Mental Health Technician I

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; Vinita (OK); On-site; USD 19,286 - 26,174; Full time

Job summary

The Oklahoma Forensic Center in Vinita, OK, is hiring Mental Health Technician I to provide direct care for inpatients, assist with daily living activities, monitor safety, take vitals, and support de-escalation efforts within a 24/7 facility.

No prior experience required for Level I; ability to pass an OSBI background check and obtain a valid driver’s license. Applicants may be asked to work varying shifts, weekends, and overtime; comprehensive state benefits accompany the role.

Qualifications

• Level I – No experience or education required.
• OSBI background check is required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Able to lift/carry up to 50 pounds and push/pull.
• Travel may be required as part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for inpatient consumers.
• Assist with activities of daily living.
• Take and record vitals; observe and document patient behavior.
• De-escalate situations and ensure unit safety.
• Transport consumers to appointments and assist with related duties.

Skills

De-escalation

Vital signs

Patient observation

Inpatient care

Education

No formal education required

Job description

Mental Health Technician I

Join a team that CARES!

Here at ODMHSAS, we believe in I.C.A.R.E. – Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Our mission is to promote healthy communities and provide the highest quality care to enhance the well‑being of all Oklahomans. We take that very seriously – because we care!

About us

Come grow with us! The Oklahoma Forensic Center (OFC) located in Vinita, OK is a 24 hour/365 day secure inpatient forensic facility that provides jail competency services for the State of Oklahoma. Currently, OFC has 268 beds for consumers who have been found incompetent for adjudication or adjudicated as Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity.

About the Position

Here at the Oklahoma Forensic Center the Nursing department is hiring for Mental Health Technicians that would provide direct care for consumers of behavioral health treatment in an inpatient setting. This includes participation in de‑escalation activities and assuring that consumers are kept safe, assist with activities of daily living, taking vitals, observing and recording patient behavior and activities, establish a therapeutic relationship with consumers, monitor and assist consumers within the facility to assure safety, transporting consumers to appointments, off grounds if needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Job Type / Salary

• Open/Close dates: 3/11/2026 – Until filled
• Full‑time
• Hourly rate: Level I $16.60
• Shift differential when applicable
• Primary working hours are 6:30 am–7:00 pm and 6:30 pm–7:00 am
• FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt
• Primary work location/department: Oklahoma Forensic Center/Nursing
• Vacancies: Multiple

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Level I – No experience or education required.

Special Requirements

• Applicant must be able to pass an OSBI background check.
• Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill any job‑related travel normally associated with this position and as such have a valid driver’s license.
• Upon a conditional offer of employment, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services applicants must submit to a physical examination and shall meet the physical examination requirements of occasionally lifting/carrying 50 pounds and able to push and pull a maximum force of 25 pounds.

Great Reasons to Work with Us

ODMHSAS is proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents. Our benefits include:

• Generous state‑paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
• A wide choice of health insurance plans with no pre‑existing condition exclusions or limitations
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
• Employee assistance programs and health and fitness programs
• 11 paid holidays
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
• Longevity Bonus for years of service
• Student Loan repayment options
• Training opportunities for CEU requirements

Drug and Alcohol Pre‑employment and Pre‑placement Testing

Upon a conditional offer of employment, applicants for safety‑sensitive positions shall be required to submit to urinalysis to test for drugs. Appointment to a safety‑sensitive position shall be contingent upon a negative drug test result.

THIS AGENCY REQUIRES COVERAGE 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS PER WEEK. WORK HOURS AND LOCATION MAY VARY DEPENDING ON BUSINESS NECESSITY. EMPLOYEES MAY BE REQUIRED TO WORK WEEKENDS AND OVERTIME.

Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request.

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer.