Psychiatric Technician

Brief Description 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 Milieu Safety & Prevention Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment at all times. Conduct regular safety rounds and environmental checks. Identify early signs of agitation and intervene using approved de‑escalation techniques. Maintain active supervision and engagement throughout the shift. Participate in approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary to ensure safety. Youth Support & Engagement Assist youth with activities of daily living, including meals, hygiene, and structured programming. Reinforce positive behavior and model appropriate conduct. Support clinical and nursing teams in implementing treatment plans. Maintain professional boundaries while building appropriate rapport. Medication Administration Complete required medication administration training and competency validation. Administer medications as delegated by licensed nursing staff. Follow all medication safety procedures. Monitor and report concerns to nursing immediately. Documentation & Administrative Responsibilities Complete required electronic shift reports before the end of each shift. Accurately complete youth scorecards, meal logs, environmental forms, and required safety documentation. Submit supply requests as needed. Maintain accurate mileage logs when operating agency vehicles. Complete additional required program or compliance forms as assigned. Ensure documentation is timely, objective, and in accordance with agency standards. Unit Organization & Environmental Upkeep Maintain a clean, organized, and structured unit environment. Assist with housekeeping duties when needed. Ensure common areas, bedrooms, and workspaces remain orderly. Remove environmental hazards and report maintenance concerns promptly. Performs other related duties as assigned. Education High School Diploma or General Education Diploma. Experience 1 year of direct care experience in a 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. Our benefits include a robust retirement plan with company matching, prior service credit for accelerated paid time off, cell phone discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. We also provide an Employee Assistance Program, student loan forgiveness programs, and other financial relief options. What Else You Should Know This position is associated with position #65004. Weekend Position, Flexible, 7a‑7p, 7p‑7a & 11a‑11p as needed. 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. It offers a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County and serves more than 40 different languages, including sign language. With 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr