Adolescent Mental Health Tech - 12-Hour Shifts

Northlake Behavioral Health; Mandeville (LA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Northlake Behavioral Health is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Technician (MHT) for the Adolescent Unit (ages 12-17). This full-time, non-exempt position supports adolescents with behavioral health needs by providing a safe, structured environment and assisting the care team.

Shifts are 12 hours, from 6:45am to 7:00pm or 6:45pm to 7:00am, with alternating weeks and some weekends/holidays. The role requires compassion, maturity, and a commitment to helping youths through challenging moments.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Genuine interest in working with adolescents with behavioral health challenges.
• BLS (AHA) and CPI certification required; company provided if needed.
• Previous related experience or completion of a related clinical program preferred.
• Able to complete a full week of orientation (Mon-Fri, 7:45 am to 5:00 pm).
• Able to maintain confidentiality and uphold HIPAA standards.

Responsibilities

• Welcome, supervise, and support adolescent patients throughout daily activities including groups, meals, and treatment planning.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with adolescents through therapeutic communication.
• Monitor behaviors, complete observations, and document accurately.
• Assist with safety checks, room checks, and routine searches.
• Support patient treatment goals by understanding each person's care plan.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and structured unit environment.
• Respond to facility codes and support crisis interventions using approved methods.
• Facilitate or assist with basic educational or skills groups.
• Uphold patient rights, privacy, and all facility policies.
• Perform other duties that support patient care and team needs.

Skills

Compassion

Team collaboration

Emotional resilience

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

BLS (AHA) certification

CPI certification

Job description

Position: Mental Health Technician (MHT)

Status: Full Time, Non Exempt

Schedule: 12-Hour Shifts, Night, 6:45pm to 7am

Schedule: Alternating weeks of three shifts and four shifts; some weekends and holidays required

Join a team that makes a real difference every day. Our Mental Health Technicians play an essential role in supporting patients across all age groups who are experiencing behavioral health challenges and crises. This is a hands on, people centered position that requires compassion, patience, emotional maturity, and a genuine commitment to providing care and support to individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

About the Role

You will help create a safe, supportive, and structured environment for patients receiving inpatient behavioral health services. Daily work includes guiding patients through routines and activities, supporting therapeutic groups, observing and documenting behavior, and using approved de-escalation techniques when needed. You will also help with safety checks, monitor patient areas, and collaborate closely with nurses, therapists, and the rest of the care team to support patient safety, treatment, and recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome, supervise, and support patients throughout daily activities, including groups, meals, and treatment-related activities.

• Build positive, supportive relationships with patients through therapeutic communication.

• Monitor patient behaviors, complete required observations, and document accurately.

• Assist with safety checks, room checks, and routine searches.

• Support patient treatment goals by understanding and following each person's care plan.

• Help maintain a clean, safe, and structured unit environment.

• Respond to facility codes and support crisis interventions using approved methods.

• Facilitate or assist with basic educational, therapeutic, or life skills groups.

• Uphold patient rights, privacy, and all facility policies.

• Perform other duties that support patient care and team needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• A genuine interest in and commitment to supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges and crises.

• BLS (AHA) and CPI certification required; company provided if needed.

• Previous relevant experience or completion of a related clinical program preferred.

• Available to complete a full six (6) days of orientation (7:45am to 5:00pm).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northlake Behavioral Health System is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or class.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out [e-mail].