Mental Health Technician (MHT) | Behavioral Health |

Job Description

Job Description

Mental Health Technician (MHT) – Behavioral Health / Mental Health / Addiction Recovery

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Department: Behavioral Medicine
Job Type: Part Time and Per Diem Available
Work Setting: Fully Onsite

Available Shifts
• Day Shift: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• Evening Shift: 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM (Eligible for Sign on Bonus)
• Overnight Shift: 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM

Part Time and Per Diem Opportunities
• Part Time schedules typically consist of 16 hours per week EOW.
• Per Diem staff provide coverage based on departmental needs and availability
• Additional hours and full-time opportunities may become available based on departmental needs and employee performance

Starting Pay: $20.25 per hour
Shift Differential: Additional pay available for eligible evening and overnight shifts

Overview

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is a trusted provider of behavioral health and addiction recovery services in Philadelphia. We deliver evidence based, culturally and spiritually responsive care through inpatient and outpatient programs, helping individuals achieve long term wellness and recovery.

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) to join our Behavioral Medicine team. Mental Health Technicians play a critical role in supporting patients experiencing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, addiction, and psychiatric crises within a structured treatment environment.

This position is ideal for individuals with experience in behavioral health, mental health, addiction recovery, direct care, human services, residential treatment, healthcare, or related fields. It is also an excellent opportunity for college students and recent graduates pursuing careers in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Education, and other helping professions.

Important: All new hires must be able to attend a mandatory 5-day orientation Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM before starting their schedule. Attendance is required for employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care, observation, and recovery support for patients in psychiatric and behavioral health units
• Monitor patient behavior, mood, and physical condition, reporting significant changes promptly
• Document all observations, interventions, and activities in the Electronic Health Record (EHR)
• Lead or assist in therapeutic, psychoeducational, and recovery-based groups
• Conduct routine safety rounds and participate in crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed
• Support patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including meals, hygiene, and mobility assistance
• Assist nursing and clinical staff with maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment
• Promote trauma informed, patient centered care for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders
• Maintain compliance with confidentiality standards, hospital policies, and regulatory guidelines

Qualifications

Education
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Coursework or degree in Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Nursing, Education, or a related field preferred

Experience
• Minimum 2 years of experience in behavioral health, mental health, detox, substance use treatment, human services, direct care, residential treatment, healthcare, or a related field required
• Experience working with dual diagnosis populations strongly preferred

Certifications
• CPR certification required and must be from a hands-on course
• Online only CPR certifications are not accepted
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification preferred or ability to complete upon hire

Skills
• Strong communication, observation, and documentation skills
• Ability to manage crisis situations and utilize de-escalation techniques effectively
• Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Commitment to maintaining professionalism and therapeutic boundaries

Work Environment

• Frequent walking, standing, and interaction with patients in high acuity behavioral health units
• May involve assisting with crisis response or physical interventions
• Exposure to individuals experiencing psychiatric crisis, trauma, or substance withdrawal

Why Join Us

• Competitive starting pay with shift differential opportunities
• Evening shift positions eligible for a sign on bonus
• Multiple shifts available including day, evening, and overnight schedules
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience in behavioral health, mental health, and addiction recovery
• Strong career development pathway into behavioral health, nursing, counseling, social work, and healthcare professions
• Potential opportunities for future full-time employment
• Mission driven organization dedicated to recovery, wellness, and patient care

Pre Employment and Workplace Policy

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, background check, verification of employment, and drug screening. The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is a Drug Free Workplace, and all employees are expected to comply with workplace policies and standards of conduct.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE M F D V). We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.