Mental Health Technician - Day or Night Shift

Universal Health Services; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Generous PTO

Benefits package

401(k) with match

Career development

Job summary

River Oaks Hospital in New Orleans, affiliated with Universal Health Services, seeks a dedicated Mental Health Technician to support a psychiatric unit across all shifts. You will monitor patients, apply behavior strategies, assist in med administration under supervision, and respond to crises while ensuring safety and compassionate care.

The role requires experience in psychiatric settings (EMT and RBT are welcome), a high school diploma or equivalent, and ideally 6–12 months with inpatients.

Qualifications

• Experience in behavioral health or psychiatric settings, including hospitals or clinics.
• EMT experience is highly desirable.
• RBT certification is desirable.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• 6–12 months of inpatient psychiatric experience preferred.
• Familiarity with medical terminology, patient monitoring, behavior management, and medication procedures.
• Crisis intervention experience and care for individuals with disabilities are valuable.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care by monitoring and observing patients to ensure safety and well‑being.
• Assist in implementing behavior management strategies per treatment plan.
• Support nursing staff with medication administration under supervision and maintain records.
• Respond promptly to crises or emergencies using de‑escalation techniques.
• Document progress, 15‑minute observations, and interventions in medical records.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities to support recovery and social skills.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment complying with hospital policies.

Skills

Behavioral health experience

EMT experience

RBT certification desirable

Inpatient psychiatric care

Crisis intervention

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Responsibilities

Who We Are

River Oaks Hospital, affiliated with Universal Health Services, is located in metropolitan New Orleans, Louisiana, is a private psychiatric facility for adults, adolescents and children. Since 1970, River Oaks has established a tradition of excellence in the treatment of acute psychiatric illness, dual diagnosis, alcohol and drug detoxification, trauma based disorders, compulsive behaviors, and eating disorders, River Oaks has provided quality treatment to service individuals suffering from mental illness, and/\or addictive disorders. Situated on a 14-acre campus, services are available at all levels of care (inpatient, day or partial hospitalization, outpatient, and intensive outpatient).

For more information about our hospital, please visit: https://riveroakshospital.com/

Job Summary - Mental Health Technician (All Shifts available)

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Technician to join our expanding psychiatric unit. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to mental health care delivery across all shifts. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in psychiatric/adolescent care, crisis intervention, and patient observation, with a passion for supporting individuals with behavioral health needs in a hospital or acute care setting.

Work hours available: 7am - 7pm or 7pm - 7am. Must work rotating weekends.

Benefits Highlights:

• Challenging and rewarding work environment
• Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
• 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
• More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: benefits.uhsguest.com

Qualifications

Requirements and Competencies

• Candidates must have demonstrate experience working within behavioral health or psychiatric settings, including hospitals or corrections facility medical clinics.
• Experience as an EMT is highly desireable.
• Certification as an RBT is highly desireable.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience working with a psychiatric in-patient population is required.
• Essential skills include familiarity with medical terminology, patient monitoring techniques, behavior management strategies, and medication administration procedures.
• Experience with crisis intervention, working with individuals with disabilities, and managing psychiatric care are critical for success in this role.
• Candidates must show a strong commitment to patient-centered care and safety standards throughout their professional history.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care by monitoring and observing individuals with mental health conditions, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
• Assist in implementing behavior management strategies tailored to each patient's treatment plan, promoting positive behavioral outcomes.
• Support nursing staff and clinicians by facilitating medication administration under supervision and maintaining accurate medical records.
• Respond promptly to psychiatric crises or emergencies, utilizing crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate situations effectively.
• Document patient progress, 15-minute observations, and interventions clearly and thoroughly within medical records, adhering to confidentiality standards.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities designed to foster recovery and social skills development while maintaining a respectful and supportive environment.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment that complies with hospital policies, safety regulations, and infection control protocols.

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since itsinceptioninto an esteemedFortune500corporation, annualrevenuesduring2025were$17.4billion.In 2026,UHS was again recognized as one ofFortuneWorld's Most Admired Companies and in 2025, waslisted in Forbes ranking of America's Largest Public Companies.

Headquarteredin King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately101,500employeesand continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physiciannetworkand various related serviceslocatedin 40U.S.states, Washington, D.C., PuertoRicoand the United Kingdom.Foradditionalinformationvisitwww.uhs.com.

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.