Mental Health Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Trillium Behavioral Health is a Joint Commission–accredited acute inpatient psychiatric hospital located in Warren, Michigan, and dedicated to serving Central Michigan’s adult population. We place a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, providing 24/7 referral and clinical liaison services, seamless admissions, and holistic treatment environments designed for safety and dignity.

If you are interested in joining an amazing group of people who are passionate about helping others during their inpatient psych journey, please keep reading!

Duties

The duties listed below describe the general nature and level of work performed by the Mental Health Technician. This list is not exhaustive, and additional duties may be assigned by the supervising Nurse (Charge Nurse, Staff Nurse, or LPN) to meet the needs of Trillium.

• Follows instructions given by all nursing personnel and outlined in policies and procedures.
• Identifies medical problems and reports to the supervising Nurse (Charge Nurse, Staff Nurse, or LPN).
• Identifies alterations in sensory perception, recognizing the differences between illusions, delusions, and hallucinations; remains aware of patient safety issues and acts to prevent harm, communicating concerns to the supervising Nurse.
• Identifies mood alterations and recognizes the potential for self-harm or other high-risk behaviors, reporting such to the supervising Nurse.
• Provides patient care in a manner that ensures safety, respects patients’ rights, and supports the therapeutic environment.
• Performs patient checks every 15 minutes, or more often as required by the physician.
• Assists with admissions, discharges, and transfers, completing necessary documentation promptly.
• Observes and documents patient behavior according to AIR charting policy, reporting to the appropriate nursing staff.
• Assists in applying protective devices under the supervision of the supervising Nurse, completing the required documentation.
• Utilizes the Individual Treatment Plan and other specific treatment plans, keeping them updated, and reviews the treatment plan with the patient.
• Remains in patient areas whenever possible to assist patients and visitors, notifying the supervising Nurse before leaving the unit.
• Sets limits on patient behavior therapeutically and consistently, within program and age-specific guidelines, under the guidance of the supervising Nurse.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living, encouraging independence.
• Identifies verbal and non-verbal cues for potential aggressive behavior, applying de-escalation techniques as needed.
• Intervenes to reduce panic in disturbed patients under the direction of the supervising Nurse, using necessary interventions to de-escalate situations.
• Assists during mealtimes, observing intake and reporting to the supervising Nurse.
• Follows Dress Code rules and serves as a role model for patients and new staff members.
• Follows Trillium expectations regarding Time and Attendance.
• Initiates incident reports when an incident is directly observed or as directed by the supervising Nurse.
• Performs other duties as requested by the supervising Nurse in a willing manner.

Requirements

• High school diploma required
• Two years of college or a bachelor's in psychology, social work, mental health, or related health fields (preferred).
• At least one year of experience in a psychiatric setting (preferred).

Schedule and Premium Pay

• Staff work 12-hour shifts, 7 AM to 7 PM or 7 PM to 7 AM.
• Shift premiums on weekday nights, weekend days, and weekend nights (7 PM to Sunday 7 PM).