Mental Health Technician - Emergency Department

University of Vermont Medical Center; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, VT is seeking an ED Mental Health Technician to support the Emergency Department team by maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment and assisting with patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse.

The role emphasizes safety, documentation, coordinating patient activities, and managing emergencies, with exposure to high-stress situations and escalation of care as needed, requiring strong observation and de-escalation skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; AS/BS in mental health or related field preferred.
• 1 year minimum relevant experience in psychiatric facilities, corrections, hospital security, crisis teams, or with individuals with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for patients, families and staff.
• Provide direct patient care and monitoring under RN supervision, including documentation.
• Coordinate patient activities and facilitate safe movement (e.g., garden visits).
• Manage emergency situations and remain with escalated patients as needed until safety is achieved.

Skills

Safety monitoring

Documentation

Patient activity coordination

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

AS/BS in mental health or related field preferred

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The ED Mental Health Technician is a member of the interdisciplinary team in the Emergency Department whose duties include maintaining a safe and caring therapeutic environment for our patients, their families and our colleagues while promoting physical, emotional, psychological and cognitive wellbeing.

The ED Mental Health Technician (ED MHT) is responsible for specific aspects of direct patient care and monitoring focused on safety, under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, including documentation, coordinating patient activities (i.e. trips to the garden) and managing emergency situations. Additionally, the ED MHT works with patients in highly stressful and anxiety producing situations; there is potential for violence and the ED MHT stays with the patient if they are escalated. Once they are behaving appropriately, a CPSA may be re-assigned to the patient as the constant observer.

https://youtu.be/jhpyL7mb-5k

EDUCATION:

High school graduate or GED. AS or BS degree in mental health or human services related field preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Previous relevant experience required; minimum of 1 year. Examples of past experience include, but are not limited to, work in psychiatric facilities, corrections, hospital security, community crisis teams, or individual work with children or adults with special needs.

SHIFTS:

Part Time (24 hours per week) shift available.

Full Time (36 hours per week) shift available.