigned

patients.

Documents significant occurrences, observed behaviors, vital signs, I&O, weight, and observation

findings on Daily MHT worksheet and reports to nurse.

Performs clerical duties related to support of unit activities as assigned, and assist with admission of

patients, obtaining weights, vital signs, logging in patient belongings and specimen collection.  Document

patient’s nutritional intake for meals and snacks.  Document patient’s output and bowel movements.

Maintain patient’s laundry, providing clean clothing for daily use.  Collects and packs any clothing or

patient belongings for discharge and signs the valuables sheet when completed.  Assures that all

discharged patients get belongings that were logged in.

Assist patients with activities of daily living as required by level of function, with maintaining hygiene (oral

am / pm care), with the consumption of nourishment / hydration as needed, assist with range of

motion / position, with assistance devices, and assist in maintenance of skin integrity / prevention of pressure

sores.

Recognizes the impact of group influence by behavior and demonstrates assistance with therapeutic

interventions and conducts group session with a preset agenda and format (i.e. : wrap-up group). Actively

employs therapeutically acceptable sensitivity and skills in managing inappropriate patient behavior,

difficult people, and complex situations.

Other duties as assigned / required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Seaside Health System is committed to the principle of Equal Employment Opportunity for all employees and applicants.  It

is our policy to ensure that both current and prospective employees are afforded equal employment opportunity without

consideration of race, religious creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation,

or disability in accordance with local, state and federal laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions either

unaided or with reasonable accommodation.  The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by

case basis in accordance with applicable law.