Lead Mental Health Technician

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Mental Health Technician oversees daily shift operations and staff to ensure safe, therapeutic, and structured care, reporting directly to the Mental Health Technician Manager. This role supports clinical goals through direct patient care, supervision, and crisis intervention. The position also collaborates closely with the Director of Nursing to maintain a cohesive, patient-centered care environment.

JOB-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Service

o Consistently supports and communicates the Mission, Vision, and Values of Nexus Health Systems

o Upholds the Standards of conduct and corporate compliance

o Demonstrates honest behavior in all matters. To the best of the employee’s knowledge and understanding, complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations.

o Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.

o Adheres to all Nexus Health Systems policies on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), designed to prevent or detect unauthorized disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI)

o Collaborates effectively with colleagues and other departments to ensure seamless service delivery.

• Clinical Excellence

o Overall responsible for the shift, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures, and completion of necessary documentation.

o Manages and directs mental health technicians on shift.

o Manages shift schedules to reduce overtime.

o Provides support to mental health technicians in appropriate therapeutic interventions.

o Manages and ensures adherence to the daily schedule for residents, including adequate supervision.

o Reports concerns regarding training or compliance to the Mental Health Technician Manager.

o Provides care that promotes safety, comfort, and a therapeutic environment.

o Directs supervision of patients/residents.

o Prevents and manages crisis situations, including verbal conflicts and emotional dysregulation.

o Role models appropriate behaviors, attitudes, social skills, and self-care.

o Reinforces therapeutic treatment goals through Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.

o Utilizes de-escalation skills for verbal de-escalation and containment.

o Assists residents with activities of daily living and providing crisis intervention as needed.

o Leads milieu activities for non-clinical groups and participates in activities for the clinical groups.

o Participates in the development and implementation of patient treatment programs.

o Maintains age-appropriate rules and enforcing behavioral management systems.

o Observes clinical staff methods and participating in treatment plan implementation.

• Patient Experience and Advocacy

o Transports patients to and from appointments and treatments as appropriate.

o Maintains a therapeutic environment that respects patient dignity and promotes comfort.

o Role models positive behaviors and social skills.

o Ensures confidentiality of patient records.

• Quality Assurance and Compliance

o Ensures all activities adhere to healthcare regulations and organizational policies.

o Participates in quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery.

o Promotes a culture of patient safety which results in the identification and reduction of unsafe practices.

o Completes all required documentation accurately and timely.

o Maintains established institutional policies and procedures, including quality assurance programs and safety standards.

o Adheres to facility policies and procedures.

• Professional Growth and Continuing Education

o Completes annual education requirements.

o Maintains competency, as evidenced by completion of competency validation requirements.

o Maintains competency and knowledge of current standards of practice, trends, and developments.

o Participates in relevant workshops, seminars, and continuing education courses to stay current with industry trends, healthcare regulations, and best practices.

o Attends and participating in training, in-service education, and staff meetings as scheduled.

o Enhances professional growth through educational programs, current literature, and workshops.

• Finance

o Promotes stewardship of hospital resources while ensuring quality patient care.

o Managing shift schedules to reduce overtime, thereby controlling labor costs.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)

• AA/BA/BS Psychology, Education, or related social service field (preferred)

EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years of experience in a behavioral health, residential, human services field or 2 years of college (required)

• Experience in residential care or mental health treatment (preferred)

SKILLS:

• Models strong interpersonal skills and emotional resilience in high-stress environments.

• Maintains professional boundaries and mentors staff in therapeutic communication.

• Expert in de-escalation techniques (e.g., SAMA), guiding real-time responses to crises.

• Trains and supports staff in trauma-informed intervention strategies.

• Leads shift planning with advanced time management and prioritization.

• Identifies workflow issues and implements practical, team-based solutions.

• Excels in clear, professional written and verbal communication.

• Ensures accurate EHR documentation and coaches staff on documentation standards.

• Advanced proficiency in EHR systems (e.g., Meditech) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Supports team training and troubleshooting on digital platforms.

• Applies healthcare and psychiatric terminology accurately in all communications.

• Promotes understanding of clinical language among direct care staff.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• First Aid and CPR

• De-escalation training within 30 days after hire.

• Maintain current certification in good standing during employment with this facility or obtain it within thirty (30) days of hire.