Mental Health Technician Full Time Nights

Oceans Healthcare, L.L.C.; Kentwood (LA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Oceans Behavioral Hospital is seeking a Mental Health Technician to support nursing staff and provide patient care. The role involves maintaining a safe environment, assisting with daily activities, and documenting patient observations. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and the ability to apply therapeutic interventions effectively.

Qualifications

• Support nursing staff in maintaining therapeutic milieu.
• Assist in patient care activities under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to professional standards and policies.
• Implement patient care activities and document observations.
• Assist patients with daily needs and mobility.

Skills

Communication

De-escalation

Therapeutic Interventions

Job description

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital, we understand the importance of turning to someone you can trust with your behavioral health needs. We are passionate about helping individuals experiencing depression; anxiety; schizophrenia; behavioral changes related to Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, medication management or substance abuse; and other mental health issues.

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) supports the nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of the MHT's training and experience. The MHT will maintain a safe and professional standard for patient care in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures, and performance improvement standards.

Essential Functions:

1. Adhere to professional standards, follow policies and procedures, and abide by federal, state, and local requirements, as well as Joint Commission standards.
2. Effectively apply supportive behavior when assisting in the control of patients who exhibit unacceptable behavior. Demonstrate the ability to employ de-escalation and therapeutic interventions as needed.
3. Inventory patient belongings accurately and secure contraband as needed; complete unit safety checks.
4. Comply with standard/universal precautions and infection control policies; attend required in-services to stay informed.
5. Implement patient care activities under the supervision of licensed nursing personnel; perform vital signs, weights, ADL, intake and output documentation, nutritional monitoring, and communicate findings to the nurse. Ensure patients or residents receive appropriate diets by reviewing dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences.
6. Assist patients with laundry, meals, bathroom functions, and maintaining belongings; assist at-risk and/or physically challenged patients with mobility needs as required.
7. Individualize all patient care activities to meet the age-specific, disability, and cultural needs of the patient.
8. Communicate and document patient observations effectively in the patient record; document patient departures from the unit (e.g., passes, transport to appointments, community meetings) accurately and within designated timelines; record significant occurrences, observed behavior, vital signs, nutrition intake, and patient observations as requested by the registered nurse, with 100% accuracy and timeliness.
9. Communicate the outcome of assigned tasks to nursing staff promptly; follow up on patient care responsibilities; report incomplete assignments, ongoing activities, and current patient needs to relevant staff to ensure continuity of care.
10. Perform other duties and projects as assigned.