Mental Health Tech

Opelousas General Health System; Opelousas (LA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Opelousas General Health System is seeking a Mental Health Technician to provide direct care in a psychiatric unit. The role involves maintaining patient records, ensuring a safe environment, and assisting patients with their needs.

Ideal candidates will have a High School Diploma, CPR certification, and experience in Behavioral Health. Skills in communication, advocacy, and clerical tasks are essential.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in Behavioral Health preferred.
• 1 year of computer skills experience required.
• CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Documents and maintains patient records.
• Performs clerical and reception duties.
• Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Assists patients with daily living activities.
• Participates in de-escalation techniques.

Skills

Effective communication

Patient advocacy

Clerical skills

Crisis intervention techniques

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Computer

Telephones

Copy machine

Fax machine

Intercom system

Job description

The Mental Health Technician serves as an active member of the interdisciplinary team. The Mental Health Technician (MHT) provides direct patient care and support to individuals admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit. Under the supervision of a registered nurse and multidisciplinary team, the MHT assists with the implementation of treatment plans, maintains a safe therapeutic environment, monitors patient behaviors, and supports patients in their recovery process. The MHT also manages and performs the role of receptionist for the Nursing Unit. The MHT collaborates with all disciplines who provide healthcare and must assist them as needed.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Documents and maintains data on patient record.
• Performs clerical / reception duties.
• Maintains a safe environment.
• Acts as a patient advocate.
• Cooperates as a member of the nursing unit, department and overall hospital team.
• Participates in performance improvement.
• Facilitates admission, discharge, and transfer of patients to various units and / or other institutions.
• Maintains the chart and all necessary forms and helps to maintain chart availability to physicians by keeping them in proper location and completed timely.
• Transfers patients safety to and from the facility as needed.
• Demonstrates knowledge of clinical and personnel policies and assists to assure that a therapeutic, safe and comfortable environment is provided for staff and patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge of patient grievance procedure.
• Participates in de‑escalation and crisis intervention techniques.
• Performs vital signs on patients as ordered and documents in patient chart.
• Assists patients with feeding, toileting, and ADL’s as needed and documents in patient’s chart.
• Demonstrates the ability to assist in overall clinical function of the facility through the provision of services appropriate to position and the individual identified needs of the patient according to the prescribed plan of care.
• Transcribes physician orders.
• Conducts himself/herself effectively in stressful situations.
• Approaches situations with distressed patients, families, and visitors in a calm, professional manner.
• Performs related work as required.

Education

High School Diploma/GED required.

Certification

CPR required

Experience

1 year computer skills experience required and 1 year experience in Behavioral Health preferred.

Additional Experience Preferred

• Current knowledge of clinical practice.
• Ability to operate and handle many kinds of complex equipment: copy machine, intercom system, telephones, computer and fax machine.
• De‑escalation training preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Clerical experience preferred
• Experience in computer order entry.
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions and distractions.