Lead Mental Health Technician

Nexus Health Systems; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Nexus Health Systems in San Antonio, TX seeks a Lead Mental Health Technician to oversee daily shift operations, supervise staff, and ensure safe, therapeutic care aligned with clinical goals.

You will work closely with the Mental Health Technician Manager and Director of Nursing to maintain a patient-centered environment, supervise crisis intervention, ensure HIPAA compliance, and support quality improvements across the unit.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• AA/BA/BS in Psychology, Education, or related field preferred.
• Two years in behavioral health, residential, or human services.
• Experience in residential care or mental health treatment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee shift operations and supervise staff.
• Ensure safe, therapeutic patient care and crisis intervention.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and patient privacy.
• Document accurately and timely in EHR systems.
• Coordinate with Director of Nursing for cohesive care.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Emotional resilience

De-escalation techniques

Trauma-informed care

Shift planning

Workflow improvement

Clear communication

EHR documentation

Meditech proficiency

Microsoft Office

Staff training support

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AA/BA/BS in Psychology or related field

Tools

Meditech

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Summary

Lead Mental Health Technician oversees daily shift operations and staff to ensure safe, therapeutic, and structured care, reporting directly to the Mental Health Technician Manager. This role supports clinical goals through direct patient care, supervision, and crisis intervention. The position collaborates closely with the Director of Nursing to maintain a cohesive, patient-centered care environment.

Job-specific Responsibilities

• Consistently support and communicate the Mission, Vision, and Values of Nexus Health Systems.
• Uphold the Standards of conduct and corporate compliance.
• Demonstrate honest behavior in all matters. To the best of the employee’s knowledge and understanding, comply with all Federal and State laws and regulations.
• Maintain the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information.
• Adhere to all Nexus Health Systems policies on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and other departments to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Overall responsible for the shift, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures, and completion of necessary documentation.
• Manage and direct mental health technicians on shift.
• Manage shift schedules to reduce overtime.
• Provide support to mental health technicians in appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Ensure the daily schedule for residents, including adequate supervision.
• Report concerns regarding training or compliance to the Mental Health Technician Manager.
• Provide care that promotes safety, comfort, and a therapeutic environment.
• Direct supervision of patients/residents.
• Prevent and manage crisis situations, including verbal conflicts and emotional dysregulation.
• Role model appropriate behaviors, attitudes, social skills, and self-care.
• Reinforce therapeutic treatment goals through Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.
• Utilize de-escalation skills for verbal de-escalation and containment.
• Assist residents with activities of daily living and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Lead milieu activities for non-clinical groups and participate in activities for the clinical groups.
• Participate in the development and implementation of patient treatment programs.
• Maintain age-appropriate rules and enforce behavioral management systems.
• Observe clinical staff methods and participate in treatment plan implementation.
• Transport patients to and from appointments and treatments as appropriate.
• Maintain a therapeutic environment that respects patient dignity and promotes comfort.
• Ensure confidentiality of patient records.
• Ensure all activities adhere to healthcare regulations and organizational policies.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery.
• Promote a culture of patient safety which results in the identification and reduction of unsafe practices.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and timely.
• Maintain established institutional policies and procedures, including quality assurance programs and safety standards.
• Adhere to facility policies and procedures.
• Complete annual education requirements.
• Maintain competency, as evidenced by completion of competency validation requirements.
• Maintain competency and knowledge of current standards of practice, trends, and developments.
• Participate in relevant workshops, seminars, and continuing education courses to stay current with industry trends, healthcare regulations, and best practices.
• Attend and participate in training, in-service education, and staff meetings as scheduled.
• Enhance professional growth through educational programs, current literature, and workshops.
• Promote stewardship of hospital resources while ensuring quality patient care.
• Operate shift schedules to reduce overtime, thereby controlling labor costs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education
  • High school diploma or equivalent (required)
  • AA/BA/BS in Psychology, Education, or a related social service field (preferred)
• Experience
  • Two (2) years of experience in a behavioral health, residential, or human services field, or 2 years of college (required)
  • Experience in residential care or mental health treatment (preferred)
• Skills
  • Models strong interpersonal skills and emotional resilience in high-stress environments.
  • Maintains professional boundaries and mentors staff in therapeutic communication.
  • Expert in de‑escalation techniques (e.g., SAMA), guiding real‑time responses to crises.
  • Trains and supports staff in trauma‑informed intervention strategies.
  • Leads shift planning with advanced time management and prioritization.
  • Identifies workflow issues and implements practical, team‑based solutions.
  • Excels in clear, professional written and verbal communication.
  • Ensures accurate EHR documentation and coaches staff on documentation standards.
  • Advanced proficiency in EHR systems (e.g., Meditech) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Supports team training and troubleshooting on digital platforms.
  • Applies healthcare and psychiatric terminology accurately in all communications.
  • Promotes understanding of clinical language among direct care staff.
• Licensure / Certification
  • First Aid and CPR certification.
  • De‑escalation training within 30 days after hire.
  • Maintain current certification in good standing during employment, or obtain within thirty (30) days of hire.