Mental Health Technician

The Oxbow Center; Cody (WY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oxbow Center in Cody, WY seeks a Mental Health Technician to provide direct support to individuals facing mental health challenges within a therapeutic setting. You will assist in care planning, education, and family consultation, and support clients employed through the program.

Responsibilities include ADL assistance, crisis intervention, documentation, and collaboration with psychiatrists, nurses, and the treatment team to ensure coordinated care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or certification in mental health is advantageous.
• 1 year prior experience in a mental health or healthcare setting is strongly preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license with a clean record at time of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and monitor patients' mental and emotional states.
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) and daily tasks.
• Document patient interactions, treatments, and observations accurately.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, and other professionals for coordinated care.
• Contribute to treatment planning and crisis intervention as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Team collaboration

Computer literacy

Observation skills

Conflict resolution

Professional boundaries

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification in mental health

Job description

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports to: Program Director

Job Summary:

The Mental Health Technician plays a pivotal role in the compassionate and effective care of individuals facing mental health challenges. The primary responsibility of this role is to provide direct support and assistance to patients, contributing to their overall well-being within a therapeutic environment. This dynamic role involves a range of essential functions, including assisting in treatment planning, providing education, support and consultation to families. Provides assistance with activities of daily living, develops employment opportunities, supports and advocates for the clients who are employed, provides case management and outreach services as appropriate.

Essential Functions:

• Patient Care and Monitoring:
  • Conduct regular observations and assessments of patients' mental and emotional states.
  • Document and communicate any changes in behavior or condition to the appropriate healthcare team.
• Crisis Intervention:
  • Respond promptly to crisis situations, employing de-escalation techniques and collaborating with the team to implement effective interventions.
  • Prioritize the safety and security of patients and staff during crisis events.
• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
  • Provides assistance with daily tasks such as grooming, bathing, and dressing, house cleaning, laundry, nutrition education, meal planning, grocery shopping, food prep, and money management.
  • Provides sill training and environmental adaptations to assist clients with activities of daily living, as specified in the treatment plan and developed by the primary therapist and GH treatment team.
  • Encourage and support patients in maintaining independence and self-care.
• Therapeutic Support:
  • Facilitate and participate in therapeutic activities and group sessions as part of the treatment plan.
  • Foster an environment that promotes emotional well-being and personal growth.
• Medication Administration:
  • Observe medications taken by clients according to prescribed schedules and dosages.
  • Monitor patients for any adverse reactions or side effects, reporting findings to the healthcare team.
• Individualized Care Planning:
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of individualized care plans, collaborating with the appropriate healthcare team to address patient needs.
  • Transport clients as needed to and from various appointments in agency provided vehicles.
• Safety and Security:
  • Maintain a safe and secure environment, enforcing safety protocols and emergency procedures.
  • Participate in training programs to ensure readiness for potential risks.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of patient interactions, treatments, and observations.
  • Complete required reports in a timely manner to support continuity of care.
  • All required documentation (charting and billing) is to be entered completely and accurately before the end of each shift worked in the appropriate software system.
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • Effectively communicate with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team.
  • Collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other professionals to ensure coordinated and holistic care.
  • Alerts the Residential Coordinator to any problems or difficulties that arise in the implementation of the treatment plan.
  • Provides feedback on clients’ progress and status to the Residential Coordinator and Group Home treatment team at least once per week or as directed.
• Continued Training and Education:
  • Must successfully complete the organizations basic training program, to include non- violent behavioral management upon hire and annually thereafter.
  • Must successfully complete the organizations mandatory compliance training courses upon hire and annually thereafter (currently Relias Training platform)
• Household and Vehicle Maintenance:
  • As instructed by Coordinator or MHT Lead, routine cleaning and upkeep tasks of household and vehicles.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or certification in mental health or a related field is advantageous.
• 1 year prior experience in a mental health or healthcare setting is strongly preferred.
• Prior training or experience in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques preferred.
• Must have at time of hire and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean record.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Must have computer literacy, at ease with acquiring proficiency in new systems within a reasonable timeframe.
• Must understand and adhere to professional boundaries, maintaining a respectful and ethical approach in all interactions.
• Must exhibit resilience in the face of challenging situations, maintaining a professional and composed demeanor.
• Must have keen observational skills to monitor and assess changes in patients' behavior and mental state.
• Possess conflict resolution skills to address interpersonal conflicts among patients or within the healthcare team.