Mental Health Tech, FT

Job Description

Job Description

1.    Educational:  High School or GED required, college hours a plus. One year equivalent work experience in psychiatric/addictive disease treatment facility desirable.  Minimum of one-year relevant experience preferred.  

2.    Specialized skills/Training:  Ability to effectively plan and implement therapeutic activities in a multidisciplinary setting.  Computer skills. Communication skills. Ability to build rapport with patients. Attitude and commitment to treat patients with dignity and respect.  

3.    Knowledge and Experience:   Knowledgeable about needs of geriatric and adult populations.  Documented attendance in management of aggressive behavior training.

4.    Safety Sensitive:   YES
In the interest of protecting the health and safety of all patients, associates, and guests, Unity Health has classified some positions as “safety sensitive.”  A “safety sensitive” position is any job position in which impaired performance could result in harm to the health and/or safety of self or others. Any associate that is actively engaged in the use of medical marijuana, even if in possession of a valid medical marijuana card, will be excluded from employment in a “safety sensitive” position.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) works within the psychiatric departments to support patient care by assisting with daily activities, monitoring safety, and maintaining a therapeutic environment. This role requires the ability to manage high-stress situations, including de-escalating aggressive behavior, while demonstrating flexibility and professionalism. MHTs perform physical tasks such as lifting and moving patients, conduct safety checks, and ensure accurate documentation of patient status and interventions. Strong communication skills, adherence to therapeutic boundaries, and commitment to patient dignity are essential.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Mostly indoor environment in and around the Unit and the Hospital. May possibly be subjected to temperature changes. Moderate physical activity. Some hazard potential from possibility of a patient physically acting out and communicable diseases.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB:
Ability to exercise self-control in potentially volatile situations, such as being verbally or physically confronted in a threatening or aggressive manner; must be able to work and concentrate amidst distractions such as noise, conversation and foot traffic; ability to handle interruptions often and be able to move from one task to another; must be flexible and not easily frustrated in dealing with differences of opinions.

Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, and be able to perceive the attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature, and/or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of the fingertips. Ability to express and exchange ideas via spoken word during activities in which details must be conveyed or important instructions spoken to others accurately – sometimes quickly and loudly.  Ability to perceive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discrimination in sound. Perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands and fingers.  Individual must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and be able to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Work requires a minimum standard of visual acuity with or without correction such that administrative and clerical tasks can be completed and patients visually observed within the facility and in therapeutic activities.  

Must be able to set and maintain therapeutic distance with clients, as well as maintain therapeutic boundaries during treatment following discharge.