Mental Health Technician (MHT) - Psychiatric Unit

Mental Health Technician (MHT) – Psychiatric Unit

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend – Springfield, OR Part-Time |.8 FTE | Day Shift Pay: $23.47 – $34.82/hr

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement. There may be more than one opening on this posting.

Tired of being one of dozens moving patients through a system instead of truly connecting? This is your chance to slow down, be present, and make behavioral health care feel human again.

• Real patient connection: You'll spend meaningful time with patients, not just tasks, helping stabilize, support, and build trust during vulnerable moments.
• A team that has your back: You'll partner closely with nurses, charge RNs, and behavioral health professionals who value your voice and observations.
• Purpose-driven work: Every shift, you'll directly impact safety, dignity, and recovery in an inpatient psychiatric setting.
• Balanced pace: Structured inpatient care allows for deeper engagement versus constant turnover environments.
• Growing need, real impact: Behavioral health is evolving—and your role is essential to improving outcomes right now.

What you'll do (clear, hands-on, meaningful)

• Spend time observing, interacting, and supporting patients throughout your shift.
• Help patients with daily routines like meals, hygiene, dressing, and mobility.
• Take vital signs and collect basic health information.
• Be present; engage patients, notice changes, and share updates with the care team.
• Support or participate in group sessions and activities.
• Assist nurses during high-acuity situations, including patient de-escalation and safety monitoring.
• Stay with patients requiring close observation, including during seclusion or restraint.
• Help receive and safely settle patients admitted from EMS or law enforcement (if in ED setting).
• Keep the unit clean, organized, and ready; including stocking rooms and supplies.
• Support safe patient transport when needed.

Success Matrix: What success looks like in this role

Your work shows up in patient outcomes, not just completed tasks.

• Patients feel safe: You create calm, respectful interactions that reduce agitation and fear.
• Early intervention happens: You notice subtle behavioral changes and speak up—preventing escalation.
• Stronger engagement: Patients participate more in care and groups because you build trust.
• Care team confidence: Nurses rely on your observations to guide clinical decisions.
• Smoother discharges: Patients leave better supported, with dignity preserved throughout their stay.

Qualifications

Required:

• 1 year experience in an acute psychiatric setting or equivalent behavioral health experience OR 20 shifts floating to an inpatient psych unit as a CNA
• Oregon CNA or Oregon EMT-B certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association or American Red Cross upon hire

Preferred:

• Coursework in psychology or a related field
• Additional acute care or psychiatric experience

Life at PeaceHealth + Life in Springfield, OR

At PeaceHealth, we believe care extends beyond the bedside, to our caregivers, our communities, and each other. You'll find a culture grounded in compassion, collaboration, and respect for every individual's story.

Why Springfield / Eugene area:

• Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, with easy access to forests, rivers, and mountains
• A community that values wellness, nature, and balance
• Vibrant local culture with farmers markets, arts, and outdoor recreation year-round
• A welcoming, inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds belong

See how PeaceHealth is committed to Inclusivity, Respect for Diversity and Cultural Humility.

Your wellbeing matters: We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, retirement with employer match, PTO, tuition assistance, wellness resources, and expanded mental health support.