TECH - MH/BH (NO DEGREE) PRN

About the Facility River Vista Behavioral Health is a brand‑new, 128‑bed facility located along the San Joaquin River in the Central Valley. The hospital will employ more than 250 people, including clinicians, nurses, mental health technicians, support staff, and administration. Position Overview The Mental Health Technician works as an active part of the treatment team, providing continuous patient care, supervision, interaction, and role modeling to patients ranging from adolescents through geriatrics. Technicians work under the direction of a Registered Nurse. This is a per diem position that provides coverage on an as‑needed basis. Hours vary based on staffing needs, employee absences, vacations, and operational demands. Technicians must be available for flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Responsibilities Essential Job Functions & Interventions Provide continuous patient care and maintain safety of all assigned patients, including verifying patient safety every 15 minutes on appropriate forms. Observe and document changes in patients’ appearance, behavior, and ability to work toward treatment plan goals. Communicate changes in patient condition to Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager. Interventions Ensure timely documentation of interventions based on the patient’s plan of care. Apply appropriate crisis intervention techniques as required. Assist patients in achieving their optimum level of independent functioning. Document services rendered in accordance with established criteria. Performance Accountability Demonstrate excellent guest relations in communication and cooperation, assisting patients, licensed practitioners, co‑workers, and visitors in a prompt and courteous manner. Act as a patient advocate and ensure patient rights are upheld. Demonstrate understanding of and compliance with reporting and supervisory hierarchy. Attend program meetings and maintain related records. Participate in performance improvement activities such as in‑services and auditing. Utilize time constructively and in an organized manner to accomplish assigned responsibilities. Demonstrate good judgment when making decisions. Standards for Child Patients (Ages 5–11) Maintain knowledge of the Child Program rules, protocols, and handbooks. Maintain knowledge of children's developmental stages and seek guidance from the nurse in charge when needed. Assess patients for behaviors consistent with developmental stages and note any deviations. Recognize acting‑out behavior, set appropriate limits in clear, concise, and non‑judgmental terms. Demonstrate awareness of learning disabilities and translate treatment expectations accordingly. Relate to child patients in an age‑appropriate manner. Utilize seclusion and restraint procedures with consideration for smaller body sizes, abandonment issues, and histories of abuse. Standards for Adolescent Patients (Ages 12–18) Maintain knowledge of the Adolescent Program rules, protocols, and handbooks. Assess patients for behaviors consistent with developmental stages and note any deviations. Recognize acting‑out behavior and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, and non‑judgmental terms. Demonstrate awareness of learning disabilities and translate treatment expectations accordingly. Relate to adolescents in an age‑appropriate manner. Utilize seclusion and restraint procedures with consideration for smaller body sizes and histories of abuse or violence. Standards for Adult Patients (Ages 19–64) Gather information from the patient, family, and interdisciplinary team to guide treatment planning. Recognize behaviors and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, and non‑judgmental terms. Utilize seclusion/restraint procedures applicable to adult body size and histories of violence or abuse. Use theoretical concepts to guide effective adult care. Maintain knowledge of the Adult Program rules, protocols, and handbook. Standards for Geriatric Patients (Ages 65+) Maintain knowledge of developmental tasks and sociological theories of aging. Use theoretical concepts to guide gerontological health care. Gather information from the patient, family, and interdisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive plan of care. Standards for Chemically Dependent Patients Be knowledgeable about special patient needs related to chemical dependency. Collab​ore effectively with other chemical dependency staff to facilitate the plan of care. Maintain awareness of how personal co‑dependency issues impact work performance and relationships. Qualifications Education High school diploma or GED required. Experience Two (2) years of related experience with knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques and understanding of mental illness required. Licensure Certified Nursing Assistant preferred. Additional Requirements CPR certification and completion of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training (may be obtained during new hire orientation). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of personal hygiene training techniques. Knowledge of all code procedures. Knowledge of psychiatric care techniques. Knowledge of assaultive behavior management techniques. Knowledge of admitting procedures. Knowledge of P.I.E. (problem, intervention, evaluation) charting. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines. Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co‑workers. Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information. Ability to work as a team player. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience, and dedication. Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures. Ability to recognize importance of adapting to various patient age groups. Ability to participate in all aspects of patient care. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Ability to operate a stethoscope competently. Physical, Mental, and Special Demands Must be able to hear sufficiently, with or without correction, to perform job functions. Ability to stand, sit, or walk up to six hours, sit for up to two hours. Ability to move frequently as needed in providing patient care. Visual acuity needed for reading charts and assisting patients. Ability to spend 20% of the workday outdoors in temperatures ranging from 30–110°F and 80% indoors from 60–85°F. Ability to occasionally push or pull wheeled carts weighing up to 200 lbs. Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 10 lbs and occasionally up to 25 lbs with assistance. Ability to frequently reach at or above shoulder height, kneel, bend, stoop, turn, twist. Ability to handle small objects (e.g., telephone buttons, thermometers) with both hands. Ability to see well enough to read written material and discern odors. Ability to occasionally handle hazardous or infectious waste. Ability to work in a high‑noise environment, with frequent use of cleaning chemicals and occasional mechanical or electrical hazards. Ability to competently perform Handle with Care techniques. Must work every other weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, as required. EEO Statement All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion, and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success. #J-18808-Ljbffr