Mental Health Technician - Acute Care - Gainesville

Mental Health Technician - Acute Care - Gainesville

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Position Title: Mental Health Technician (MHT) - Acute Care - Gainesville

Location: Gainesville, FL

Salary: $16.32 | Hr | Non - CNA | Non - Exempt: $17.94 | Hr | CNA | Non - Exempt

Why Choose Meridian?

For over 50 years, Meridian Healthcare has been a trusted provider of compassionate care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. With service centers across 13 counties in North Central Florida, we are committed to transforming lives and communities from the inside out.

We live by our core values: Hope, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Teamwork (H.E.A.R.T.) . If these resonate with you, we invite you to become part of our dedicated and mission-driven team.

About the Role

As the Mental Health Technician - Crisis Stabilization Unit , you will play a pivotal role in shaping the operational excellence and strategic direction of Meridian. You will:

• Greets clients in the screening area: Inventories personal effects and screens for contraband. Performs breath alcohol testing and vital signs. Obtains urine for on-site drug screen. Assures client confidentiality while obtaining their vital signs including weight, heart rate, blood pressure, and height for children. Notifies RN on duty of readings outside of identified parameters. Applies wristband identification. Uses digital camera to provide photo identification. Initiates "Flow Sheet" documentation. Enters the client's name and key number on all necessary forms. Accompanies client to the unit.
• Front Desk/Booth Requirements: Inventory, search, initial vitals, UDS, create/update demographics, picture, planned services, armband, open screening, d/c check for d/c order, visitor check in, return property, & ensure accuracy, call for drivers, Meridian greeter, close out admission from ES; Future d/c checklist ensure proper d/c in system, ensure d/c paperwork, ensure d/c follow up appointment.
• Assures client personal hygiene is met daily: Provides items to clients for hygiene needs (i.e. linens, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, combs, etc.) Assists with, or provides direct assistance to, clients who have difficulty meeting their personal hygiene needs.
• Assures vital signs are taken and documented at least daily or as ordered by the RN or physician.
• This position will be responsible for transporting CSU Gainesville and CSU Lake City clients to and from different locations within the state of Florida.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: Minimum of 1 year of direct client care. Mental Health experience is preferred, but not required.
• Education: High School diploma or GED required. Certification as a Nursing Assistant may substitute for the HS/GED requirement.
• ** Must score at least 65% on general assessment.

Drivers Requirement:

Must have a current Florida Driver's License with a clean driving record while meeting company insurance requirements.

In order to qualify as a Center Driver, the candidate must have an active Florida Driver's license. Motor Vehicle Record will be reviewed for eligibility. No more than 3 moving violations and/or accidents within the past 3 years and no major violations during the past 5 years.

What You'll Love About Working at Meridian

• Vibrant Culture: Friendly, flexible, and engaging work environment with regular celebrations and wellness events.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple health insurance options, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, and more.
• Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness incentives, and mental health resources.
• Retirement & Compensation: Competitive salary and a 403(b) retirement plan with up to 8% company match after 7 years.
• Growth Opportunities: Tuition reimbursement, career advancement pathways, and eligibility for public service loan forgiveness.
• Perks: Discounts on cell phone plans, travel reimbursement, LegalShield, pet insurance, and more.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Apply today and help us bring hope and healing to our communities.

Apply Now

For information on Florida's Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and screening requirements, visit

Meridian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.