Lead Psychiatric Technician

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cell Phone discounts

Headspace subscription

Employee Assistance Program

Student loan forgiveness programs

Job summary

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is seeking a Lead Psychiatric Technician in Houston, TX to join our Youth Diversion Center team. You will provide direct care to residents under supervision and help supervise assigned staff to ensure a safe, supportive environment.

You will work with nursing and clinical teams, participate in crisis intervention when needed, and maintain accurate documentation and medication procedures. Evening shifts and occasional weekends are included.

Qualifications

• 2 years of direct care experience in psychiatric or behavioral healthcare environment preferred.
• Supervises assigned staff, ensures completion of tasks, and implements corrective actions as needed.

Responsibilities

• Milieu safety and prevention
• Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment at all times.
• Conduct safety rounds and environmental checks.
• Identify agitation and intervene using de-escalation techniques.
• Supervise youth engagement and activities of daily living.
• Support clinical and nursing teams in implementing treatment plans.
• Administer medications as delegated by licensed nursing staff.
• Complete shift reports and required documentation.

Skills

Direct care

Supervisory experience

Crisis intervention

Communication

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

EHR familiarity

Job description

Brief Description

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) is looking for a Lead Psychiatric Technician to join our team! The Lead Psychiatric Technician works under the supervision of the Lead Nurse or other Licensed nursing personal to provide direct care services to patients who are residents of the Youth Diversion Center. The position also helps to support the unit by supervising assigned staff. The Lead Psychiatric Technician should maintain a safe and secure environment for all patients in crisis environment and provide support services to Nursing and Clinical Treatment teams. The position may also perform delegated nursing tasks and therefore would be under the supervision of a licensed nurse personnel when performing tasks.

Your Role In Action

• Milieu Safety & Prevention
• Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment at all times.
• Conduct regular safety rounds and environmental checks.
• Identify early signs of agitation and intervene using approved de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain active supervision and engagement throughout the shift.
• Participate in approved crisis intervention techniques when necessary to ensure safety.
• Youth Support & Engagement
• Assist youth with activities of daily living, including meals, hygiene, and structured programming.
• Reinforce positive behavior and model appropriate conduct.
• Support clinical and nursing teams in implementing treatment plans.
• Maintain professional boundaries while building appropriate rapport.
• Medication Administration
• Complete required medication administration training and competency validation.
• Administer medications as delegated by licensed nursing staff.
• Follow all medication safety procedures.
• Monitor and report concerns to nursing immediately.
• Documentation & Administrative Responsibilities
• Complete required electronic shift reports before the end of each shift.
• Accurately complete youth scorecards, meal logs, environmental forms, and required safety documentation.
• Submit supply requests as needed.
• Maintain accurate mileage logs when operating agency vehicles.
• Complete additional required program or compliance forms as assigned.
• Ensure documentation is timely, objective, and in accordance with agency standards.
• Unit Organization & Environmental Upkeep
• Maintain a clean, organized, and structured unit environment.
• Assist with housekeeping duties when needed.
• Ensure common areas, bedrooms, and workspaces remain orderly.
• Remove environmental hazards and report maintenance concerns promptly.

Performs other related duties as assigned

Education

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma.

Experience

• 2 years of direct care experience in psychiatric or behavioral healthcare environment preferred.
• Supervises assigned staff, assures completion of designated assignments, and implements corrective actions with no more than two documented exceptions in a 12 month evaluation period

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.

• 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 position is associated with position #65012
• Evening Shifts 3-11, Rotating weekends 11-11, Two 12s, Two 8s, Flexible

About Us

The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.

Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.