Mental Health Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Make a Difference Where It Counts!

At our 22-bed Behavioral Health Hospital, every role plays a vital part in changing lives, strengthening our community, and delivering care that truly matters.

Come be part of an amazing team where your impact is seen and felt every single day!

Position Details

Job Title: Mental Health Technician
Department: Nursing
Reports To: Director of Nursing
Supervises: None
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
LOF Support: LOF 4
Skill Checkoff Appraisals: See Attached
Mentoring Checklist Form: Non-Licensed

Position Summary

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) functions as an essential member of the nursing staff, supporting quality patient care and ensuring patients’ daily needs are met.

The MHT supports licensed nursing staff by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of training and experience.

Responsibilities include providing direct patient care to assigned patients and ensuring their activities of daily living are met. MHTs are primarily responsible for the day-to-day custodial care of patients and assist in maintaining a therapeutic milieu through assigned group activities and supportive interventions.

The MHT utilizes basic psychiatric nursing knowledge to observe and communicate emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric manifestations of patients’ conditions to licensed nursing staff.

As a visible and accessible presence on the unit, the MHT remains readily available to address patient needs while helping maintain a safe environment through diligent observation of both patient status and the physical environment.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Communicating patient observations effectively to licensed nursing staff
• Assisting licensed staff with clerical duties as needed
• Maintaining professional patient care standards according to facility mission, policies, procedures, and all regulatory requirements
• Serving as a communication bridge between patients, families, and licensed staff
• Assisting with patients’ nutritional needs in collaboration with licensed nursing staff
• Supporting therapeutic interventions using effective communication and de-escalation techniques
• Managing the therapeutic environment with professionalism and compassion

Working Conditions

Work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

While performing job duties, employees may occasionally be exposed to:

• Fumes or airborne particles
• Cleaning chemicals
• Dust, mist, and steam generated during housekeeping tasks
• Moderate to high noise levels

This is a smoke-free workplace.

Work is performed primarily indoors (75% or more of the shift) in an environment protected from weather but not necessarily temperature changes.

Employees must provide documentation of a tuberculosis test during orientation and annually thereafter.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Stand for extended periods (60–80% of shift)
• Sit for extended periods (up to 4 hours)
• Walk frequently throughout the shift
• Lift and carry more than 10 pounds

Additional physical requirements include:

• Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction
• Handling: Grasping, holding, turning, and working with hands
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, and manipulating small objects
• Feeling: Detecting texture, shape, size, and temperature
• Talking: Clearly expressing ideas verbally
• Hearing: Perceiving alarms, phones, and spoken communication
• Seeing: Visual acuity (near/far), depth perception, peripheral vision, accommodation, and color vision

The role may involve repetitive tasks and frequent interruptions.

Stress is considered a job hazard due to the fast-paced psychiatric environment and the acuity level of patients in crisis.

Exposure Category

Category II
(Tasks involve potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or tissues.)

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification preferred but not required

License

• None required

Experience

Previous experience working with:

• Psychiatric patients
• Geriatric patients
• Chemical dependency clients

Required Skills

• Effective verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Analytical problem-solving ability
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions
• Ability to follow verbal instructions
• Basic computer proficiency
• Basic understanding of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
• Basic understanding of medical and psychiatric diagnoses and conditions

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations Required

• Valid Photo ID
• Social Security Card and/or Driver’s License
• Primary source verification of education
• Clinical license copy (if applicable)
• CPR Certification
• Behavioral Management Training

Benefits

Full-Time Employees

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance Options
• 401(k) with Company Match

PRN Employees

• 401(k) with Company Match

Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Leesville provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.