Psychiatric Technician

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Psychiatric Technician to join our team! The Psychiatric Technician is responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment for youth in care. The Psychiatric Technician actively monitors the unit, builds positive rapport with youth, and uses trauma-informed de-escalation techniques to prevent behavioral incidents. Staff are expected to remain engaged, anticipate potential conflicts, and intervene early to maintain safety. While the primary goal is prevention and de-escalation, staff must also be prepared to respond appropriately to behavioral emergencies in accordance with agency training. Be part of a team that believes prevention is powerful, structure creates safety, and every interaction matters.

Your role in action:

1. Milieu Safety & Prevention
a. Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment at all times.
b. Conduct regular safety rounds and environmental checks.
c. Identify early signs of agitation and intervene using approved de-escalation techniques.
d. Maintain active supervision and engagement throughout the shift.
e. Participate in approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary to ensure safety.
2. Youth Support & Engagement
a. Assist youth with activities of daily living, including meals, hygiene, and structured programming.
b. Reinforce positive behavior and model appropriate conduct.
c. Support clinical and nursing teams in implementing treatment plans.
d. Maintain professional boundaries while building appropriate rapport.
3. Medication Administration
a. Complete required medication administration training and competency validation.
b. Administer medications as delegated by licensed nursing staff.
c. Follow all medication safety procedures.
d. Monitor and report concerns to nursing immediately.
4. Documentation & Administrative Responsibilities
a. Complete required electronic shift reports before the end of each shift.
b. Accurately complete youth scorecards, meal logs, environmental forms, and required safety
documentation.
c. Submit supply requests as needed.
d. Maintain accurate mileage logs when operating agency vehicles.
e. Complete additional required program or compliance forms as assigned.
f. Ensure documentation is timely, objective, and in accordance with agency standards.
5. Unit Organization & Environmental Upkeep
a. Maintain a clean, organized, and structured unit environment.
b. Assist with housekeeping duties when needed.
c. Ensure common areas, bedrooms, and workspaces remain orderly.
d. Remove environmental hazards and report maintenance concerns promptly.


Performs other related duties as assigned

What qualifications do you need:

Education:

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma.

Experience:

• 1 year of direct care experience in psychiatric or behavioral healthcare environment preferred.

Other Key Qualifications:

• Must have a valid driver's license.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Understanding of Standard Precautions and Infection Control Procedures.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply Handle with Care Crisis Intervention Techniques (HWC III).
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coordinate patient care with treatment team.

What we have to offer:

The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.

Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.

Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

What else you should know:

• This position is associated with position #65010
• Weekends/Evenings: Work every weekend, 10:45am to 11:15pm and 2 weekdays,2:45pm to 11:15pm

About us:

The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.

Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.