DSHS OHBH Mental Health Technician 2

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is hiring three Mental Health Technicians (MHT2) to support safety and provide nursing care under the direction of a Registered Nurse for adults with acute psychiatric and medical needs. The role operates within the hospital's Recovery Model and emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based care.

Responsibilities include escorting patients, monitoring behavior, documenting vital signs and progress, and providing mentoring to new staff.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
• Current Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) or Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA) in Washington state.

Responsibilities

• Escort patients to and from patio for fresh air.
• Escort patients to and from Treatment Mall.
• Monitor patients and respond to behaviors under RN supervision.
• Document patient conditions and treatment activities (vital signs, habits, behaviors, responses).
• Support safety and provide direct nursing care as directed.

Skills

Communication

Crisis de-escalation

Group dynamics

Crisis intervention

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

DSHS OHBH Mental Health Technician 2

We are hiring for three Mental Health Technicians.

Description

Patients and Staff need hope, compassion, and patience as we build bridges of trust and collaboration through consulting, teaching, and modeling. While this consultant concept was brought to life over 50 years ago, it has been re-enlivened and applied to the state hospital model of care. Our services provide comprehensive assessments and detailed recommendations to the respective treatment teams. These will include specific psychopharmacologic, medical, behavioral, and other evidence-based interventions and the relevant staff education and training to facilitate their implementations. Our Staff members provide direct care, specialized services, and evidence-based individual/group therapies to adults with severe psychiatric conditions.

The Mental Health Technician 2s (MHT2) supports safety and provides nursing care under the direction of a Registered Nurse to patients with acute psychiatric and physical illnesses and increased high-risk behaviors. The MHT 2 position actively supports the hospital’s Vision, Philosophy, and Mission and delivers care within the framework of the Recovery Model.

Additional Information

• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
• Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Some Of What You'll Do

• Escorting patients to and from patio for fresh air
• Escorting patients to and from Treatment Mall
• Stay with and monitor patients while in the Treatment Mall
• Escort patients to Medical Appointments or to ER, if necessary
• Supports safety and provides direct nursing care, including but not limited to, monitoring and therapeutically responding to patient’s behavior and reporting observations to RN staff
• Delivers care per treatment plan
• Communicates information to RN2 regarding changes of conditions and clinical information
• Completes documentation such as recording and maintaining records of patient’s condition(s) and activity including but not limited to vital signs, eating habits, behaviors, and response therapeutic interventions
• Provides mentoring, orientating and training of administrative tasks to newly assigned staff to the ward/living unit
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Skills And Knowledge

• Ability to communicate through oral and written forms of communication with management, peers, patients, and the public
• Skills to assist with potentially assaultive or self-harming patients
• Working knowledge of group behavior and dynamics
• Experience in intervening and de-escalating crisis/dangerous situations

Who We Want In This Role

• A high school diploma or GED or higher
• Two years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting
• A current Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) or Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA) within the State of Washington

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (NEpotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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