Care Ambassador - Emancipation Center

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Retirement plan

Student loan forgiveness

Employee Assistance Program

Cell Phone Discounts

Free Headspace subscription

Job summary

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD seeks a Mental Wellness Advocate and Care Specialist in Houston. In this role, you will provide direct care services to individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities, fostering a supportive environment. Responsibilities include patient support, crisis intervention, and effective communication with treatment teams.

It requires a high school diploma and 1 year of experience in direct care. Enjoy benefits like competitive salary, retirement plans, and student loan forgiveness.

Qualifications

• 1 year of direct care experience in psychiatric or behavioral healthcare preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of infection control procedures.

Responsibilities

• Promote a physically and emotionally safe environment for patients.
• Aid in basic patient care and document patient progress.
• Provide behavioral emergency assistance and first aid when needed.
• Monitor and document patient behavior.
• Help with hiring and training of Psychiatric Technician I.

Skills

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Understanding of Standard Precautions

Crisis Intervention Techniques (HWC III)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Join our team Independent Living team at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) as a Mental Wellness Advocate and Care Specialist, revolutionizing the role of a Care Ambassador at our Emancipation Center. Collaborating with licensed nursing personnel and clinical treatment teams, you will provide direct care services to individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities, creating a safe and supportive environment. Your passion for mental health advocacy and strong interpersonal skills will empower patients on their journey towards recovery and well-being. Join us and be part of the future of mental wellness.

Your Role In Action

• Promote a physically and emotionally safe environment, including ensuring regular rounds and patient and property searches are facilitated so patients can focus on managing their illnesses and disabilities to promote healing.
• Aid in basic patient care such as eating, bathing, dressing, and teaching and encouraging basic hygiene and other daily living skills while observing patient progress to identify the need for additional services or changes in current treatment.
• Provide behavioral emergency assistance, such as patient restraint using approved Agency curriculum or basic first aid when needed, as well as recognize and report homicidal or suicidal behaviors.
• Monitor and document behavior of patients in seclusion or on precautions.
• Perform duties (e.g., vital signs, specimen collection) as delegated by nursing personnel or assigned by a physician.
• Utilize Standard Precautions appropriately to prevent the spread of infection.
• Respect the rights, dignity, and privacy of others.
• Interact with the community, colleagues, and patients by following the key principles of a trauma‑informed approach.
• Assist with the development of Psychiatric Technician I work schedules and daily assignments, and help with hiring and training of other Psychiatric Technician I.
• Facilitate communication between all staff regarding patient’s needs.
• Perform housekeeping duties when required or in the absence of housekeeping/cleaning crew.
• Demonstrate a positive and professional work ethic, functioning as a role model to residents.
• Comply with agency policies & procedures, accrediting/regulatory bodies, and perform contract documentation requirements.
• Contribute to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma‑informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

Education

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma.

Experience

• 1 year of direct care experience in 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. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching – a testament to our investment in your long‑term financial well‑being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey toward a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well‑deserved breaks. Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well‑being. Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

What Else You Should Know

This posting is associated with position #70333.

Work Location

419 Emancipation Ave., Houston TX 77003

Shift Details

0.9 FTE - rotating night shift, 3 - 12 hour shifts weekly, 6:45 PM to 7:15 AM and on holidays.